Best 8 Breweries in Alaska: Top Spots for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Alaska is known for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. However, it is also home to some of the best breweries in the United States. With its unique location, Alaska has abundant fresh water, wildflowers, and berries, making it an ideal place for craft beer brewing.
One of the best breweries in Alaska is the Alaskan Brewing Company, founded in 1986 by Marcy and Geoff Larson. The company’s flagship beer is the Alaskan Amber, a smooth and rich alt-style beer. They also brew various other beers, including the Smoked Porter, which is made with locally sourced alder wood-smoked malt, and the Icy Bay IPA, a hoppy and refreshing beer.
Another great brewery in Alaska is the Midnight Sun Brewing Company, founded in 1995 by Barb and Mark Staples. They have a wide variety of beers, including the Arctic Rhino Coffee Porter, brewed with locally roasted coffee beans, and the Sockeye Red IPA, a hoppy and malty beer. The brewery also has a restaurant and taproom, where visitors can enjoy delicious food and beer.
Top Breweries in Alaska
Anchorage Brewing Company
Anchorage Brewing Company is a small, artisan brewery located in downtown Anchorage. They specialize in brewing Belgian-style beers and sour beers and have won numerous awards for their unique and flavorful brews. The brewery has a cozy taproom where visitors can sample their beers and enjoy delicious food from local food trucks.
One of the most popular beers at Anchorage Brewing Company is the “A Deal With the Devil” barleywine, which has won multiple awards and is highly sought by beer enthusiasts. Other notable beers include the “Galaxy White IPA” and the “Darkest Hour Imperial Stout.”
Website: https://anchoragebrewing.company/
Address: 148 W 91st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99515, USA
Alaskan Brewing Company
Alaskan Brewing Company is one of Alaska’s oldest and most well-known breweries. They have been brewing beer since 1986 and have won numerous awards for their high-quality brews. The brewery is located in Juneau and offers tours and tastings for visitors.
Alaskan Brewing Company is known for its creative and unique beers that incorporate local ingredients like spruce tips and wildflowers. Some of their most popular beers include the “Smoked Porter,” “Amber Ale,” and “White Ale.” They also have a seasonal lineup with beers like the “Winter Ale” and the “Summer Ale.”
Website: https://www.alaskanbeer.com/
Address: 5364 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Breweries with the Best Tasting Rooms
When it comes to breweries, many factors can set one apart from the rest. One such factor is the tasting room. A good tasting room can make all the difference in a brewery experience. In Alaska, a few breweries stand out when it comes to their tasting rooms.
Odd Man Rush Brewing
Odd Man Rush Brewing is a small brewery in Eagle River, just outside Anchorage. Despite its small size, it has a cozy and inviting tasting room perfect for trying their unique brews. The tasting room is decorated with hockey memorabilia, as the owners are big hockey fans. They offer a rotating selection of beers, including some experimental brews you won’t find anywhere else. The friendly and knowledgeable staff makes for a great overall brewery experience.
Website: http://oddmanrushbrewing.com/
Address: 10930 Mausel St, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
Denali Brewing Company
Denali Brewing Company is a larger brewery with locations in Talkeetna and Midtown Anchorage. Their tasting rooms are spacious and modern, with plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere. They offer various beers, including some seasonal and limited-edition brews. They also have a food menu, making it a great spot to grab a bite while enjoying a cold beer. The staff is attentive and helpful, creating a great brewery experience.
When it comes to breweries with the best tasting rooms in Alaska, Odd Man Rush Brewing and Denali Brewing Company are two that stand out. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these breweries are worth checking out for a great tasting room experience.
Website: https://denalibrewing.com/
Address: 37083 Talkeetna Spur Rd, Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA
Breweries with the Best Food
Regarding breweries, great beer is not the only thing that matters. Many breweries in Alaska also offer fantastic food options. Here are two breweries with the best food in Alaska:
Haines Brewing Company
Haines Brewing Company is a small brewery in Haines’s coastal town. They are known for their delicious beer and fantastic food. They offer a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees that pair perfectly with their beer. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients, and they have vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
One of their most popular dishes is fish and chips, made with locally caught halibut and served with homemade tartar sauce. They also have a great selection of burgers, including a veggie burger made with a house-made black bean patty. And for dessert, they offer tasty homemade ice cream.
Website: https://www.hainesbrewing.com/
Address: 327 Main St, Haines, AK 99827, USA
Bearpaw River Brewing Company
Bearpaw River Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery located in Wasilla. They are known for their handcrafted beer and delicious food. Their menu features a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees made with locally sourced ingredients.
