Today's Two Beers

Victory V-Twelve
Though Yards is currently the only production brewery in Philadelphia proper (sad given the city's rich beer history), the surrounding area is home to a bunch of great ones, including Dogfish Head, Weyerbacher, Flying Fish, Lancaster, Tröegs, Sly Fox, Stoudt's, River Horse and Downingtown, Pa.-based Victory. The 11-year-old Victory might be best known for their Storm King and Hop Devil (one of my favorite local brews), but they make some great Belgian-style beers. The seasonal V-Twelve (the name comes from its alcohol percentage) is a Quadrupel that comes in a 750-ml corked bottle. It's a fruity amber ale that's very subtle given its high alcohol content, so it's very drinkable. I would age this in my cellar -- if I had a cellar.

Saranac Chocolate Amber
Another Saranac after only four days? Well, I've never had this one before and saw it at The Foodery (a deli with an amazing beer selection located less than two blocks from my apartment), so I bought it. This seasonal is a European-style dark lager that's chocolate-ty, malty and nutty. Not my favorite style of beer, but I did like this one.