Uncovering the Best Breweries in Alaska: A Guide for Beer Lovers

ByKarl S

Welcome to the last frontier of craft beer – Alaska! Boasting a thriving and diverse brewing scene, Alaska offers a plethora of unique breweries and craft beers to satisfy every beer lover’s taste buds.

From the bustling city of Anchorage to the remote breweries of Prince William Sound, prepare to embark on a journey to discover some of the best breweries in Alaska and the distinct flavors they bring to the table.

Key Takeaways

  • Discover the exciting craft beer scene of Anchorage, Alaska and explore off-the-beaten path breweries!
  • Uncover Kenai Peninsula’s Brewery Gems & experience unique Alaskan beers from Interior Alaska to Southwest Alaska.
  • Immerse yourself in a beer lover’s paradise with unforgettable brewery tours & local ingredients, an exciting way to explore the spirit of 2023!

Exploring Anchorage’s Craft Beer Scene

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, boasts a vibrant craft beer scene. It’s renowned for breweries such as:

Hosting more than a dozen breweries, Anchorage is a haven for beer enthusiasts, presenting an extensive variety of beers infused with creativity and the invigorating spirit of Alaska.

Did you know that Alaska ranks eighth in the nation for the number of breweries per capita? Now that’s a reason to raise a glass!

Downtown Anchorage Breweries

Downtown Anchorage serves as a brewing hub, housing numerous acclaimed breweries such as:

  • Girdwood Brewing Company
  • Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
  • Double Shovel Cider Company
  • Anchorage Brewing Company
  • King Street Brewing

These downtown establishments, including King Street Brewing Company, often use unique ingredients such as fresh hops and barrel-aged stouts in their craft beers, providing an unforgettable experience for your taste buds at their outdoor beer garden and tasting room.

Special events and tours like Big Swig Tours, Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings, and Glacier Brewhouse Brewery are available for those who want to immerse themselves in the Anchorage brewing culture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Anchorage Breweries

Venture beyond the usual routes to uncover hidden breweries in Anchorage, including Double Shovel Cider Company, Zip Kombucha, and Two Seasons Meadery.

Zip Kombucha, Alaska’s first-ever alcoholic kombucha, offers probiotic iced tea, kombucha, hard kombucha, beer, and hard beverages, all reflecting their commitment to being a local and affordable Alaskan kombucha brand.

At Arctic Harvest Brewery, the oldest brewery in Anchorage, you can find barrel-aged stouts and barley wines with unique flavors.

Meanwhile, Double Shovel Cider Company produces a variety of hard ciders, including:

  • Appalanche
  • Appalanche Semi Dry
  • Forget-Me-Hopped
  • Forest Bittersweet

Venture off the main streets and you’ll uncover a world of exceptional brews waiting to be discovered.

Kenai Peninsula’s Brewery Gems

Located south of Anchorage, the scenic Kenai Peninsula houses a number of distinguished breweries like Girdwood Brewing Company, Homer Brewing Company, and Seward Brewing Company.

These breweries embody the essence of Alaska, with stunning natural landscapes and a strong sense of community.

Whether your journey takes you through charming coastal towns or the awe-inspiring wilderness, a stopover at these breweries promises to enrich your Kenai Peninsula expedition.

Girdwood Brewing Company

Nestled in the charming town of Girdwood, the Girdwood Brewing Company, established as the first brewery in the area, along with the Barnaby Brewing Company and Turnagain Brewing, was founded by twin brothers Rory and Brett Marenco in 2017.

The timber-framed taproom, adorned with local art and ski-themed decor, offers fresh, local beer and panoramic views of the surrounding Chugach mountains.

Girdwood Brewing Company is known for offering:

  • Four core beers
  • A series of rotating taps
  • Delicious root beer
  • Cold brew coffee
  • Kombucha for non-alcoholic options

Their No Woman No Cryo, a New England IPA, even won the People’s Choice Beer award at the Kenai Peninsula Beer Festival.

Homer Brewing Company

Located in the enchanting town of Homer, Homer Brewing Company has been crafting ‘Fresh Traditional Country Ales’ since 1996.

Their selection includes unique brews like Old Inlet Pale Ale and Red Knot Scottish Ale, catering to those who appreciate distinctive flavors. Not far from there, Elias Brewing Company also produces two styles of authentic Indian spiced teas, Zen Chai and Alaska Chai, offering something for everyone.

A visit to Homer Brewing Company is an opportunity to experience the charm of this coastal town while savoring their one-of-a-kind craft beers.

Seward Brewing Company

A popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, Seward Brewing Company is a must-visit when exploring the Kenai Peninsula.

Founded by Erik Slater and Hillary Bean, the brewery is the only brewpub in Seward, and it’s known for serving creative, familiar eats and hand-crafted, Alaskan beer made from locally-sourced ingredients.

Seward Brewing Company’s signature beers include TK-421 Milk Stout, Boozeberry Seltzer, and Sucker Punch Saison.

With a relaxing atmosphere and enjoyable ambiance, Seward Brewing Company is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the stunning Alaskan landscape.

Mat-Su Valley: A Craft Beer Haven

Situated north of Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley is a sanctuary for craft beer with nine breweries and distilleries awaiting exploration.

