Anchorage — a Deal with the Devil 7

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with profound layers of bourbon-soaked dried figs, dark caramel, and toasted oak, underscored by hints of vanilla and warming alcohol. On the palate, this monumental barleywine reveals dense toffee, honeyed malt, and aged spirits character, its 24.2% ABV impeccably integrated through extensive barrel maturation. Rich notes of dark fruit compote, butterscotch, and charred wood evolve across the mid-palate. The finish is exceptionally long and warming, with lingering bourbon sweetness, oak tannins, and a subtle oxidative complexity that speaks to its 42-month slumber.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Stilton or Roquefort, where the beer’s sweetness balances pungent blue veins and the oak character complements nutty complexity. Alternatively, serve alongside dark chocolate torte with salted caramel, allowing the bourbon and toffee notes to mirror the dessert while the beer’s fortitude cuts through richness.

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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