Alaska Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Even if you’re not the kind of beer fan who sports a waxed mustache and skinny jeans while quaffing your favorite new IPA, it’s hard not to notice the nationwide emergence of a fast-growing industry—the craft beer revolution.
Even though a large chunk of our beautiful state sits above the 66th parallel, isolated from its lower 48 brothers and sisters, Alaska is not one to miss the bus. In fact, one might argue that Alaska is driving the bus, carving out its own niche in an industry thriving with growth and excitement.
At the moment, Alaska boasts an impressive count of almost 40+ breweries — and the number changes regularly. With its total population teetering around 800,000, Alaska is ranked eighth in the nation for the number of breweries per capita. How can a small population support so many breweries? The answer: Community-driven success. Alaskans aren’t easily impressed, and just another fizzy yellow beer, without any character behind it, isn’t going to make the cut. Statewide, our breweries work hard to bring their Alaskan spirit and creativity, from grain to glass. Passion is infused in every step of the brewing process, delivering high-quality ales and lagers to local taprooms filled with smiling patrons.
There Must Be Something in the Water
So what makes Alaska craft beer so special? For one thing, Alaska must source the majority of its brewing ingredients, packaging, and equipment from Outside. With high shipping costs to such a remote state, life as a brewery owner in Alaska is serious (and often risky) business.
But one can’t overlook the fact that Alaska has one of the cleanest and most abundant resources that is vital to a beer’s quality: Water. Indeed, we have lots of it. Our watersheds are born from the source—glacial ice and snowmelt—producing cold, clean, and soft water. It’s a brewer’s dream. Since 90 percent of beer by volume is water, Alaska breweries are able to produce some of the cleanest, most true-to-style ales and lagers in the country.
Alaska’s Beer Map
From the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks (just 200 miles from the Arctic Circle) to Sitka (only 900 miles from Seattle), Alaska’s 40+ Breweries are spread over a large geographical distance. Some of these breweries fall off our limited road system and are only accessible by boat or airplane. So, if you plan on visiting them all in one trip, fuel up the Super Cub and get busy. (Otherwise, you can also take a few good road or rail tours that help point the way—and do the driving for you—like Big Swig Tours, led out of Anchorage by Alaska beer expert Bryan Caenepeel.)
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Wineries & Breweries
How unique is the 49th State? For starters, it’s the only brewpub restaurant here that serves Alaskan yak, in the form of a yak burger. Or tuck into the buffalo meatloaf, a specialty. Don’t miss the housemade Bavarian pretzel. And Fridays bring a special treat — a pig roast, with a pig from a local farm, roasted in ale and smoked over alder wood
Craft beer, locally sourced food, and a terrific location in the heart of downtown Anchorage all add up to a can’t‑miss experience. Dine inside the two-story restaurant, or step upstairs to the rooftop deck for magnificent views of the Alaska Range and Cook Inlet.
Tent City Taphouse is an authentic Alaskan gastropub located in the heart of Anchorage. Discover delicious, locally sourced cuisine and a wide variety of Alaskan beers on tap. Experience the unique blend of Alaskan history and modern décor while enjoying a meal with friends and family. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn about Anchorage’s Tent City history and enjoy brunch with a flight of mimosas in four flavors.
The Glacier Brewhouse is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Meals are served in a large rustic dining area, complete with a fireplace in the middle, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s always abuzz with conversation. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood and meats while sampling a spectrum of homemade beers. Before or after you meal, be sure to check out the brewing equipment on display through the glass wall.
Ursa Major was one of the first distilleries in Alaska and the first legal distillery in Fairbanks. Today they’re dedicated to the fine craft of small-batch spirits, and you can enjoy their akavit, rum, vodka, gin, canned cocktails, and seasonal releases of whiskey. Visit the tasting room, join a tour, or take a mixology class!
High-quality spirits crafted and mixed with local ingredients have brought success to this tiny distillery. Its setting in a renovated, post-and-beam structure overlooking Chilkoot Inlet add charm to the experience.
Arkose Brewery is named after Arkose Ridge and Arkose Peak in the Talkeetna Mountain Range of Palmer, Alaska. You can enjoy a pint of artisan ales, take a brewery tour (every Tuesday at 6 p.m.) or attend one of our fun events such as Beer Meets Canvas and Beer Meets Chocolate. Find Arkose beer at many locations throughout the state. See our website and facebook page for more information. Cheers!
Homer Brewing Company opened its doors in 1996 and has been a local fixture ever since. The brewery is open 7 days a week, until about 6pm (hours vary slightly, so it doesn’t hurt to call ahead). While there isn’t an official tour, you’re welcome to look around while you enjoy your brew.
Serving up locally brewed beers in a fun, family-friendly pub atmosphere, St. Elias is a favorite with locals and travelers. It draws a crowd and can get loud and a little wild if they have live music. But without a band, it’s a fun, happening place. They have a great deck for nice afternoons, serve sampler flights of their beer and have great pizza and big salads.
Bobby Wilken, Owner and Brewmaster, walks visitors behind the counter and through the process from raw grains (stacked in the back corner) to finished beer, which takes three weeks from start to completion. Visitors get a close-up view of the mill, production vessels, and stainless steel storage and fermentation tanks through which the beer must pass. Bobby, an approachable and passionate businessman, breaks down the significance of each step ...more
Originally the Fox Roadhouse, this old-style building has been renovated to house a brewery and brew pub. Ten miles from Fairbanks, the brewery has at least a dozen house-made beers on tap, and a huge selection of bottled brews, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in town. There’s a large, open beer garden out back, ideal for summer nights. And the food’s great.
This brewery in Skagway, Alaska is also is restaurant. Signature brews include the Prospector Pale, Chilkoot Trail IPA, Boom Town Brown, Blue Top Porter.
Beer, hard seltzer, soda, and cold brew coffee in Auke Bay. Open daily 11am-8pm.
You can stop into this local Kenai brewery for a taste, or a tour. Tours are offered every other Friday at 6pm. Be sure to call in advance.
Kodiak Island Brewing Company opened in 2003 and is the only brewery on the island. Their inviting Taproom allows locals and visitors to sample some brews, enjoy a pint or two or take a growler to go.
Located on Main Street in Haines, Alaska, you can enjoy a brew inside or in their outdoor beer garden.
Established in 1986, the Alaskan Brewing Co was the first brewery to open in Juneau after Prohibition. Stop in for a guided tasting to sample a variety of brew uniquely created by the owners to reflect flavors similar to those of the Gold Rush Era. Gift Shop and Tasting Hours Winter: October — April: 11 a.m. — 6:00 p.m., Monday — Saturday Summer: May — September: 11 a.m. — 7 p.m., 7 days a week
You’ll find this inviting brewery and restaurant on Main Street in Talkeetna. Single Engine Red, Twister Creek IPA, and the Slow Down Brown are local favorites.
Juneau’s first and only distillery in the heart of Downtown Juneau open daily from 1pm — 8pm. Sample their Juneauper Gin, Single Malt Whiskey, and a selection of rotating cocktails. Canned cocktails are available for purchase.
Discover the unique selections of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at this family owned and operated craft brewery in the heart of beautiful Homer, Alaska. Connect with Homer’s community at their brewery events, including local artists and chefs. Visit their website to see the full calendar of events.
Enjoy a glass in the tasting room, or pick your favorite to go. Beers are available in 6‑packs, 64 oz. growlers, and kegs for larger gatherings. Favorites include Skilak Scottish and Sunken Island IPA. Now also serving food! Monday — Sunday, 12pm — 8pm.