Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Porter (8/10)

Ballast Point is located in San Diego, California. They produce Victory at Sea as a limited release beer.  It won awards at the LA County Fair, California State Fair, San Diego County Fair, and Brussels Beer Challenge.  

Victory at Sea is an Imperial Porter brewed with whole vanilla beans and coffee beans from Caffe Calabria in San Diego.  It's sold in 12-ounce and 22-ounce bottles.

The coffee and vanilla shine through in the aroma, edging out the dark malt. 

It pours a nearly pitch black with thick brown head that doesn't last long but leaves behind thick sheets of brown lacing.

The flavor starts as kind of a dark chocolate mocha, which gives way to the dark roasted malt and coffee bitterness.  The finish is mildly bitter, as you'd expect for an Imperial Porter.  There is a definite warming alcohol presence.

Despite clocking in at 60 IBUs, which is usually outside my comfort zone, I like this one and give it an 8/10.  Beer Advocate gives it a 100 or "world-class" rating, as does Rate Beer.  

Since this is a limited edition beer, and this review has been written based on notes going back over a year, I can't tell you where you might find this beer in Columbus today.  If it sounds up your alley, you'll want to check with your favorite retailer to see if they have it or can bring it in for you.