Helios (V Saison) - Victory Brewing Company

ski271

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Medium-light gold with a medium-large, white, pillowy, slowly-diminishing head. The smell is wonderfully funky from the wild Belgian yeast. It's dusty with sweet malts and pungent dusty fruit aromas. Peach and lemon among others. The taste follows but with more of that barnyard funk that is an aquired taste. I've acuired it and think it's wonderful! It has a light, lingering medicinal band-aid-like funk mixed with a touch of bubblegum. Odd, yes. But it keeps me coming back for more. It has a medium-light body, soft texture and moderate-lively carbonation. This was a great find, and with its reasonable cost, this is one I definitely recommend trying.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2009 01:28:47 | More by ski271

lordofthewiens

Maine

4/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A nice refreshing beer. In a tulip glass the beer was a gold color with a faint haze. There was a thick white head. It had a pleasant citrus aroma. A peppery lemon taste, with a little bit of late hops. Crisp, thirst-quenching. A good summer beer. Try it.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2009 00:27:22 | More by lordofthewiens

IBUnit63

Massachusetts

3.68/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I recall the V saison not being too bad, so let's see if there's much of a difference, if any. Into the Duvel tulip it goes...

Well, it looks decent enough. Full finger of head is sort of eggshell-ish in color - nice and creamy. Moderate retention and lacing atop the bright honey-lemon body. Looks nice and dry.

Good standard-issue Saison nose to it. Bright yeast electricity, a little hay and barnyard funk with an added touch of light grains.

The taste reminds me of a horse's ass, even though I've never tasted a horse's ass. For a funky Saison, this is actually a positive. The yeast strain is doing its job and works nicely in a slightly sour way with a lot of stewy grain. Very straight ahead; no surprises here.

The palate is where this breaks down from the funk. Too much sour and funkiness and not enough backbone gets this one a little too clammy for me. Finishes a little lightly.

Listen, for under $4 it's good to have around. Good, standard quality - nothing really groundbreaking here but it works for those Belgio-philes on a budget.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2009 12:49:30 | More by IBUnit63

onix1agr

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Single bomber poured into some fancy glasses, split with Oglmcdgl. A repackaging of victory's V saison, lets hope they don't over do it like a certain Rogue company.

A- A loud hiss when the cap was pryed, i mean it was loud! A clear yellow color with just a hint of gold within. The liquid has just a bit of haze from the sediment but remains pretty clean looking. A very hearty head of white foam that is creamy looking once it fades to a cap. Good spots of lacing.

S- Smells like a well crafted saison that bursts with citrus flavor from the gate. At first im greeted with big scents of lemon zest, that's the big one. Of the saison's i've had recently the noses have been weak, not this one. Some spice such as pepper from the yeast, which also is a big smell. Alot of farmhouse in this one.

T- And it tastes like a well crafted saison as well. As in smell im hit with the lemon peel up front, that much is apparent. As this warms though, a big banana taste comes forth mellowing the drink some. This is backed by the spices(black pepper). The European malts shine when this comes to room temp. The hops used play a part but don't jump out at you or the palete. I think I prefer this slightly warmer rather than cold.

M- Helios is crisper when cold, but smooths out very well when the temperature rises. Either way, this is a bit below medium bodied with a good amount of carb as witnessed by the hiss when the cap was pryed. Just the slightest bit of roughness on the end with a small aftertaste of yeast which is not over bearing.

D- Split the bomber, but could of took it to the head. The 7.5% is a bit high for a saison, and the alcohol shows it's head only a bit during the experience. If I could cook, i would of made a dish to pair this with as that would have made this even tastier. On it's own, Helio's rock's, even if it's not a "new beer".

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2009 19:20:02 | More by onix1agr

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.03/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Big thanks for sending me this gem as an extra recently. I had heard it was coming out, but of course it did not make it to SC. Served chilled and poured into a pint glass, this one was consumed on 09/23/2009.
 
