Beer Tasting - Anchorage Brewing
- Nadja Myllyviita
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to sip on liquid gold, last night was the night to find out.
Just a usual wednesday evening, indulging in some of the world’s most luxurious and expensive beers from Anchorage Brewing at one of Tampere’s legendary craft beer hotspots, Olutravintola Konttori. We were treated to a lineup that felt more like a VIP beer tasting than just another night at the bar. The beers we tasted were bold, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these liquid treasures:
A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL –
Triple Oaked (Batch #13 2024) – 22.93% Barleywine
We kicked things off with A Deal with the Devil (Batch #13), and it definitely lived up to its name. With almost 23%, this barleywine is nothing short of a beast. Aged for 30 months in a blend of Willett Rye, Wild Turkey Bourbon, and Heaven Hill 15-Year Malt Whiskey barrels, then transferred to fresh barrels three times during the aging process, this beer is smooth, boozy, and seriously complex. Flavors of caramel, oak, and a warming whiskey finish make it feel like you’re sipping on both whiskey and barleywine at the same time. The first beer we tried was definitely warming, with a boozy nuttiness, a dry texture, and a solid kick. Smooth overall, though—definitely not for the faint of heart.
A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL –
Triple Oaked (Batch #15 2024) – 18.66% Barleywine
Next, we tried A Deal with the Devil (Batch #15), which, despite being “only” 18.66%, was still a powerhouse. Aged for 26 months in a combination of Old Fitzgerald 6-Year Bourbon, 15-Year Calumet Farm Bourbon, and Russell Reserve Rye Whiskey barrels, it’s rich, smooth, and a little more nuanced than Batch #13. Deep dark fruit notes and a touch of spice from the rye barrels gave it extra layers of complexity. This one had a sweeter profile, with some whisky smokiness that made it a standout. It definitely kept me coming back for more—still smooth, but with more depth than Batch #13.
EMPATHY V.2 (White) –
Cocoa Nibs & Toasted Coconut – 16% Imperial Stout
Next up was Empathy V.2 (White), a collaboration with Horus Aged Ales. This 16% imperial stout was aged for 24 months in a blend of 15-year Barton and 15-year Heaven Hill bourbon barrels and then finished with cocoa nibs and toasted coconut. The result- A smooth, velvety beer that tasted like a heavenly dessert in a glass. The toasted coconut and cocoa nibs combined beautifully to offer a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. For me, this was the highlight of the night—my personal favorite. The toasted coconut and coco aromas hit you right away, and the balance of sweetness and layers of flavor was incredible. Truly indulgent.
BLESSED (2024) – 16% Imperial Stout
We wrapped up the tasting with Blessed, a monster of an imperial stout at 16%. A triple-oaked stout aged for 27 months in Willett and 15-year-old 1792 Calumet Farm bourbon barrels, it was finished with Madagascar vanilla, raw coconut, and toasted coconut. It was rich, dessert-like, and complex in all the right ways. The bourbon sweetness hit first, followed by an overload of vanilla and a really sweet overall profile. Still, it was the perfect luxurious dessert beer to cap off the night. Smooth, indulgent, and an absolute treat.
The Surprise Beer
hygge - 18,2% barleywine
Konttori threw us a curveball with a surprise brew. They had two bottles of a beer that Anchorage pulled back from the market, and since you can’t just ship two bottles back from Finland to Alaska, noo, they saved them for us. To clarify, the beer wasn’t contaminated, but I read that the brewers weren’t entirely happy with how it turned out. They used a special ingredient—Chaga mushrooms—and aged the beer for 39 months in a mix of Willet, Elijah Craig 20-year, and Willet Rye barrels.
They called it Hygge—an 18.2% barleywine with a combination of Strata and Nelson Sauvin hops. Honestly, this one wasn’t for me. I can see why they pulled it from the market, and it’s probably best not to dwell on it. Still, it was an interesting experience to try this rare brew.
About Anchorage Brewery
My take on Anchorage Brewing - they've become synonymous with bold, innovative, and daring brews. Known for their luxurious barrel-aged stouts, the brewery constantly pushes the boundaries of what craft beer can be. Founded by Gabe Fletcher in Alaska, their philosophy is all about creating beers that aren’t afraid to stand out. It’s no surprise that Anchorage has earned a "cult following", and after tasting these incredible beers, it’s clear why. If you ever have the chance to try one or many of their creations at a beer tasting, don’t hesitate. Your tastebuds will thank you. Do I need to visit Alaska?
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