Põhjala brewery was established at the end of 2011 in Tallinn, capital Estonia by four beer enthusiasts which should not be surprising since this is how craft beer breweries usually come to life. Soon later, more experienced brewer joined the team, namely Chris Pilkington from Scotland who was mastering an art of brewing at brewdog about which I have written multiple times in my articles. Usually, craft breweries tend to choose IPA or APA firstly due to financial reasons because it is a rather quick style to brew, and mature, therefore it can be quickly released on the market and start earning for the brewery. Secondly, because it is relatively easy to brew. Põhjala, decided to start big, really big. They have chosen an Imperial Baltic Porter with mysterious name of Öö, for their first beer. Soon beer became their flagship and earned brewery an esteem and respect around the world. This choice had its consequences, in this particular case,a long waiting period before the release. Ther brewery was established in the end of 2011but first beer appeared on the market after more than 12 months, at the beginning of 2013. Põhjala, at the started a gypsy or nomad brewery which is typical for new craft initiatives, however, it soon changed because in April 2014 they have opened their own, stationary brewery in Nõmme district in Tallinn. Early days were modest, with just 100 hectolitres of fermentation facilities but because of rapid growth, they have quadrupled within just two and a half years. Põhjala very quickly gained brand recognition that makes, strong, but excellent beers, and now is being the most known and respected Estonian craft brewery, that exports to more than thirty countries. They also have their own pub - Spekeasy at Kopi 4 street in Tallinn.


Beer reviewed today - Pime Öö Islay BA belongs to a limited ,,Cellar Series” and it is as Imperial Baltic Porter, matured in Islay whisky barrels, mostly Laphroaig. On the malts side ingredients are Pale, Munich, Carafa, Special II, Special B Chocolate malt, Cara 300, chocolate rye, and flaked oats, which resulted with the beast having 35 plato of original gravity and 13.6% of alcohol. Hopy side is less spectacular. Verities used are Hallertau Blanc and El Dorado that proceeded only 30 IBU


On the first glimpse, beer does not look extremely attractive, it is black, oily and it pours with little white head that fades within a couple of minutes. There is virtually no lacing, however, it does not matter because later on, it is much better. After opening the bottle, pleasurable aroma of the campfire appears, then soon turns into peated and whisky notes from the barrel and chocolate, as well as a bit of alcohol, distantly somewhere at the end. Aroma like an oracle is forecasting truly magnificent beer, and indeed its truth. Taste is a symphony of chocolate sweetness at the beginning, that is countered campfire smokiness, that leads to a long peated finish. Even though prime has staggering 13.6% of alcohol, it is so well hidden that is only appears as a crispy bite, highlighting other qualities of the beer. Prime Öö is with no doubt a great beer, therefore, I rate 4/5. It is also worth to notice that the bottle cap is waxed, therefore it indicates that it is predestined for long maturation. Cheers!