420 Acorn lane
downingtown, pa
610-873-0881
"On
to Victory", said the wife, as we left Somers Point for our first stop
in Downingtown, PA. Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet left their jobs in corporate
America to follow their passion in the art of brewing. They found an old
Pepperidge Farm factory that they thought would be perfect for their venture
and the ball started rolling. Setting up a 25-barrel Century manufacturing
brewhouse, their dreams were fulfilled in 1996 when the brewery & brewpub
opened for business. The rest is history! Trained in classical German brewing,
their beers reflect the desire for quality so important to keep them coming
back.
Being an industrial space, gives
it that open feeling, but some tile and carpeting lends it a little more
comfortable feel. The very long bar can accommodate many a thirsty patron
with plenty of standing room as well. Pool tables are available for those
who wish to enjoy a game or two. The open brick oven is an eye-catcher
from anywhere in the restaurant area and lets you know that real pizza
is made here....as a matter of fact, you can have it however you like it!
Customize your own "personal pizza" and have it served to you hot &
fresh at your table while enjoying their fantastic selection of brews.
But, of course, there is a complete menu for those who would like something
more conventional. They take as great care in making their food as they
do their beer which tells you that they consider repeat business a must.
But
the decor even shouts "BEER", grain bags hang from the rafters, large label
recreations are mounted on the walls and the brewery is visible from anywhere
in the public section. They keep a great selection of there beer on tap
with flagship choices like their world famous HopDevil IPA, Prima Pils,
Brandywine Valley Lager, and Festbier and a wide selection of seasonals...Golden
Monkey, Storm King Stout, OLd Horizontal Barleywine, Munich Dunkles, St.
Victorius Doppelbock, St.Boisterous Hellerbock, Whirlwind Witbier, Workhouse
Porter, ESB, V8 and a list that is constantly being supplemented by new
ideas showing the depth of their commitment to the art of brewing.
Tours are conducted every Saturday at noon and 3PM and on Sundays at 2PM. It is a very enjoyable tour full of information, not only on the brewing process, but the history of Victory also. They are constantly expanding their production and the areas in which their beers are available is growing as well. They have grown quite a reputation in the craft brewing community and with good reason. As I have said, their quality is second to none and the zest with which they ply their trade seems to spill over into their product. This is definitely a must-see destination and don't forget to take home a growler (the cheapest I've seen anywhere) or some of their bottled beers along with some of their beeraphanalia....beautiful T-shirts, glasses, etc. Their hours of operation are Tues.-Thurs. 4PM -Midnight, Friday & Saturday 11:30AM-Midnight and Sundays 1PM-10PM. Check out their website at www.victorybeer.com and get directions, info on what's new, buy some gear or sign up for their newsletter. Don't miss this one! Enjoy your beer traveling, but don't drink and drive!
