An Evening with Victory Brewing Company at Philadelphia’s Independent Hotel

Victory

Victory Brewing Company partnered with The Independent Hotel on 12th and Locust to craft an event for Midtown Village neighbors and hotel guests alike, featuring Brown Betty’s cupcakes, pierogies from The Pierogie Kitchen and, of course, six of Victory’s own brews to wash it all down. The event happened in lieu of The Independent’s regular wine and cheese reception (Monday through Thursday), as a prelude to Philly Beer Week, happening May 31 through June 9.

Hotel staff encouraged us to download Victory Brewing’s app so that we could learn more about the beers we were about to try. They also had a few of the hotel rooms open so that we could take a look around the accommodations, with no two rooms alike. The Independent’s got the perfect location to base any Philly explorations from. It’s close to public transportation and close to the 13th Street restaurants and shops.

It was great to revisit some of my Victory favorites and try some beers I hadn’t tried before. Prima Pils is a great go-to pilsner, appropriate for any occasion. Golden Monkey is one of my personal tried-and-true favorites. This Belgian Tripel is full of flavor (and alcohol). Victory highlights its appreciation for watershed advocacy groups with Headwaters Pale Ale, which is refreshing and delicious to boot. It’s a crisp and earthy American Pale Ale. I look forward to the availability of Summer Love every year. Though I generally don’t enjoy super hoppy beers, this beer’s got hops but I still find it extremely drinkable and delicious, especially in a cold glass on a warm afternoon on a porch or balcony.

Victory

I had never tasted V-Twelve before. It’s a fruity, dry Belgian strong ale. Storm King is another beer I’d never gotten to try before. Trying it at this tasting was perfect, because I’d always been curious, but was too nervous to order an entire glass of it. I’m glad I got to see what the fuss is about; this stout really does taste like a dark storm in a glass, in the best way possible. Paired with the Brown Betty chocolate cupcakes at the event, it made an incredibly rich snack.

victory cupcakes

The Pierogie Kitchen, located in Roxborough, brought trays of their Potato Cheddar Onion and Loaded Baked Potato pierogies to munch on during the tasting. Both were amazing, and I’m counting down the days until I can make the trip to Roxborough to get my hands on more of their flavors.

They use an old world family recipe with modern fillings to create the most delicious pierogies I’ve ever had. In addition to their Ready to Serve Menu, The Pierogie Kitchen also sells frozen pierogies by the dozen at their store and in food co-ops and Acme locations in and around Philadelphia. Specifically, you can pick up their frozen pierogies at the Acmes in Bryn Mawr and Newtown Square and Weaver’s Way Co-Op. I strongly recommend seeking out The Pierogie Kitchen’s frozen pierogies rather than buying the leading name-brand frozen pierogies. You’ll never go back.

VictoryLearn more about Victory Brewing Company at victorybeer.com. Click here to learn more details about The Independent Hotel.

Photo credits: Lisa Yoder.