Alaska rewards those who go the extra mile—and Alaskan Brewing Co. proves it with every pour. From a rugged perch in Juneau, the brewery channels maritime history, glacial waters, and local ingredients into award-winning beers like Smoked Porter and Amber. This spotlight covers what to drink, what to expect at the brewery, and how to plan a visit that makes the most of Alaska’s capital city.
Quick Snapshot
- Brewery Name: Alaskan Brewing Co.
- Location: 5364 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
- Website / Contact: https://www.alaskanbeer.com/
- Signature Beer: Alaskan Smoked Porter (iconic seasonal) and Alaskan Amber (flagship)
- Vibe in 3 Words: Historic, rugged, innovative
The Beer
What They’re Known For
Alaskan Brewing Co. built its reputation on precision and place. Their beers often mirror Alaska’s landscape and seafaring roots—clean, balanced, and sturdy enough for long winters yet refreshing after a day on the water. Two standouts anchor the story:
- Alaskan Amber: A smooth, altbier-inspired amber with rich malt character, caramel notes, and a crisp, clean finish. It’s the pint most travelers know first and the benchmark for balance in the lineup.
- Alaskan Smoked Porter: A seasonal legend. Brewed using smoke-kilned malt influenced by techniques from traditional smoked beers, it layers chocolate, coffee, and campfire aromas with a silky mouthfeel. It’s cellar-friendly and evolves with age—vintages are prized by collectors.
Beyond these pillars, expect crisp lagers, hop-forward seasonals, and beers that nod to Alaska’s natural pantry—spruce tips, local berries, and glacially chilled water that keeps profiles bright and focused.
Unique Brewing Styles and Techniques
- Glacier-cooled precision: Brewing practices emphasize temperature control in a challenging climate, producing remarkably clean fermentations and consistent quality.
- Smoke heritage: Smoked Porter remains a category-defining beer in the U.S., showcasing restrained smoke that enhances rather than overwhelms.
- Local ingredient expressions: Spruce tip additions, coastal inspiration, and seasonal ingredients reflect Alaska’s bounty and maritime history.
- Sustainability mindset: Operating in a remote location encouraged early adoption of resourceful systems and efficiency in brewing and packaging—key for supplying a geographically vast state.
Recommended Must-Try Beers
- Alaskan Amber: Start here for a sense of house balance—malt-forward, smooth, and food-friendly.
- Alaskan Smoked Porter (seasonal): If it’s pouring or available in bottles, do not miss it. Explore a vertical if offered.
- Spruce Tip Ale or a seasonal with local additions: A distinctive, aromatic beer that captures the forest in a glass.
- A rotating IPA or pale ale: Expect bright citrus and pine aligned with the coastal setting.
- A lager or pilsner: Clean and bracing—perfect after a glacier trek or a day on the water.
Flights and Samplers
Flights are typically available and are the best way to compare House Classics (Amber, a lager) against Exploratory pours (Smoked Porter, seasonal spruce tip, or a limited release). Build a four- to five-pour flight and finish with a full glass of your favorite.
Atmosphere & Experience
Taproom and Space
The taproom pairs modern brewery polish with rugged Alaska charm. You’ll see stainless tanks, wood accents, and historical nods to Juneau’s maritime past—charts, photos, or artifacts that root the space in the region’s seafaring DNA. The energy is laid-back and welcoming; visitors swap travel stories while locals drop in for a pint after work. On clear days, the surrounding mountain air and coastal light make the tasting room feel both cozy and wide open.
Family- and Dog-Friendliness
Expect a community-forward approach: families are welcome during daytime and early evening hours, with board games and low-key seating that suits groups. Dogs are often welcome in designated outdoor areas (leashes required). Policies can vary seasonally, so check signage or the website before bringing your pup.
Events and Happenings
- Seasonal releases (notably Smoked Porter)
- Limited-run small batches and taproom-only variants
- Occasional live music or community events tied to local festivals or cruise season
- Educational tastings highlighting brewing techniques, ingredients, or history
Follow the brewery’s social channels for release dates, event calendars, and special tasting opportunities.
Vibe: Local Hangout vs. Destination
It’s both. Alaskan Brewing Co. is a neighborhood staple for Juneau residents and a bucket-list stop for beer travelers. You’ll find fishermen chatting with hikers, cruise visitors comparing flights, and regulars swapping notes on the latest seasonal.
Food & Pairings
Food Options
The focus is beer, but you won’t go hungry. Food options can include:
- Food trucks during busy days and special events
- Strong bring-your-own or snack-friendly policy when trucks aren’t present
- Nearby eateries serving fresh seafood, wild game, and classic Alaskan fare
Check the brewery’s schedule for food truck rotations and plan to pair your flight with local bites from Juneau’s dining scene.
