Raising a Glass to Alaska’s Booming Brew Scene
As a born and raised Alaskan, I can say with pride that our state’s craft beer scene is truly one-of-a-kind. Growing up, my friends and I would hike up our local mountain, Flat Top, on the summer solstice just to watch the midnight sun dip below the horizon – with a cold Alaskan brew in hand, of course. Back then, we could barely imagine the explosion of breweries that would soon take over the state.
Alaska now ranks 6th in the nation for most breweries per capita, with new ones popping up seemingly every other week. As a former tour guide, I can tell you that one of the most common questions visitors asked was where to find the best craft beers in cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Seward, and Palmer. Well, my friends, prepare to have your thirst and your curiosity quenched!
Raising the Bar in Anchorage
If you find yourself in Anchorage, you’re in for a real treat. The city boasts an impressive 11 breweries, each with its own unique personality and brew selection. One of my personal favorites is Broken Tooth Brewing, known for their excellent beers and their connection to the famous Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria – the highest-grossing single-unit independent pizzeria in the United States!
Another Anchorage must-visit is Anchorage Brewing Company, whose beautiful brewery and eye-catching labels are just as pleasing as the beer itself. Be sure to try their Love Buzz Saison or sample their full lineup. And if you’re craving Belgian-style ales and lagers, head to Cynosure Brewing, where you can quench your thirst for European-inspired brews.
The Up & Under Pub is the perfect spot to experience the best of Anchorage’s craft beer scene. With a rotating selection of local brews on tap and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to relax and explore Alaska’s thriving beer culture.
Exploring Beyond Anchorage
But Anchorage is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Alaska’s craft beer wonderland. Venture outside the city, and you’ll discover a whole new world of breweries, each with its own unique charm and flavor profile.
In the charming town of Girdwood, Girdwood Brewing is making waves with its sustainable practices and modern, vintage-ski-themed taproom. And in Palmer, Bleeding Heart Brewing is bringing together veteran beer drinkers and new-age craft enthusiasts with their cutting-edge brews.
Head north to Fairbanks, and you’ll find a thriving craft beer scene, including the long-standing HooDoo Brewing Company, known for their classic German-style beers, and the Northernmost Brewery in North America, Silver Gulch Brewing, which brews its beers to please all five senses.
Raising a Glass to the Craft Beer Trail
One of the best ways to experience Alaska’s craft beer scene is to embark on a self-guided brewery tour. With Uber, taxis, or a designated driver, you can easily visit multiple taprooms in a day, sampling a variety of local brews. And trust me, you’ll want to try them all – from the crisp and refreshing to the bold and experimental.
Many of the breweries, like Denali Brewing in Talkeetna, even offer public or private guided tours, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Big Swig Tours and Alaska Tours also provide brewery-hopping experiences, complete with tastings and safe transportation.
And let’s not forget the food truck scene that thrives alongside Alaska’s craft beer revolution. Almost every brewery has a rotating selection of delicious food trucks, offering everything from crepes and poke bowls to wood-fired pizza and barbecue. It’s the perfect pairing for your frosty brew.
Savoring the Suds of the North
As an Alaskan, I’ve been spoiled by the sheer variety and quality of craft beers in my home state. From the bold and hoppy IPAs to the smooth and sessionable lagers, there’s a brew for every palate. And the stories behind these breweries – the passion, the innovation, the community spirit – make each sip that much more rewarding.
So, whether you’re planning a pre- or post-cruise adventure or aiming to explore the entire state, make sure to leave room in your itinerary for a craft beer tour. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Alaska’s brewers are pushing the boundaries, and the results are nothing short of…well, intoxicating.
Cheers to quenching your thirst and curiosity in the Land of the Midnight Sun!
