Traipsing a glacier, dog sledding in the snow, or purveying the landscape is a treat. It’s equally thrilling to experience Alaska through its refreshing microbrews made with unique, local flavors. Whether you prefer the light crispness of an IPA or the rich, hoppy taste of a golden ale, any of these beers will fulfill what you crave as you indulge in a beer-tasting experience that can only be created and savored while in the wilderness of the Last Frontier.
One of Alaska’s most popular delicacies, spruce-tip beers provide an earthy, yet light flavor. Depending on the time of year these green tips are harvested, locally crafted beers most often have notes of citrus or a deeper punch with the essence of pine (when using matured plants). Different brewing methods determine if the color will be a deep brown with woodsy hues or golden and transparent with a smooth finish. It’s among the most popular in the state, giving beer enthusiasts and flavor explorers a taste of the land.
The combination of malt that’s noticeably pronounced, and the freshness of the spruce, this beer is a local favorite. What makes Skagway Brewing’s concoction a standout is the balance of citrusy accents and the flavor of spruce on the finish.
This seasonal, award-winning beer is a selective blend of freshly-sprouted spruce tips, and a moderate amount of hops. What makes this beer especially delightful is the range of flavors to experience at different stages of the drinking experience. A mixture of fruitiness and mild maltiness compliments the distinct spruce flavor.
Juneau and the surrounding areas have an ever-flowing reservoir of glacial water. With a focus on sustainability and a commitment to excellent quality, local breweries use glacial water in the production of several brews, elevating the final product and enhancing the overall experience.
Brewed with glacial water, this beer is noticeably lighter than standard lagers while retaining the satisfyingly bold tastes of hops and malt. Boasting richness and crispness, it’s the best of both worlds in the world of beer.
A blend of five types of hops, a curated mixture of malts, and glacial water, Alaskan Brewing’s Icy Bay IPA delivers an almost savory flavor that invigorates the senses. This beer pleasantly satiates and gifts the drinker a light and refreshing twist.
In the world of beer production, new and innovative flavors are always in development. One way that many local breweries and distilleries find inspiration and create new beers for consumption is the incorporation of wild berries into their recipes and formulas. An array of wild berries is locally sourced to transform different varieties of beers into unpredictable yet exciting flavor experiences.
Pleasantly fruit-forward, the abundance of raspberries included in the recipe of this wheat beer boasts natural tartness yet provides levity to the wheat base. The berries in this beer are so plentiful that they even change color. It makes for a visually and tastefully enticing drink.
Call this one a dessert in a glass. While the blueberry is center stage, the hints of vanilla provide a sweet balance. Kettle sour beers are unique in their deep, rich color. The frothiness from the foam provides an almost creamy element to the flavor that transforms it levels above what one expects an ordinary beer to be.
Exceptional experiences start with what the earth gives us. The great Alaskan breweries have not only mastered sourcing and utilizing the freshest ingredients around, but it’s another reason the Alaskan experience is a holistic travel experience — transforming what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. Plan your Alaska voyage today.
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