Põhjala — Kamin Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter (NV)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Part of Põhjala’s revered Cellar Series, Kamin pours pitch black with a deep, brooding intensity. The nose unfurls layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and roasted malt, framed by oak and a gentle cognac warmth. On the palate, lush dark fruits emerge: stewed plum, raisin, and fig, woven with vanilla, licorice, and a vinous barrel character. Named for the hearth, it drinks like a fireside companion, full-bodied and warming, finishing long with toasted oak, bittersweet cocoa, and a whisper of smoke. A meditative pour celebrating Estonia’s dark winter nights.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib in red wine reduction, where the porter’s roasted depth mirrors caramelized meat and dark fruit notes. For dessert, try a flourless dark chocolate torte with salted caramel, allowing the beer’s vanilla, oak, and bittersweet cocoa character to amplify the richness while cutting through with roasty bitterness.

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.