Anchorage — A Deal With The Devil batch #11

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with intense bourbon-soaked toffee and charred oak, releasing waves of dark fruit compote—figs, dates, and blackcurrant—interwoven with caramel, vanilla bean, and a whisper of leather. On the palate, this formidable 20% barleywine delivers viscous richness: molasses, brown butter, and toasted walnut meld with port-like dark fruit concentration and bourbon barrel heat. Layers of dark chocolate, treacle, and oxidative sherry notes unfold with warming alcohol perfectly integrated into the syrupy body. The finish is remarkably long and evolving, balancing residual sweetness with oak tannins, a gentle bourbon burn, and lingering notes of raisin, tobacco, and aged leather that persist well beyond the final sip.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Stilton or Roquefort, where the beer’s sweetness counterbalances pungent blue cheese intensity while oak and fruit notes bridge the flavors. Alternatively, serve alongside dark chocolate torte with espresso and candied orange—the barleywine’s bourbon barrel character and oxidative complexity enhance bittersweet chocolate while fruit esters complement citrus elements.

About Anchorage Brewing Company

Anchorage Brewing Company was founded in 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska, by Gabe Fletcher, a brewer whose vision centered on creating innovative, barrel-aged beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. The brewery has earned recognition for its meticulous approach to wild and sour ales, often incorporating extended aging in oak barrels with complex blends of wild yeast strains and bacteria. Fletcher’s background includes experience at respected brewing institutions, and this expertise is evident in Anchorage’s commitment to patience and precision in the brewing process.

What distinguishes Anchorage Brewing is their dedication to small-batch production and an uncompromising focus on quality over quantity. The brewery specializes in Belgian-inspired styles, particularly saisons and strong ales, which undergo lengthy barrel aging periods that can extend for months or even years. Their beers frequently feature fruit additions and experimental techniques that reflect both European brewing traditions and a distinctly American craft sensibility. Anchorage has garnered numerous accolades within the craft beer community, establishing itself as one of the premier producers of barrel-aged and mixed-fermentation beers in the United States. The brewery’s limited production volumes and exceptional quality have made their releases highly sought after by enthusiasts.

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