Põhjala — Enn Barrel-Aged

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Part of Põhjala’s celebrated Cellar Series, Enn pours pitch-black with a dense, mocha-tinted crown. The nose unfurls layers of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and espresso, threaded with plum, raisin, and toffee sweetness. On the palate it is syrupy and decadent, full-bodied with waves of bittersweet cocoa and dried dark fruit giving way to oak, vanilla, and a gentle whiskey warmth from extended barrel maturation. Hints of coconut and leather emerge as it warms, while the finish lingers long with roasted bitterness, charred oak, and a velvety spirit-soaked sweetness befitting this Nordic imperial stout.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib glazed in dark chocolate and coffee reduction, where the beer’s roasted depth amplifies the meat’s richness. For dessert, try a salted caramel and pecan tart or a mature blue cheese with fig jam, both echoing the stout’s barrel-driven sweetness, dark fruit notes, and lingering oak warmth.

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.