Põhjala — French Toast Banger

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

French Toast Banger pours jet black with a dense mocha crown, releasing aromas of caramelized brioche, maple syrup, and warm cinnamon. The palate is syrupy and full-bodied, layering roasted malt, dark chocolate, and espresso against decadent notes of vanilla custard, toffee, and buttered toast. Hints of plum and raisin add dark fruit depth, while oak and whiskey warmth from barrel aging weave through the finish. A touch of coconut sweetness and lingering sugared spice make this a true dessert-in-a-glass, faithful to Põhjala’s reputation for opulent, barrel-driven imperial stouts.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slice of bourbon-soaked pecan French toast or sticky cinnamon bun for a decadent breakfast-meets-dessert match. Alternatively, serve alongside a wedge of aged Gouda or vanilla bean crème brûlée, where caramelized sugar and nutty richness echo the beer’s maple, toffee, and barrel-aged 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.