Põhjala — Tallinn At Dawn

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Tallinn At Dawn pours a near-opaque obsidian with a fine mocha crown, releasing aromas of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and espresso lifted by wisps of vanilla and oak. The palate is dense and vinous, layering plum, raisin, and dark cherry over bittersweet cocoa and a whisper of licorice. Barrel time lends a gentle cognac warmth and rounded woody spice, knitting the imperial frame into something contemplative rather than heavy. The finish is long and brooding, echoing dark fruit, charred oak, and lingering coffee, a fitting tribute to Estonia’s slow northern dawns.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib glazed in dark chocolate and red wine, where the porter’s roasted depth mirrors the meat’s caramelized crust. For dessert, try a flourless chocolate torte with prunes and crème fraîche, letting the beer’s vanilla, oak, and dark fruit notes amplify the cocoa richness.

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.