Great pour and near perfect for the style. Cloudy and bright golden in color with a huge towering head of white foam that came up and over the top. Settled down gently with a good bit of side glass lacing along the way, really nicely done here I have to admit. Aroma was rich, light fruit, apples, bananas, and hints of lemon zest are all over this one. Really complex and a nice light aroma here. As it warms becomes a bit grainier though the hops still stay prominent with the rich lemon touches. Smooth flavor and a nice light to medium feel on it. Lively carbonation keeps it dancing across the tongue throughout. First notes to come across are a rich mix of lemon and light banana. Fresh grass and a nice touch of grain starting to pile on now, but it is still staying very bright overall. Long dry finish has remnants of lemon and citrus zest sprinkled throughout and a light fruity flavor that really hits the spot.
 
Overall this was a very, very solid offering here. I though the ABV was remarkably well hidden and it went down smooth and easy. I would have no issue at all with having this one again any day.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2009 14:54:26 | More by mikesgroove

asabreed

New York

4.22/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A repackaging of V Saison, eh? Well, that was one of my favorites, that I can recall, from Victory. I didn't read my former review on purpose. Let's see how this stacks up and if there are any changes.

Bomber into a Brooklyn tulip.

Appearance: A beautiful hazy golden lemon yellow color, with a huge slightly off-white head that billows like crazy and has trouble settling down, letting the aromas come off extremely nicely. Belgians seem to be the best as far as the bouquet being released like a bomb through the head and foam retention, and this is one of those brews.

Smell: Lovely insanity. A blooming bouquet of citrus, earthy funk, pepper and spice. Aromas of hay and grass and a bit of horse and barnyard. Clean and crisp all around. Effervescent, and smells not at all like a domestic, which can sometimes be soda water-esque. As it warms hints of cherries and other fruity esters come into the mix.

Taste: Initial funk and bitterness and mild sourness. Huge lingering citrus zest and spice. Yeast. Earthy and mild funk that really does something nice in the mix. Lingering fruit esters, mostly slightly sour cherries, along with bright orange and other citrus and hop flavors. Earthy, with enough bountiful flavors, and enough complexity to last a long while.

Mouthfeel: Spritzy, bubbly, and medium-bodied, with everything working together well. Not too creamy or carbonated, as the carbonation and, well, creaminess, balance each other harmoniously, thankfully.

Drinkability: Around $3-$4 a bottle for this? Are you kidding me? This will now be the best / most readily available / most affordable domestic Saison. I challenge you to let me know where I can find another with those attributes this good, especially one that tastes like an import. Bravo Victory for keeping the goodness if V Saison alive. I'll be buying a lot more of this.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2009 21:57:03 | More by asabreed

blackie

Virginia

4.2/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

a: westmalle chalice, pours a frothy, slow to recede head of bone-white foam that settles to a thin layer on the surface, the beer itself is a bright golden in color

s: great aroma off the bat - immediately surprised and impressed by the crisply funky brett, very clean pilsner malt body, underripe peach and sweet apple, big lemony tones underneath, candied and peppered citrus peels, vivid with bright, fresh aromas

m: carbonation explodes in a fit of nucleation on the tongue - this very lively experience in combination with the light body make for a refreshing sip, minor complaint is that the carbonation is more prickly than smooth

t: body of pale and pilnser malts lends only a light sweetness as big flavors of candied lemon peel and barnyard brett rush through, green apple and white grape, grassy/herbal and citrus hop flavors provide a mild bitterness that combines with the delicately sour bacteria for a crisp ending, pretty simple but superbly balanced

d: drinkability is what this beer's about, and a great value as it seems to be averaging around $3.50 a bomber, enjoyed with some PA cheese

bomber from State Line, Elkton, MD

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2009 03:43:34 | More by blackie

Hojaminbag

Colorado

4/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A very slightly cloudy, golden body that has a ont of active, fast moving carbonation bubbles. A big white head towers above the body and it has some pretty good retention.

The aroma is distinctly peppery, with a dash of lemon zest and a slight barnyard/wild character.

At first, black pepper, coriander and other similar spice flavors are pretty strong, but that blast fades away to reveal a good barnyard, hay like flavor from the yeast, which has a touch of lemon that comes along with it.

Mouthfeel is solid too, it just explodes when it hits the tongue, just like a good saison should.

Pretty drinkable beer. Overall, Helios is another winner from Victory.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2009 01:57:44 | More by Hojaminbag

Gavage

New Jersey

4.4/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: clear gold color with a 2" head that lasts a while. Nice lacing paints the glass through the session.

