The Victory Brewing Company‘s microbrewery was founded by boyhood friends who met on a school bus in 1973. It might be considered one of the “old-timers” in Pennsylvania’s craft brewing industry, with operations dating back to February 1996. Victory, the company’s globally recognized brewery and restaurant, now delivers fully flavored beer aficionados. Mostly with creative brews that combine the finest of European ingredients and technology with American innovation.
While many new breweries open around the state, Victory Brewing remains one of the greatest thanks to its iconic brews and unique seasonal offerings.
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ToggleA little bit of History
Victory Brewing Company has earned quite a reputation for itself in the craft brewing market in its 25 years of operation. Victory has produced a bevy of award-winning brands, like Prima Pils, DirtWolf, and Storm King, by driving innovation to provide full-flavored beers with every pint.
They have grown to be a world-renowned craft brewery and the second-largest craft brand family* in our home state of Pennsylvania over the last 25 years. They have created iconic beers that have had a lasting impression on the craft sector and created lifetime followers. From Prima Pils, HopDevil, and DirtWolf to Summer Love and, of course, the hugely popular Golden Monkey and Sour Monkey, there’s something for everyone. It’s been a great time.
With the necessary knowledge, experience, and a passion for great beer, Bill and Ron founded Victory Brewing Company on February 15th, 1996 (after two years of planning) in what was originally a Pepperidge Farm plant.
What’s the hype about?
Downingtown’s Victory taproom has a large indoor seating area with both table and bars seating. In one corner, you’ll notice some of the brewing equipment on display at this location. There is also a large shop where you can purchase a selection of Victory Brewing beers to take home or Victory Brewing goods.
Interestingly, despite the fact that all of their branded taprooms are close to each other, they each provide slightly distinct food and beer selections, albeit they do share many identical things on both menus. That means that some beers and food products, for example, are only available at their Kennett Square brewpub.
A little bit about the area
The new Philadelphia taproom will complement the company’s other Pennsylvania facilities in Parkesburg, Downingtown, and Kennett Square, and will deliver a unique experience to the popular Center City neighborhood. The two-story building will contain two indoor bars and one outside bar. It will contain 3,500 square feet of outdoor space, including street-level sitting and a rooftop patio with views of Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The brewhouse will be outfitted with a unique Prospero Brewing System. And it will serve as an innovation center for Victory’s whole organization.
The Victory’s history, unique story, and ties to Eastern Pennsylvania will be affected by the design. It is a collaboration between Victory and architecture firm Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel (GKV). Pearl Properties (Pearl), a real estate investment and development firm based in Center City, owns the property. P
earl Properties is a full-service real estate firm that develops, acquires, and manages mixed-use properties throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The former United Way Headquarters building, right across the street from the new Victory location, is among Pearl’s properties.
Environmentally Friendly Brewery
Victory exhibits its environmental commitment at every location, beginning with the architecture: both Downingtown and Parkesburg were repurposed industrial buildings, giving new life to deserving structures. However, Victory goes beyond that. Here are five additional ways Victory is environmentally friendly:
- Every department recycles.
- Every year, more than 60 tons of restaurant food waste are composted!
- More than 30 tons of oil are diverted from landfills by recycling and converting restaurant waste oil into biodiesel.
- Solar panels reduce energy consumption.
- Green Power Partner Certification was awarded to the Parkesburg facility by the Environmental Protection Agency.
And the beer?
Victory appears to be most recognized for its IPAs and sour beers, and their selections at the brewery tend to reflect this, with the menu heavy on these kinds. However, for those who prefer different types of beer, the beer list is vast enough that you should be able to find at least one or two options to suit your tastes.
They serve a full selection of Victory beers and seltzers, as well as beer and cider from Southern Tier Brewing Company, Sixpoint Brewing Company, and Bold Rock Hard Cider, as well as spirits from Southern Tier Distilling Company. They also have a large assortment of packaged beer and liquor for sale!
Of course, if you can’t decide, you can always get a flight of beers to sample a variety of their choices.
Victory Brewery has three must-try beers. Which are HopDevil IPA, DirtWolf Double IPA, and Festbier, an Oktoberfest-style beer available in the summer and fall. You can, of course, go your own way and taste a variety of other beers here. You really can’t go wrong with any of their selections.
Meet the Monkeys!
Take a tangy stroll with a 9.5 percent abv Sour Monkey. A 9.5 percent abv Sour Tripel with fruity aromas from the imported Belgian yeast. It’s no surprise that Sour Monkey has become a fan favorite. The swirling zesty, lemony bite, and delightful experience at the ready.
You’ve heard the rumors; now meet the most mysterious and well-liked of the Victory Monkeys. Golden Monkey is a Belgian-style Tripel. It is from imported malts, Belgian yeast, and a blend of mystical spices that finishes dry. A 9.5 percent abv beer with mysterious tastes that will enhance your senses.
The tour!
Visit Victory’s Parkesburg location if you want to learn more about how the brewery creates its beer. You can take a self-guided tour along the brewery’s hallway to discover more about how Victory manufactures its beer.
There are also a few windows that provide a view of the brewing area.
Let’s go to the good stuff!
The food menu is extensive and of high quality. Although it does not deviate significantly from what you’d expect to find at a brewery.
Then you should try the fish and chips, which were fantastic and went great with their drinks. Also, go for their pizza, burgers, and soft pretzels, which were all excellent.
To wrap it up…
Overall, Victory Brewery is one of the most popular breweries in southeastern Pennsylvania. And it’s easy to see why after visiting their sites in southeastern Pennsylvania numerous times over the years.
So, the next time you find yourself in Chester County, make time to visit one of their fantastic breweries.