Victory – Swing
Ah, springtime… the last few days, the weather has been perking up, and the crack of the baseball bat could be heard (on tv at least)… I’m itching for a release from the grey days of winter, and what better way to get there than to dive into a new spring beer? When Victory releases a new production beer (well, realistically most times even a new draft beer) the chances are that I’ll be picking some of it up. That’s why with great joy I bring to you today my review of Victory’s newest seasonal offering, Swing. Swing is a session saison sitting at 4.5%… yes, you read that correctly, a session saison. Seems a bit odd, no? Saisons by trade average around the 7% mark, so this was a refreshing change of pace.
From Victory:
Swing. It’s a lively jazz rhythm, a vigorous sway, a change of view or even a roll in the proverbial hay. Now, it also means the welcome jolt of joy you’ll experience upon your first sip of this session saison. Swing into spring with taste!
Now, at first glance, those of you familiar with Victory’s offerings may have concluded that this beer was replacing another spring offering, Whirlwind Witbier (gah, I haven’t reviewed that yet?! For shame). However, let me alleviate that fear for you witheads out there- Victory has confirmed that the lack of production on that beer is based solely on the transition to an additional production facility in Parkesburg (and right down the road from me). They have produced a small quantity for a limited draft only release this year, however. But I wouldn’t be too disappointed, because this year you can switch it up and go Swingin’!
Swing pours a clear, straw yellow with a nice lingering pillow white head. The nose is immediately floral- fresh cut flowers, anyone?- and a tad bit grassy, with notes of citrus coming in as well, mainly lemon. As with most saisons, you’ll get a hint of pepper on the nose as well. The taste was light and refreshing, very citrus forward (again mainly lemon). Mid sip you are hit with the grassy flavor, and it wraps up with a slightly bitter and dry finish that will leave you wanting more. And the low abv ensures that you can indeed have some more! The saison style has turned into a staple for us here at the BBS, so it should be no surprise that I enjoyed this one. It’s also probably the lightest saison we’ve had to date, and sessionable beers are great when they pack so much flavor for the warm months ahead. Top notch stuff, Victory!
~Shandycan
My Rating: 6.5 / 10
The Brewski Boxscore (Old) 