Põhjala — Cosy Nights Vanilla Porter Winter Edition

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Cosy Nights pours an inky, near-black hue beneath a creamy mocha head, releasing inviting aromas of vanilla pod, dark chocolate and freshly roasted malt. Part of Põhjala’s silky Must Kuld porter lineage, the addition of lactose lends a plush, velvety body and gentle sweetness that frames waves of cocoa, soft coffee and warm caramel. Generous vanilla weaves through the palate, mellowing the roast and adding a honeyed, dessert-like richness. Smooth, full and indulgent, it finishes long with lingering chocolate truffle, toasted oak warmth and a whisper of bourbon-like vanilla cream.

Food Pairing

Pair with a warm sticky toffee pudding or vanilla bean crème brûlée to echo the beer’s creamy sweetness and roasted depth. For savoury options, try a slow-braised short rib or aged Gouda, where the porter’s chocolate and coffee notes complement caramelised meat and nutty cheese richness beautifully.

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.