Beer Tasting - Pühaste Brewery

Luxurious Barrel-Aged Beers

I was lucky enough to join Pühaste Brewery for their "Silver Train" tasting event at Olutravintola Konttori in Tampere Finland, where they showcased some of their most luxurious barrel-aged creations. Each of the beers had been aged in barrels for a minimum of one year—so you can imagine how excited I was to dive into these rich brews! On-site were Pühaste’s beer sommelier, Helen Aasmann, and Brukett sales rep, Ville Kellokoski.

Here's a breakdown of the four beers that really took my taste buds for a spin (on the picture starting from left) :

Sensi Rum BA Imperial Stout 12,5%

The first beer we tried was the Sensi Rum BA, an Imperial Stout aged in Jamaican rum barrels at 12.5%. The rum barrel aging gives it a unique twist—think dark fruit, molasses, and a slight spice that adds a sense of adventure. There’s a beautiful balance of sweetness, little dryness and complexity from the rum, leaving you with a memorable finish. It was a perfect start to the tasting.

Aetheria Cognac BA imperial stout 13,9%

Next, we dove into the Aetheria Cognac BA, an Imperial Stout aged in Cognac barrels at 13.9%. The influence of Cognac really shines through, giving the beer a sophisticated depth with hints of dried fruit, oak, a touch of smokiness, and a subtle warmth. It’s smooth, rich, and feels like the kind of beer you sip slowly, savoring every moment. A true treat for those who appreciate a refined barrel-aged stout.

new! Embus Bourbon BA dark barleywine 14,8%

Then came a new brew from Pühaste, and we were the first group to try—the Embus Bourbon BA. This hefty 14.8% dark barleywine is a collaboration with Alive Brewing from Singapore and has been aged in bourbon barrels. The beer is a deep, dark beauty—rich and bold, with layers of oak and bourbon-smooth sweetness coming through beautifully. It’s really smooth, with a bit of boozy warmth and a slight caramel backbone that makes it both powerful and approachable. This was definitely my favorite of the four.

Blackstar Requiem Bourbon BA imperial stout 14,5%

Last, we tried Blackstar Requiem, an Imperial Stout that packs a punch at 14.5%. This one is like dessert in a glass: bourbon barrel-aged with peanut butter, vanilla, and Costa Rica Hermosa coffee. The combination of peanut butter and vanilla adds a rich, indulgent sweetness, while the coffee hits with just the right amount of bitterness, balancing out the sweetness. It’s a perfect example of how complex and indulgent an Imperial Stout can be.

What a tastebud-exploding lineup from Pühaste Brewery! Each beer had its own distinct character, but all shared that rich, barrel-aged depth that makes you stop and take notice. Definitely a beer tasting I won’t forget anytime soon!

For those who aren’t familiar with Pühaste Brewery, they’re based in Tartu, Estonia. They’re all about pushing the boundaries of craft beer in a humble way, focusing on the quality of each brew to make it even more mind-blowing. Pühaste has truly become a standout in the world of barrel-aged brews. They create unique and complex beers that always leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a rich Imperial Stout, barleywine, or barrel-aged masterpiece, they’ve got a touch for crafting beers that challenge and excite the palate.

cheers!