Smell: earthy and spice tones rise easily from the glass and are very pleasant.

Taste: mildly grainy malt profile with pepper, grass, slightly tart green grapes, lemon zest, and some moderate earthiness. Bitterness is quite noticeable.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer. Crisp throughout with some light dryness late.

Drinkability: this beer was so flavorful on tap I could have had several glasses in the session. Easy to drink and great saison IMHO.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2009 12:11:26 | More by Gavage

dsa7783

New Jersey

3.65/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22 oz bomber purchased from Total Wine and More in West Orange... Great pour and appearance... Golden and hazy, true-to-the-style with a fluffy, thick, white head and visible carbonation... Raw, dusty, earthy aroma with faint hints of lemon and slight lime which were also present in the flavor... The overall taste lacked the bite and spritz of European Saisons but this was nonetheless a good American rendition...

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2009 04:51:10 | More by dsa7783

yourefragile

District of Columbia

4.22/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle ($3.49) poured into a tulip

Hazy light gold/straw color with a steady stream of carbonation that supports a fluffy white head and splotches of lacing. Aroma is very fresh and mildy funky. Noble hops, grassy, pepper, citrus and slight alcohol presence. Medium bodied, mildly syrup like, effervescent carbonation. Sweet and funky flavor, balance of citrus (lemon) and earthy grass, yeast with some spice (pepper and clove) and mild caramel malt. Very nice, easy drinking saison, at the price and availability this will become a goto beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2009 01:04:50 | More by yourefragile

corby112

Pennsylvania

3.35/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a slightly hay light golden orange color with light golden yellow hues when held to a light source and a 1.5 finger frothy white head. Visible carbonation bubbling up the chalice.

Earthy aroma with a nice peppery spice character. Light golden fruit notes coming from the Belgian yeast compliment the bread and citrus peel notes as well as some subtle earthy hops.

Very carbonated up front with a creamy, medium body. Lots of earthy notes, hop bitterness, light crisp fruit, citrus peel, lemon zest, spicy pepper and strong alcohol astringency. Slightly dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2009 04:51:56 | More by corby112

Soonami

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Got the last bomber from State Line ($4)

A- Poured a hazy strawish yellow, with a voluminous head

S- Distinctly farmy with a little bit of damp hay and old wood with a bit of citris

T- Tart and spicy with flavors of grain, acidic fruit and that generic funk

M- Surprising light and refreshing probably from the acidity, that hid its 7+% alcohol very well

D- A touch to funky for me to have more than a half a 22

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2009 13:12:31 | More by Soonami

skinny0ne

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

It has a huge head that clings to the sides of the glass. The color is a cloudy golden. The aroma is of grapefruit, hay, and bread. The flavors really meld and taste "farmy". They don't call this a farmhouse-style Belgian for nothing. Lots of earthy flavors with hay, grass, pine, and autumn spices. Black pepper kicks in mid tongue. Under it and through the finish is grapefruit. It's really a unique combination. I don't think I've had a brew that tasted like this. It could be off putting or delicious depending on your tastes. I like it but I would definitely limit it to an occasional purchase.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2009 00:07:36 | More by skinny0ne

ffejherb

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz. bomber on 8/15/09. Thanks to tenderbranson69 for sharing.

A - Poured a hazy golden/light orange body with slim cyclone of carbonation through the center and one-finger pouffy white head that dissipated to a thin, patchy film.

S - Citrusy aroma with a bit of musty, soapy yeast and some earthy, grassy notes. A hint of sourness and slight waft of alcohol rounds out the aroma.

T - Citrusy notes and sweet honey paired with a spicy yeast character and light peppery notes. Some lemon rind bitterness develops in the middle, followed by subtle earthy hop notes. Finishes with more of a herbal flair, with hints of grass, hay and some sweet caramel malt to balance.

M - Medium body with a light syrupy texture and moderate carbonation. Body is perhaps a bit thin overall. Decent amount of sourness on the palate, but otherwise the finish is on the sweet side of the spectrum.

