The Victory didn't any stronger, it was previously around the same ABV. The previous recipe still tasted like a beer. The new version tastes like a misguided attempt at making a gingerbread alcopop.

They so ruined that beer. The previous years it was simply named 'Merry Monkey' and was one of my favorites. This version is undrinkable to me.

And a perfectly good Hunter Thompson reference sails right past.

Fear and Loathing by any chance?