Philadelphia is lucky to have several restaurants that brew in-house in our region, and the number of brewpubs here is only growing. Out of all the options, in our 2012 Drinker’s Choice Awards, you voted the pub on site at Victory Brewing Company’s Downingtown, PA brewhouse this year’s winner in the category.

We caught up with Victory president and co-founder Bill Covaleski via email to find out more about his beer, the restaurant, and where he would head for a pint of house-brewed suds.

– Can you name two (or more) specific things that make Victory's brewpub special/deserving of the win?

Being a brewmaster, I'm fiercely proud of our handiwork, therefore I have to cite the beer quality and diversity as a compelling reason to rank us at the top. Knowing that even the best beer can suffer in an uncaring environment, I feel that the attention to detail and true warmth that our staff brings to our brewpub operations also provides a very strong rationale to call us tops in our field.

– Tell us briefly (one sentence) why you were inspired to open the pub?

Visiting the European beer scene for the first time in 1987, I was struck by how inviting common pubs were to families and those who appreciate quality and flavor. We left that trip knowing that America needed some of that vibe.

– If you had to choose a winner in this category that is not your own establishment, what would it be?

I would have to select Earth - Bread + Brewery because the place is heart and soul, top to bottom. Tom [Bakers]'s beers are usually as fun as they are fascinating to enjoy. It's comfortable on levels, making it a place I'd like to spend more time in.

Photos by Adam Schmidt