Anchorage — Deal with the devil batch 8

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with profound bourbon-soaked oak, dark toffee, and layers of oxidative sherry-like character developed through forty-two months of patient barrel aging. Waves of rum-soaked raisins, dried figs, and candied dates emerge alongside warming alcohol vapors that belie the massive 22.9% strength. The palate is viscous and intensely rich, coating the mouth with treacle, brown butter, and caramelized sugar, balanced by subtle vanilla and toasted coconut from extended oak contact. The finish lingers seemingly indefinitely, leaving echoes of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and a gentle warming sensation that builds complexity with each contemplative sip.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Stilton or Roquefort, where the beer’s sweetness counterbalances pungent blue veins while matching intensity. Alternatively, serve alongside dark chocolate terrine with salted caramel and toasted pecans, creating a harmonious dialogue between the beer’s toffee notes and dessert’s bittersweet complexity. Best enjoyed at cellar temperature as a digestif.

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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