Puhaste — Faba Bourbon BA

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with assertive bourbon-soaked oak, waves of dark roasted coffee, and vanilla custard mingling with molasses-drenched brown bread. On the palate, this imperial stout delivers exceptional depth: espresso bitterness balanced by caramelized sugar and bourbon warmth, layered with dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and subtle charred wood tannins. The coffee presence remains pronounced throughout, supported by silky mouthfeel despite the substantial alcohol. The finish is long and warming, with lingering bourbon heat, bittersweet cocoa, and a gentle coffee fade that invites contemplation.

Food Pairing

Pair with dark chocolate torte featuring salted caramel and espresso ganache, where the bourbon barrel notes complement the dessert’s richness while the coffee elements create harmonious resonance. Alternatively, serve alongside aged Gruyère or mature Comté cheese, allowing the nutty, crystalline texture to contrast the beer’s velvety body while the caramelized flavors find common ground.

About Puhaste Brewery

Puhaste Brewery was established in 2011 in Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city and historic university town. Founded by a group of home-brewing enthusiasts, the brewery has grown into one of the Baltic region’s most innovative craft beer producers, earning recognition far beyond Estonia’s borders. Puhaste, which translates to “pure” in Estonian, reflects the brewery’s commitment to quality ingredients and experimental brewing techniques that push traditional boundaries while respecting beer craftsmanship.

The brewery has become particularly renowned for its bold approach to modern beer styles, with a notable focus on heavily hopped IPAs, pastry stouts, and barrel-aged creations. Puhaste demonstrates particular expertise in brewing fruit-forward sour beers and richly layered imperial stouts that often incorporate unconventional ingredients like coffee, vanilla, and chocolate. Their willingness to experiment with adjuncts and aging processes has positioned them as pioneers in the Nordic and Baltic craft beer scene. The brewery’s small-batch releases frequently generate significant interest among craft beer enthusiasts across Europe, establishing Puhaste as a destination brewery that exemplifies the creative spirit of contemporary Estonian brewing culture.

Explore & Learn

European Craft Beer — Explore more

• Browse our European craft beer selection
  Lambics, Trappists, Scandinavian stouts, pilsners
• Visit The Wines & Spirits Journal
  Craft beer guides and brewery profiles