D - Fine version of a saison with plenty of spicy and funky character. I found this to be quite drinkable while still maintaining a fairly complex flavor overall.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2009 19:59:33 | More by ffejherb

WVbeergeek

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appears a streaming bowel of golden sunshine much like the label entails with the Helios label, let's see how this compares to the ol' V Saison in the corked and caged format. Carbonation was more than effervescent, as I popped the cap this beer just about exploded. The first pour was soft yet formed a very large bubbly massive foam head. Bright white and textured rocky well above the rim of my tulip shaped chalice. Lacing seems to speckle nicely with chunky bits of lace but never leaves even bands to be adored at the end of your drinking session.

Aroma contains layers of spices with sharp alcoholic sweet malt layers and refreshing spicy noble hops in the finish. Tart citrus zest with funky phenolics are welcomed with each sniff, a definite barnyard farmhouse ale that we beergeeks know how to enjoy. An almost pillow like softness with chamomile marshmallow like layers with some coriander and clove attached to the party as well.

Flavor doesn't kill with sweetness more of lemon lime zest splice with spices added to roll you over. The yeast does it's share of work with the exotic spicy character and ferments a nice array of barnyard wild tones as well. Very complex well made American version of the style which can be hard to come by. There's a wide spectrum of Saison brewed in this country at one end lies Ommegang and the other is a toss up between Clipper City and Great Lakes I will let you judge the high and low ends of my example. Anyways this one knocks at the door of greatness and it is a welcome addition to the new family of 22 ounce bombers coming out of Downingtown these days, god knows they better keep the Prima ones a coming they're perfect sizes for that brew. The one feature that rubs me the wrong way is how the blending of the yeast used here and the spices added develop a strong sense of a floral perfume gag reflux in my mouth initially. It can be off putting but it rolls away after a few sips, and becomes much more tolerable after desensitizing the palate with a test drive.

Mouthfeel overall is spot on for the style pure effervescence brings out pillowy softness when the streaming layers of bubbles settle. Medium bodied farmhouse ale that is sure to impress the newbies in the beer scene. Again good call on the new bottles and name change, who's marketing these days for Bill and Ron?

Drinkability is great a beer you'll have no problems with, share with friends don't be stingy. In fact this style of beer when done right has potential to convert most friends especially women to the craft beer movement. I was at Victory's last tenth anniversary party and I hope I'm able to have a blast at the next one. Oh yeah, Victory is supposedly coming into West Virginia in the not so distant future.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2009 05:38:44 | More by WVbeergeek

smcolw

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Huge, nearly pure white head. Goes down slowly leaves little lace. Straw color liquid; nearly clear.

Lots of golden malt aroma; slightly citrusy but not from the hop which is quite mild. Some spruce smell also.

If I were blindfolded, I would expect a darker looking beer. This looks like a macro (albeit with a huge head), but tastes like a over-hopped APA. Grapefruit and pine bitter flavors from the hop. Solid malt delivery. Long, tongue-cleansing aftertaste. Only the body comes across as typical to me.

I notice when I'm inspired to write a lot, it's always a good beer. This is better than most and may be my new favorite Saison.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2009 22:47:40 | More by smcolw

Buebie

Minnesota

3/5  rDev -21.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Well this is one deceptive brew. I bought it because I thought it was a summer pale ale, as the label says its an ale. There is no mention of saison on the bottle and I dont really care all that much for the saison style. But now that I look more closely, the large paragraph description on the back of the bottle states its a farmhouse ale. This could have maybe been put onto the front so we actually know what we are buying.

Anyhow, poured from a bomber into a pub glass. A big cola like white head foams up to 3+ inches of head. Quick to recede and leave a collar with no lace trails.
The color is a pisswater yellow, complelty transparent.
Aroma of lemon zest, cracked peppercorns, sunflowers, corriander, earthy hops and some gritty grain aroma.

The taste is well hidden with an overwhelming amount of carbonation bite. Mouthfeel is less then pleasant for me here. Its thin, stinging carbonation and lighter then air.
Taste after the swallow begins to pucker with bitter lemons, spicie hops and a purfume like alcahol solvent flavor.

Not digging this. Probably because I was hopeing it was a pale ale or somthing besides a saison.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2009 02:51:06 | More by Buebie

weeare138

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appears a hazy light gold with solid streams of carbonation rising to the top of the glass. A small white cap quickly fades into a gentle cap with solid bits of lacing left around the glass.
Smell is of yeasty bread, orange peel, mild spice, and lemon.
Taste is of the aromas with a nice bit of orange juice, and eel coming through.
Mouthfeel is citrusy, medium bodied, with a tad bit of clean funk.

