Brewing with history Alaska has a rich history of brewing. From the explorers of the 1700s through the Gold Rush, many a thirsty Alaskan has been able to enjoy locally made beers. In 1986, 28-year-olds Marcy and Geoff Larson reignited that tradition when they opened the Alaskan Brewing Company, the 67th brewery in the country and the first brewery in Juneau since Prohibition. Alaskan beers reflect many of the same characteristics of beers that were brewed here during the gold rush era. From the historically based Alaskan Amber recipe to alder-smoked malts and Sitka spruce tips, Alaskan beers reflect Juneau's local brewing history and innovation.
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A daring solution
Marcy and Geoff were drawn to the beauty and adventure of Alaska, but finding a livelihood that would allow them to stay was a challenge. "Why not start a brewery?" a friend suggested. Other than the extreme financial and logistical challenges of brewing beer in the Last Frontier, they couldn't think of why not. Maybe the idea wasn't so far-fetched. After all, Geoff was a chemical engineer and a homebrewer and was married to Marcy, an adventure-seeking accountant and aspiring bush pilot. Together they brought a unique skill set to the task of opening a brewery in Alaska. While researching brewing in Alaska, Marcy unearthed shipping records from Douglas City Brewing Co. (1899-1907) that listed ingredients for its popular beers and a newspaper article that described the way it was brewed. Geoff homebrewed a batch of the Gold Rush-era brew and they could see what made it so popular. That beer is now known as Alaskan Amber. In December 1986, Alaskan Brewing Co. officially began operations when Geoff, Marcy and 10 volunteers spent 12 hours hand packaging the first 253 cases of Alaskan Amber for distribution in Juneau, Alaska. From that very humble beginning, Alaskan Brewing Co. has grown to become the most award-winning craft brewery in the history of the Great American Beer Festival and expanded distribution to 10 western states.
Marcy and Geoff have provided vision for the company since its beginning in 1986.
Our mission
Geoff and Marcy and the Brew Crew wanted Alaskan Brewing Co. to benefit the state of Alaska and the craft brewing industry. Independently owned and operated since 1986, Alaskan Brewing Co. continues to abide by its three-part mission:
To produce internationally recognized quality malt beverages
To showcase quality-oriented manufacturing in Alaska as financially rewarding to its stakeholders
To have fun growing both individually and as a company
There are some tastes that are timeless. That is why we offer Alaskan's menu of beers that are available for every season every year, which offers a full range of styles and flavors, from malty to hoppy, from light to rich, and from floral to citrusy. Sometimes good things come to those who don't wait. Cheers!
Alaskan Amber - Our flagship beer is based on a turn-of-the-century recipe that quenched the thirst of miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. Smooth and richly malty, this altbier goes well with any meal.
Alaskan Pale - Fresh, crisp and inviting, this golden ale is a favorite with crab, prawns and salads. The floral aroma of hops is derived from dry hopping during the fermentation process.
Alaskan IPA - The very intense, complex aromatic character with a refreshing, crisp finish is achieved by dry hopping. The fruity, citrusy aroma is a nice complement with grilled prawns and spicy foods.
Alaskan White - The unique aroma of coriander and the crisp finish of orange peel of this witbier pairs well with spicy foods and lighter fare such as seafood and salads.
Alaskan Stout - This beer offers the richness of stouts without the harshness. It pairs well with hearty meals, chocolate and desserts. It also makes a delightful fireside sipper.
Marcy and Geoff were drawn to the beauty and adventure of Alaska, but finding a livelihood that would allow them to stay was a challenge. "Why not start a brewery?" a friend suggested. Other than the extreme financial and logistical challenges of brewing beer in the Last Frontier, they couldn't think of why not.
