Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Alaska on the Map
In the heart of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, the 49th State Brewing Company on the scenic Ship Creek waterfront offers a vibrant introduction to the state’s craft beverage scene. Just a short walk from downtown, this brewery’s taproom buzzes with local energy and boasts a distinctive Alaskan style, infusing native ingredients like spruce tips and blackcurrants into their beers. Visitors can sip a flight while gazing out over the inlet, where fishing boats and bald eagles provide a distinctly Alaskan backdrop. The combination of panoramic harbor views and creative brews makes this spot a favorite year-round, though the endless daylight of summer evenings casts a particularly magical glow over the setting.
Venture about 30 minutes north of Fairbanks to discover the Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co., nestled in Fox, a small town on the edge of the vast interior wilderness. This brewery is famed for being the northernmost brewpub in the United States, where hardy craft styles like their Yukon Jack Stout reflect the rugged spirit of the region. The cozy taproom, often warmed by a wood stove during the long winter months, offers travelers a uniquely intimate experience after exploring nearby trails such as the Chena River State Recreation Area. Winter visitors may catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead, enhancing the warmth and camaraderie at this far-north favorite.
On a remote stretch of the Kenai Peninsula, just east of the town of Homer, the Homer Brewing Company provides an inviting counterpoint to the area’s rugged coastal beauty. After a day hiking the well-known Grewingk Glacier Trail or exploring the Homer Spit’s tidal flats, visitors can unwind here with a pint that often showcases local berries and spruce essence. The brewery’s rustic interior echoes the region’s seafaring heritage, and from the windows, guests often glimpse the towering peaks of the Kenai Mountains. Summer months bring a lively outdoor patio scene where fresh ocean breezes mingle with the scent of pine and brewing hops.
Travel southwest from Anchorage into the Matanuska Valley to reach the Talkeetna Brewpub, located in the historic town of Talkeetna, about two hours’ drive north. This lively spot is a hub for mountaineers and adventurers preparing for Denali expeditions, offering robust ales and lagers that match the ruggedness of the nearby Alaska Range. Visitors can pair their drinks with hearty Alaskan fare while reflecting on views of Denali’s snow-capped summit framed by oversized windows. The pub’s proximity to the Denali National Park gateway makes it an ideal stop during the summer months, when daylight lingers well into the evening and the mountain views are clearest.
In Juneau, the state capital nestled in the Tongass National Forest about 900 miles southeast of Anchorage, the Alaskan Brewing Company’s visitor center draws craft beer enthusiasts eager to sample classics such as the Kodiak Brown Ale and Amber Ale. Here, guests can join guided tours that explain the unique brewing process, which incorporates glacier-fed water from the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. Exploring the glacier’s trails during summer or early fall before heading to the brewery enriches the sensory experience, tying the drink directly to the pristine natural environment that defines Alaska’s hospitality.
Not far from Juneau, the Eagle Crest Distillery offers a distinctly Alaskan twist on spirits, located in the small community of Douglas Island. Known for their artisanal small-batch vodka and gin, the distillery sources wild Alaska botanicals like fireweed and spruce tips that impart a fresh, piney character to their liquors. Visitors can tour the intimate production space and sample cocktails crafted with local flair, gaining insight into how the harsh climate and inventive local palate combine here. Summer and early fall tours often coincide with local festivals, enhancing the chance to mingle with locals who cherish these homegrown spirits.
Finally, in the far-flung town of Sitka on Baranof Island, about an hour’s flight southwest of Juneau, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp occasionally collaborates with local wineries and distilleries to highlight Alaskan-grown grapes and fruits, despite the challenging climate. While vineyards are rare, this coastal town’s innovative winemakers cultivate hardy varietals and fruit wines, often experimenting with native ingredients like salmonberries and blueberries. Visitors to the Sitka National Historical Park can explore totem trails and then stop at local tasting rooms that celebrate these unique flavors, offering a taste of Alaska’s frontier spirit blended into every glass. The late summer months bring mild weather and abundant light, perfect for wandering both cultural and culinary landscapes.