Serving type: on-tap

09-01-2009 22:25:29 | More by weeare138

FrothyBeverage

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a glass. Very pleasant apperance, greaterbeing golden glowing color. Very frothy head, many many spirling bubbles to the top. I hope this beer makes me as happy as the sun on the label. Not a huge fan of the smell. Aromas of hops, pine, and alchol. The taste is complex and exquisite. Medley of flaovrs, grain, yeast, hops, spices, cinnamon, and a hoppy piney aftertaste. The mouthfeel is quite crisp and refreshing. The taste stays in your mouth until the next sip replenishes the flavor. I find this beer quite drinkable even with the high alchol content. Good price too, got a 1pint 6oz bottle for 4 bucks.

Serving type: bottle

08-30-2009 03:41:08 | More by FrothyBeverage

nanertak

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured 22oz to pint glass.

Appearance: Light golden, pale straw, perfectly clear. 2 fingers head, carbonation bubbles make it look ridiculously thirst quenching.

Nose: Lemon zest, belgian yeast. Very floral nose, hint of spice in the background. Little muted on the nose in my opinion, but great smell.

Taste: Honey-sweet with the Belgian yeast flavor at first, fading into a mild spice and zest that lingers, turning more peppery at the end. Mild, mild alcohol heat on the breath near the end, but considering the ABV it's well disguised. Excellent.

Mouthfeel: Medium body, a little more round than I'd like, but not by much. Great job with the carbonation, makes it spritzy and refreshing.

Drinkability: Yes. Hand me these every day of the summer and we'll be friends. Very refreshing, very well balanced, well crafted beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2009 19:46:50 | More by nanertak

indiapaleale

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Helios pours a lighter shade of gold, much lighter than the picture above seems to show. Its much more saison-like in color with a nice bit o' foam on top.

The aroma is all those good farmhouse ale notes. Plenty of spiciness, a good amount of Belgian yeast smell and some sweetness along with some hay or grass. This is a touch earthy as well.

The flavor is a great combination of so many of those smells. Its got a nice spicy, tongue tingling thing going on, which may also be coming from the carbonation level. There is a lot of the familiar Belgian yeast flavors coming through and combining with the sweet malt and some lemony citrus notes. Very flavorful and a great job with the style, the new appearance makes it that much more enjoyable.

This is an undeniably thirst quenching beer, even at 7.5%. I really respect Victory for making this one more "approachable" to the masses. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2009 00:28:06 | More by indiapaleale

mnj21655

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz. bomber

Pours a clear pale orange with about two fingers of rocky white head. Aroma has lots of fruit, namely citrus but a good dose of apple and pear as well. There is also a nice yeatyness that lurks in the background. Taste is pretty good, complex. The beer is a bit sour and tart at first. This gives way to a yeasty and fruity complexity. Moderate hop bitterness gets lost with all of the more dominant fruity esters and spicy phenols. Mouthfeel is good with medium-light body and high carbonation. Drinkability is pretty good. This isn't exactly like other saisons that I've tried but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2009 22:39:18 | More by mnj21655

BeerSox

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle into wine glass

A rusty orange hue which turns to goldenrod when held up to the light. A two finger white head slowly settles to a thin cap.

Lots of sweet fruit, like peach and apple, along with a sharp citrus scent. A little bit of a peppery spice is in the foreground.

Sweet fruit flavors are on top of a tart malty base. More spiciness is present, with a little bit of citrus just like the aroma. Full bodied with loads of carbonation.

A tart but very drinkable and refreshing Saison. Great for the ending days of summer. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2009 22:12:57 | More by BeerSox

BigMike

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bomber into a Duvel tulip.

Pours a golden pale yellow with a huge whipped egg white consisdency head.

Smells of spices and lemon zest.

Taste is spicey and super sweet. Coriander and lemon zest.

Mouthfeel is light and crisp and refreshing.

Drinkability is excellent. This one is so smooth and easy to drink. There's no way this is 7.5% abv. I could drink a lot of these.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2009 00:46:52 | More by BigMike