Anchorage — Deal With the Devil – Penta Oaked (Batch 1 – 2025)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose unveils layers of dark toffee, bourbon-soaked raisins, and toasted oak spice, with hints of vanilla bean and dried fig. Five distinct barrel characters interweave seamlessly across 43+ months of maturation. On the palate, this monumental 26.3% barleywine delivers viscous waves of caramelized brown sugar, dark chocolate, and brandied cherries, supported by warming alcohol that never overwhelms. Oak tannins provide structure amid the decadent sweetness. The finish extends remarkably long, echoing with maple syrup, toasted pecans, and a gentle bourbon fade that lingers for minutes.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Stilton or Fourme d’Ambert, where the beer’s sweetness and barrel complexity balance the blue cheese’s sharp intensity. Alternatively, serve alongside dark chocolate torte with salted caramel, allowing the beer’s layered oak character and toffee notes to amplify the dessert’s richness while the elevated alcohol cuts through the density.

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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