One of their most popular dishes is the Reuben sandwich, made with house-made corned beef and served on rye bread with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. They also have a great selection of pizzas, including a vegetarian option made with roasted vegetables and goat cheese.
Both Haines Brewing Company and Bearpaw River Brewing Company offer fantastic food options worth trying. Whether you are in the mood for a hearty sandwich or a light salad, these breweries have something for everyone.
Website: http://www.bearpawriverbrewing.com/
Address: 240 E Railroad Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654, United States
Breweries with Unique Beers
Arkose Brewery
Arkose Brewery is a small brewery located in Palmer, Alaska. They are known for their unique beers that are brewed with local ingredients. One of their most popular beers is the “Alaskan Spruce” brewed with spruce tips harvested from the local forests. They also have a beer called “Farmhouse Ale” brewed with locally grown barley and wheat.
Website: http://www.arkosebrewery.com/
Address: 650 E Steel Loop, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
King Street Brewing Company
King Street Brewing Company is located in Anchorage, Alaska, and is known for its unique and experimental beers. They have a beer called “Sour Puss” which is a sour beer made with local raspberries. They also have a beer called “Smoked Porter” brewed with smoked malt, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
Alaska has a thriving craft beer scene with many unique breweries and beers to try. These two breweries are just a few examples of the unique and creative beers that can be found in the state.
Website: http://www.kingstreetbrewing.com/
Address: 9050 King St, Anchorage, AK 99515, USA
Unique Beers to Try
Alaska is famous for its craft beer scene, and many breweries offer unique and delicious beers worth trying. Here are some of the most unique beers to try in Alaska:
- Smoked Porter: This beer has a distinct smoky flavor, from malted barley smoked over alder wood. The smoky flavor pairs well with grilled meats and other hearty dishes.
- Spruce Tip Ale: This beer is brewed with fresh spruce tips, which give it a slightly citrusy and piney flavor. It’s a refreshing beer that’s perfect for summertime drinking.
- Hoodoo Stout: This beer is a rich and creamy stout that’s brewed with a blend of roasted malts. It has notes of chocolate and coffee and pairs well with desserts like chocolate cake and brownies.
- Berserker Imperial Stout: This strong and bold imperial stout is brewed with a blend of roasted malts and aged in bourbon barrels. It has a rich and complex flavor, with dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla notes.
- Maibock Lager: This beer is a traditional German-style lager brewed in the spring. It has a light and crisp flavor, slightly sweet maltiness, and subtle hop bitterness.
- Scottish Export: This beer is a rich and malty Scottish-style ale perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. It has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel and a caramel-like sweetness and a slight smokiness.
- Single Engine Red: This beer is an American-style amber ale that’s brewed with a blend of caramel and roasted malts. It has a sweet and malty flavor, with a slight hop bitterness and a crisp finish.
- Bitter Monk: This beer is a Belgian-style IPA brewed with Belgian yeast and a blend of American and European hops. It has a spicy and fruity flavor, with a dry and bitter finish.
- Arctic Devil Barley Wine: This beer is a strong and complex barley wine aged in oak barrels. It has a rich and sweet flavor, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit.
- Big Woody Barley Wine: This beer is another barley wine brewed with a blend of English and American malts and hops. It has a rich and complex flavor, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit.
- Darkest Hour: This beer is a dark and rich imperial stout brewed with a blend of roasted malts and aged in bourbon barrels. It has a complex flavor, with dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla notes.
These are just a few unique and delicious beers you can try at Alaska’s best breweries. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers, there’s a beer for everyone in Alaska’s craft beer scene.
Brewery Tours and Experiences
Alaska is home to some of the best breweries in the United States, and visitors can experience the unique flavors and culture of the state through brewery tours and tastings.
Many of the breweries in Alaska offer tours of their facilities, allowing visitors to learn about the brewing process and the brewery’s history. Some breweries also offer guided tours that take visitors through the wilderness to see the natural ingredients used in the beer-making process, such as wild berries and herbs.
Visitors can also enjoy a beer flight, a sampling of beers the brewery offers. This allows visitors to try different types of beer and find their favorite flavor.
In addition to beer, many breweries in Alaska offer food options such as food trucks or restaurants. Some breweries even offer smoked salmon, a local delicacy, to pair with their beers.
Taprooms are also a popular feature of breweries in Alaska, providing visitors with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere to enjoy their beer. Locals often frequent these taprooms, allowing visitors to experience the local culture and meet new people.
Brewery tours and experiences in Alaska are often conducted by knowledgeable staff passionate about their craft. Some breweries even offer bus tours that take visitors to multiple breweries in the area, allowing them to experience the full range of Alaska’s beer market.