Põhjala — Black Jam

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Black Jam pours an opaque, near-impenetrable black with a fine mocha crown. The nose is dense and vinous, layering dark chocolate truffle, espresso grounds and roasted malt over a jammy core of macerated plum, raisin and blackcurrant. The palate is full and silken, where licorice and bitter cocoa meet sweet dark fruit preserves, a whisper of vanilla and gentle oak. A signature Põhjala warmth glides through the finish, echoing cognac-like depth and the long, brooding roastiness that defines Estonia’s Imperial Baltic Porter tradition.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with macerated cherries to mirror the beer’s jammy, cocoa-rich core. For a savory match, try a slow-braised venison shank with juniper and prune jus, where the porter’s roasted malt, licorice and dark fruit depth amplify the game’s earthy sweetness.

About Põhjala Brewery

Põhjala Brewery was founded in 2011 in Tallinn, Estonia, by four beer enthusiasts who were later joined by head brewer Chris Pilkington. The brewery’s name translates to “northern realm” in Estonian, reflecting its deep connection to the Nordic region and the forests of Estonia. Põhjala has established itself as the largest craft brewery in the Baltic states, distinguished by its particular focus on porters, barrel ageing, and the incorporation of indigenous Estonian forest ingredients into its brewing process.

The brewery’s first beer, Öö Imperial Baltic Porter, was contract-brewed before the company opened its original facility in Tallinn’s Nõmme district in April 2014. Following rapid growth, Põhjala invested nearly 4.9 million euros in 2018 to relocate to a state-of-the-art brewery in the Noblessner area, featuring a capacity of 1,200 hectolitres per month and an extensive taproom with 24 taps. Põhjala holds the distinction of being the only Baltic brewery to appear in Ratebeer’s prestigious “top 100” list of world breweries, cementing its reputation as a leading force in European craft beer.