Anchorage — Deal With the Devil 20 Barleywine (2025)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Batch 20 of Anchorage’s cult Galaxy-hopped American Barleywine pours dense and viscous, unleashing waves of dark fruit, raisin, and fig steeped in rich caramel and toffee. Extended time in cognac, bourbon, and rye whiskey barrels layers vanilla, toasted oak, and warming spirit-soaked depth across the palate. Chocolate and molasses notes weave through bright Galaxy hop character, lending tropical edges to an otherwise decadent base. The finish is long and warming, with bourbon heat, cognac elegance, and oak tannin lingering alongside sticky dark sugars and a whisper of orchard fruit.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slab of aged blue Stilton drizzled with honey and walnuts, where the cheese’s salty bite cuts the barleywine’s sweetness. For dessert, try a dense flourless chocolate torte with dark cherries, echoing the beer’s cocoa, dark fruit, and barrel-aged warmth in luxurious harmony.

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.