Best Beer + Food Pairings
- Alaskan Amber + halibut fish and chips: Caramel malt complements golden crust while the crisp finish cuts through fried richness.
- Smoked Porter + cedar-plank salmon or smoked black cod: Echo the smoke while the roast character highlights the fish’s natural oils.
- Spruce Tip Ale + Dungeness crab or spot prawns: Evergreen aromatics lift sweet shellfish flavors.
- IPA + reindeer sausage or game burger: Hop brightness balances savory spice and char.
- Pilsner/Lager + oysters on the half shell: Clean, mineral snap flatters briny, cold-water oysters.
Local Collaborations
Expect collaborations with local producers and culinary partners—smokehouses, seafood purveyors, or artisan food vendors—especially around seasonal releases. Ask the beertenders what’s new; limited collab cans or taproom-only kegs often move fast.
Logistics & Practical Tips
Getting There and Parking
- Address: 5364 Commercial Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
- Website: https://www.alaskanbeer.com/
- Parking: On-site and nearby street parking; space is generally manageable, though summer can be busier with tourism traffic.
- Transport: Rideshares and taxis operate in Juneau; cruise visitors should check shuttle or tour options. The brewery is a practical stop before or after outdoor excursions.
Tours and Reservations
Tours may vary by season and demand. If you want a deeper dive—especially during peak travel months—book ahead through the website. For casual tastings, walk-ins are common. Groups should call or email to coordinate space and timing.
To-Go Beer
- Cans and bottles: Core beers and seasonals available cold to-go.
- Limited releases: Smoked Porter and seasonals may have limits—buy early if you see them.
- Crowlers/Growlers: Availability can vary by beer; some specialties remain draft-only.
Travel tip: Bring a soft cooler and ice packs. Glacially precise beer deserves glacier-level care on the way home.
Merch Highlights
- Technical outerwear, beanies, and flannels suited to Southeast Alaska
- Branded glassware and limited-release posters
- Bottle openers, stickers, and enamel pins with maritime motifs
- Gift packs—perfect for sharing classic Alaska flavors back home
Local Flavor
What Makes Alaskan Brewing Co. Stand Out
Alaskan Brewing Co. didn’t just adapt to its environment; it embraced it. Maritime stories shape recipe choices, glacial water drives the crisp house character, and local ingredients create unmistakable regional signatures. The brewery helped define what “place-based beer” means in the U.S., proving that remote doesn’t mean limited—it means focused, inventive, and resilient.
Nearby Attractions and Crawl Ideas
Juneau is a playground for outdoors and culture:
- Mendenhall Glacier: Hike, kayak, or simply take in the icefield views before a post-adventure pint.
- Downtown Juneau: Galleries, historic sites, and seafood spots line walkable streets.
- Whale-watching tours: Pair a morning on the water with an afternoon flight in the taproom.
- Local brewery circuit: If time allows, build a short crawl with other Juneau breweries and tap-focused bars for variety.
Ask the Staff
“What’s the under-the-radar pour right now?” You might land a spruce tip seasonal, a pilot lager the brewers are excited about, or a small-batch porter that won’t hit distribution. If a Smoked Porter vertical tasting is possible, seize the chance.
Traveler’s Notes
Why Beer Tourists Should Visit
You’ll taste Alaska in the glass—clean, deliberate beers anchored by history and honed by climate. Amber offers an instant introduction to the house profile, while Smoked Porter delivers a masterclass in balance and age-worthiness. The taproom’s hospitality and the surrounding landscape turn a simple beer stop into a memory.
Best Time to Go
- Summer: Lively with visitors, food trucks, and outdoor energy; prime time for pairing beer with glacier hikes and whale tours.
- Shoulder seasons (spring/fall): Fewer crowds, deeper conversations at the bar, and seasonal releases.
- Winter: Cozy taproom sessions and malt-forward seasonals; a great time to explore darker styles.
My Recommendation
Build a flight that tracks from bright to bold: lager or pils, Amber, seasonal IPA, spruce tip ale, then Smoked Porter. If you can, add a Smoked Porter vintage next to the current release to compare how smoke and roast evolve with time. Pair with local seafood if a truck is on-site, or plan dinner nearby and carry a couple of bottles home.
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
Alaskan Brewing Co. marries maritime history, glacial precision, and local ingredients into a lineup that feels both timeless and distinctly Alaskan. Set your compass to 5364 Commercial Blvd, check the website for hours, tours, and releases, and give yourself time to explore both the taproom and the terrain. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list beers like Smoked Porter, seeking the smooth balance of Amber, or exploring seasonal expressions, this Juneau pioneer delivers a sense of place you can taste.
