Year of New Beer: A Deal With the Devil, Anchorage Brewing (AK)

Written By: Dion on 05/21/2016

Many rare beers receive hype that they can never match in reality. At one of only 200 bottles, there's no way this can be that much better than its cognac-barreled predecessor, right? After all, that one is arguably (probably no argument at all) the best barleywine I've ever tasted. So with the hype train running full speed ahead, we dive into this decadent brew, aged for 3 years in a single whiskey barrel. The result is nothing short of perfection. The nose is layered with raisins, dates, and figs, all of which are intertwined with caramel and a slightly nutty chocolate. Hints of oak and leather as well. As good as the aroma is, the flavors elevate to a different level. Obscenely rich with a sweet caramel tone that is reminiscent of Sugar Babies candy, the dark fruits taste as if they have been coated in toffee and chocolate. A light oak and vanilla blend with a slightly nutty note as the beer seemingly melts over the taste buds, viscous and unapologetic in its deliciousness. It's hard to believe that it can leave regular Deal With the Devil so far behind, but it does. This is as close to perfect as it gets.