Victory Helios
With a brief patch of warmer weather this past weekend, I decided to open up a bottle of Victory Brewing Helios that I just happened to pick up a week or so ago. Helios is a rebrand (sometime last year, I believe) of the brewery’s V-Saison, but since I’ve never had that beer, we’re good to go in that respect.
Helios is a 7.5% ABV saison (farmhouse ale) that is bottle conditioned. It’s been brewed with imported German malts and European whole flower hops — I couldn’t find any more specifics than that. Either way, the beer has a light, Summer-like vibe that was perfect for the warmer, sunny weather it was enjoyed with.
Appearance
Helios pours a light amber with a bit of a haze to it. The large white head faded quickly to a patchy lacing on the surface.
Aroma
The beer has a light, delicate nature to its aroma. Hints of lemon, citrus hops, hay, a little funk and Belgian yeast all come together on the nose leaving the impression of a refreshing beer.
Taste
The flavors of Helios are right along with the nose. The grass/hay, yeast presence, light funk and citrus hops combine nicely in a traditional Saison palate. The mouthfeel is light and crisp leaving you quite refreshed as the beer transitions dry finish. The 7.5% ABV doesn’t impact the flavors, but will leave a warm glow in your stomach about halfway through the bottle.
Overall
The wife and I couldn’t have picked a better Fall day to enjoy a brew traditionally meant for warmer temperatures. The light nature and slight funk the beer carries was ideal for sitting out on the back deck enjoying the warm sun. I’ll be picking this one up again before next Summer.
Rating: 3.5/5