Among them is the renowned Denali Brewing Company, which also serves Alaska Ciderworks and Alaska Meadery, offering a diverse selection of beverages to please any palate.

From the refreshing Twister Creek IPA to their smooth Agave Gold, Denali Brewing Company’s craft beers showcase the unique flavors of the Alaskan wilderness.

Make sure to journey through the Mat-Su Valley and delve into the area’s flourishing craft beer environment.

Prince William Sound’s Remote Breweries

The secluded splendor of Prince William Sound, recognized for its striking fjords and rich wildlife, also accommodates two exceptional breweries: Copper River Brewing in Cordova and Valdez Brewing and Growler Bay Brewing Company in Valdez.

These breweries offer visitors an opportunity to savor craft brews while taking in the breathtaking surroundings of the Sound.

With unique brewing techniques and local ingredients like spruce tips, these breweries capture the essence of Alaska in every sip. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these remote brewing gems, including Alaskan Brewing Co, on your next Alaskan adventure.

Interior Alaska’s Brewing Hotspots

Interior Alaska, particularly the city of Fairbanks and its vicinity, flaunts a medley of breweries and distilleries, featuring:

  • Black Spruce
  • HooDoo
  • Latitude 65
  • Silver Gulch
  • Fairbanks
  • Hoarfrost
  • Ursa Major

Each of these establishments offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts, from the innovative brewing techniques at Black Spruce to the welcoming atmosphere at HooDoo Brewing Company.

As your journey takes you further north, ensure you uncover these brewing centers and submerge yourself in the craft beer culture of Interior Alaska.

Southwest Alaska’s Craft Brew Destinations

The rugged landscapes and rich wildlife of Southwest Alaska are also host to Kodiak Island Brewing Company and Still and Double Shovel Cider Co.

Kodiak Island Brewing Company, founded by Ben Millstein in 2003, offers an array of beers crafted with wild specialty ingredients.

Meanwhile, Still and Double Shovel Cider Co., founded by brothers Jack and Jerry Lau and co-owner Galen Jones, produces a variety of hard ciders, perfect for quenching your thirst after a day of exploring the Alaskan wilderness.

Be sure to include these craft brew destinations on your must-visit list when exploring Southwest Alaska.

Inside Passage: A Beer Lover’s Paradise

The lush rainforests and stunning glaciers of the Inside Passage provide a haven for beer enthusiasts, presenting a variety of breweries and distilleries in towns such as:

  • Ketchikan
  • Sitka
  • Icy Strait Point
  • Juneau
  • Haines
  • Skagway

Experience the rich history of brewing in the Inside Passage, from the Gold Rush to the present day, with craft breweries like Alaskan Brewing Company and Haines Brewing Company.

Immerse yourself in the diverse flavors and unique brewing techniques of the Inside Passage and discover why it’s a true paradise for beer lovers.

Alaska Brewery Tours: Immerse Yourself in the Craft Beer Experience

For individuals eager to delve into Alaska’s craft beer scene, brewery tours provide an enriching experience, leading you behind the scenes of some of the state’s premier breweries.

Top-rated brewery tours like Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings and Big Swig Tours, provide the perfect opportunity to explore Alaska’s unique brewing culture while sampling a variety of craft beers.

Why not set off on a memorable brewery tour and uncover the finest offerings of Alaska’s breweries?

Unique Alaskan Beers and Ingredients

Distinctive elements of Alaskan breweries include:

  • Use of local ingredients
  • Use of glacial snowmelt water in their brewing process
  • Ingredients such as spruce tips, glacier-fed water, and regional hops like Cascade, Citra, and Centennial
  • Depth and complexity of flavors in Alaskan beers
  • Unique and pure water quality from glacial snowmelt that enhances the flavor and character of the beer

These elements make Alaskan beers truly distinct.

From Spruce Tip Blonde Ale by Skagway Brewing Co. to Pararescue 212 Porter by Odd Man Rush Brewery, Alaska’s unique beers showcase the spirit of the state in every sip.

Summary

As we’ve journeyed through Alaska’s diverse craft beer scene, it’s clear that the state offers a one-of-a-kind experience for beer lovers.

From the bustling city of Anchorage to the remote beauty of Prince William Sound, Alaska’s breweries and distilleries capture the essence of the state in every glass.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite brew, raise a toast to the last frontier, and embark on your own Alaskan beer adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest brewery in Alaska?

Alaskan Brewing Co. is the largest brewery in Alaska, based in Juneau and established in 1985. With beers available in 25 states, Alaskan Brewing Co. has truly made a name for itself as the top producing brewery in the state.

Does Alaska have good beer?

It’s clear Alaska is beer heaven! From Skagway Brewing Co. to Odd Man Rush Brewery, you’re sure to find a delicious craft brew to please any palate.

What is the oldest brewery in Anchorage Alaska?

Midnight Sun is the oldest brewery in Anchorage Alaska, proudly providing craft beer since 1995!

How many breweries are in Alaska?

Wow! Alaska is home to over 40 breweries spread across its 40 cities!

What makes Alaska’s craft beer scene unique?

Alaska’s craft beer scene stands out with its incredible use of locally-sourced ingredients like spruce tips, glacier-fed water, and regional hops, creating a truly unique and memorable experience.