Twenty years after its first sip, Victory Brewing Co. has another reason to party — and a new beer set to become the life of the party.

The star this time around, wrapped in a throwback, party-like-it’s-1996 label, is the Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA. That’s because it’s brewed with a secret ingredient: a very rare, experimental hop.

Through two decades of global hop-trotting, Victory has forged enduring relationships with hop growers and brokers that permits Downingtown’s famous brewery to enjoy a leadership role in hop experimentation and implementation.

Enter Idaho 7.

Discovered in the third-largest hop-producing state in the country within a remote ultimate-soil, optimal-climate land formation dubbed the “shelf,” this hop infuses Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA with complex fruity aromas of orange and apricot alongside hints of mildly astringent black tea-like characteristics as well as a pleasantly fresh, slightly pine herbal bouquet.

It debuts at 5.5 percent alcohol by volume on tap and on shelves from January to April throughout Victory’s 37-state footprint for approximately $9.99 per six-pack — and sets the stage for the big party next year, when Victory turns 21 and is finally “legal.”

“The ability to employ whole-flower hops into our recipes was the main reason we chose to break free from our first brewery jobs and found Victory,” President and Brewmaster Bill Covaleski said. “From the initial success of the idea with HopDevil on through to Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA, we are thrilled to witness the appreciation for our whole-flower-hopped creations. Twenty years down this flavor-filled road, we plan to continue to seek and explore new flavors and utilize modern inspirations to share with our fans.”

Read more about the creativity, risk-taking and hop ingenuity that has helped Victory keep the keg full, the party going and fans happy for two decades on VISTA Today here.