Craft-brewed beer is becoming a lifestyle in Alaska. With their stouts and IPAs, t-shirts, stickers and repurposed growlers, microbreweries are popping up like spring forget-me-nots. Most breweries—Alaska has almost 30—are located on the mainland's road system. From the largest brewery, Alaskan Brewing Company, to the newest, Resolution Brewing Company, Alaska maintains a high standard of beer quality and brewery aesthetics. Here is the lowdown on six we visited this spring.
Arkose Brewery
Named for Arkose Ridge and Peak in the Talkeetna Mountain Range, Arkose Brewery is located near the state fairgrounds and it's the perfect stop for an afternoon refreshment. Their brewing equipment is American-made (in Portland, Oregon) and their tap handles are Alaska molded steel, crafted just down the road from their brewery. We recommend stopping by if you're craving a darker beer.
Lighter: Bitter Earth ESB, 5%
Darker: Boxcar Porter, 5.3%
650 E Steel Loop, Palmer, AK 99645 • 907-746-2337
Homer Brewing Company
Homer Brewing is an Alaska microbrewery that doesn't just cater to beer connoisseurs. They also carry their own chai tea syrups—which make for a fragrant shop. The brewery is family friendly and has an outdoor beer-sipping deck, complete with park benches and coffee table. They have a wide selection of beers, but don't drop by hoping for an IPA—the owner prefers to steer clear of them.
Lighter: Old Inlet Pale, 4.9%
Darker: Odyssey Oatmeal Stout, 6.3%
1411 Lake Shore Dr, Homer, AK 99603 • 907-235-3626
Kassik's Brewery
Known for their particularly sassy beer names (like Morning Wood IPA), Kassik's is a 15-minute detour off of Kenai's Main St., and is worth the extra mileage. The family-owned brewery opened nine years ago, and the drinks are as refreshing as ever. Owners Frank and Debara Kassik are true Alaskans who brought their children up from California 20 years ago. They're involved in their community and promote the local hockey team with their Power Play IPA.
Lighter: Orion's Quest Red Ale, 6.8%
Darker: Caribou Kilt, 8.5%
47160 Spruce Haven St, Kenai, AK 99611 • 907-776-4055
Kenai River Brewing Company
This brewery is really where the Soldotna locals hang out. Upon walking in, expect conversations to halt and an awkward pause to commence. Following the initial elevator glances—and assuming you're friendly—you are soon welcomed into their hometown clique and conversations. Kenai River will allow you to mix beers (try the Honeymoon Hefe and Gummi Bear for a true sugar rush), and don't forget to bring your lunch because they welcome outside food. Be aware: you will most likely leave with the town gossip and a growler or two.
Lighter: Honeymoon Hefe, 5.2%
Darker: Naptown Nut Brown, 6.3%
Just because: Gummi Bear, 9.2% (A Belgian tripel, they use gummy bears to sweeten the beer instead of sugar.)
241 N Aspen Dr # 100, Soldotna, AK 99669 • 907-262-2337
Resolution Brewing Company
You will feel like you're in Seattle when you step foot into this microbrewery, and then you'll taste the beer and it takes you right back to Anchorage. Resolution opened in March of this year and beer sales have skyrocketed. Owners Brandon Hall, Chris Castaneda and Luke Bowen created a product and brand all while Hall was on tour in Afghanistan.
Lighter: Tent City, 5.9%
Darker: Father Dyer, 7.2%
3024 Mountain View Dr, Anchorage, AK 99501 • 907-720-7964
St. Elias Brewing Company
St. Elias practically pulls you into Soldotna, and it's the one stop on this brewery tour that serves full meals. The flights are also some of the most affordable and their walls are covered with frontier-style wallpaper and art—pay special attention to the bathroom ceilings.
Lighter: Even Keel Kolsch, approx. 5%
Darker: Mother's Milk Stout, 3.8%
Just because: Framboise Lambic, 6-7%
434 Sharkathmi Ave, Soldotna, AK 99669 • 907-260-7837
This story appeared in the May 2015 issue of 61º North Magazine. Contact 61º editor Jamie Gonzales at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com.