Alaska has long been a land of saloons and suds, but the scene has shifted from basement home-brews to a world-class industry. Today, Alaska is in the middle of a true “beer boom,” with local breweries popping up in nearly every corner of the state.
At Alaska Tours, we know that a cold pint is the perfect way to cap off a day of glacier trekking or wildlife spotting. From the pioneers in Juneau to the newest taprooms in places like the Mat-Su Valley, here is your guide to the best of Alaska’s craft beer scene.
Alaska’s Craft Beer by the Numbers
Alaskans take their brewing seriously. While the Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau put us on the map in 1986, the industry has exploded since then.
Growing Fast: In 2015, Alaska had 27 craft breweries. By 2026, that number has surged to over 60 licensed breweries.
Top Rankings: Alaska consistently ranks in the top 15 nationally for breweries per capita.
Small Town Pride: You’ll find tasting rooms in major hubs like Anchorage and Fairbanks, but also in tiny outposts like Talkeetna and Seward.
Source: www.brewersassociation.org
New Favorites: Breweries to Watch
Since the “boom” began, several new stars have joined the lineup. If you are planning a road trip or a cruise stop, keep an eye out for these newer additions (comprehensive brewery guide below):
Matanuska Brewing Company (Palmer/Anchorage): Established in 2017, they’ve quickly become a local staple with their “907” Pale Ale and deep-sea-themed lagers.
Girdwood Brewing Company (Girdwood): Located near the Alyeska Resort, this timber-framed taproom is the ultimate “apres-ski” spot. Their skiing-themes brews like Down the Chute Kolsch are fan favorites.
Devil’s Club Brewing Co. (Juneau): A modern downtown Juneau favorite that experiments with Belgian styles and local berries.
Bawden Street Brewing (Ketchikan): A cozy, off-the-beaten-path micro-brewery known for its quirky names and small-batch quality.
Unique Brews: Tasting the Alaska Wilderness
What makes Alaskan beer special? It’s the ingredients found right in our backyard. Our brewers forage the forest and tundra to create flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Signature Local Ingredients
Sitka Spruce Tips: Instead of just using hops for bitterness, Alaskans harvest the bright green growth from spruce trees in the spring.
Try: Alaskan Winter Ale (Alaskan Brewing Co.) or Spruce Tip Blonde (Skagway Brewing Co.).
Birch Syrup: Tapped from local trees, this adds a complex, earthy sweetness.
Try: Various seasonal porters and stouts at 49th State Brewing.
Wild Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, and even salmonberries find their way into “Alaska-grown” wheats and sours.
Try: Wild Country Raspberry Wheat (Broken Tooth Brewing).
Glacier Water: Many breweries, like Baranof Island Brewing in Sitka, use pure, glacier-fed water as the base for every batch.
Can’t-Miss Beer Events
If you visit in the winter, you can catch the Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival in Anchorage every January. It is one of the “hoppiest” events in the state, where locals debut their newest creations. In the summer, many breweries host “First Tap” events with live music and outdoor beer gardens that take full advantage of our 24-hour sunlight.
Whether you are looking for a Sockeye Red IPA in Anchorage or a Moose Point Porter on the Kenai Peninsula, there is always a local seat waiting for you.
Denali Brewing Co. (Ashley Heimbigner/Visit Anchorage)
Your Self-Drive Brewery Checklist
One of the best ways to explore the Last Frontier is behind the wheel of a rental car, and our Alaska Tours self-drive itineraries are designed to give you total freedom. Since you’ll likely be passing through some of our most scenic towns, we’ve put together a “Cheers Checklist.”
Whether you are heading north to the mountains or south to the sea, these are the must-stop spots to taste the local flavor.
If your road trip takes you through these iconic destinations, be sure to pull over (and maybe grab a growler for later!) at these local favorites:
Anchorage is the heart of Alaska’s craft beer scene. Whether you are starting your trip here or finishing a long drive, the city offers everything from experimental sours to classic ambers. Many of these breweries are tucked into the “Brewery District” in South Anchorage or right in the middle of Downtown.
Your Printable Self-Drive Brewery Checklist (PDF)
Anchorage Brewery Checklist
If you are staying in or passing through Anchorage, add these top-rated spots to your list:
- 49th State Brewing Co. (Downtown): Known for its massive rooftop deck with views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range.
Address: 717 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Midnight Sun Brewing Co. (South Anchorage): Anchorage’s oldest brewery, famous for the Sockeye Red IPA and bold, barrel-aged stouts.
Address: 8111 Dimond Hook Dr, Anchorage, AK 99507
- Anchorage Brewing Company (South Anchorage): A must-visit for aficionados of wood-aged beers and wild ales. Their tasting room features a beautiful stone fireplace and a rotating list of world-class IPAs.
Address: 148 W 91st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99515
- King Street Brewing Company: Just across from Anchorage Brewing, this spot is famous for its modern, multi-level taproom and consistent favorites like the King Street IPA.
Address: 9050 King St, Anchorage, AK 99515
- Magnetic North Brewing Co.: A newer neighborhood favorite that focuses on small-batch craftsmanship and a cozy community atmosphere.
Address: 8861 Golovin St, Anchorage, AK 99507
- Onsite Brewing Company: A climber-owned “nano-brewery” located in Midtown, perfect for those who like unique, small-batch ales in a relaxed, adventure-themed setting.
Address: 3211 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Cynosure Brewing: Located in the same neighborhood as Onsite, they specialize in Belgian-style ales and lagers with a focus on balance and tradition.
Address: 144 E Potter Dr, Unit L, Anchorage, AK 99518
If You are Heading North of Anchorage (The Parks Highway)
- Eagle River: Stop by Odd Man Rush Brewing. This hockey-themed spot is a local favorite for its community vibe and rotating taps.
Address: 10930 Mausel St, Eagle River, AK 99577
- Palmer: Visit Matanuska Brewing Company. Located in a historic dairy building, they serve up a mean “907” Pale Ale and great food.
Address: 11901 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
- Talkeetna: Check out Denali Brewing Company. Their Twister Creek IPA is legendary, and their downtown brewpub is the perfect place to soak in the quirky town energy.
Address: 13605 E Main St, Talkeetna, AK 99676
- Healy (Denali Park): You can’t miss 49th State Brewing Co. This is where you’ll find the “Into the Wild” bus replica and some of the best views in the Interior.
Address: 248.5 Parks Hwy, Healy, AK 99743
- Fairbanks: Make your way to HooDoo Brewing Co. Their German-style brewing techniques paired with Alaskan water create some of the cleanest, most refreshing beers in the state.
Address: 1951 Fox Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
If You are Heading South of Anchorage (The Seward Highway)
- Girdwood: Be sure to check out Girdwood Brewing Company. Nestled in the trees near the ski resort, it offers an incredible outdoor beer garden with mountain views.
Address: 2700 Alyeska Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587
- Soldotna: Visit Kenai River Brewing Company. It’s the perfect place to swap fishing stories after a day on the river.
Address: 308 N Redwood Way, Soldotna, AK 99669
- Homer: Head to the end of the road for Homer Brewing Company. It’s a laid-back, “unfiltered” experience that perfectly matches the town’s artsy charm.
Address: 1411 Lake St, Homer, AK 99603