Anchorage — Protect your Neck

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with waves of toasted coconut and bourbon-soaked vanilla, followed by dark chocolate ganache and charred oak. On the palate, this formidable dark ale reveals layers of bourbon barrel complexity—dried figs, molasses, and espresso intertwine with pronounced coconut that borders on macaroon richness. The wood influence is substantial yet integrated, lending tannin structure to the viscous, warming body. The finish extends remarkably long, with dark chocolate, bourbon heat, and lingering coconut oil coating the palate. At 18.4%, the alcohol is present but remarkably well-integrated given the sheer intensity.

Food Pairing

Pair with a decadent dark chocolate torte layered with coconut cream to mirror the beer’s confectionery richness, allowing the bourbon notes to cut through the sweetness. Alternatively, serve alongside aged Manchego or smoked Gouda, where the cheese’s crystalline texture and nutty depth complement the oak aging while the fat content tempers the formidable alcohol presence.

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.

Explore & Learn

US Craft Beer — Learn before you buy

• Top 10 Best US Craft Beers in Switzerland
  Our expert selection from allocation-only breweries
• Browse all US craft beer
  Anchorage, Horus, Goose Island BBT, Hill Farmstead & more