Craft Brewery Tour on an Alaskan Cruise
If you haven't experienced an Alaskan cruise, you're truly missing out! Most journeys will take you to three or four charming Alaskan ports, along with the Canadian cruise Port of Victoria. Each of these stops offers something special, from whale watching to breathtaking glaciers and fishing! After exploring the wilderness and visiting historic gold rush sites, don't forget to treat yourself to some excellent local brews from authentically delicious breweries. Here are a few must-visit Alaskan microbreweries during your Alaskan cruise.
JUNEAU:
One of the most well-known breweries in the 49th state is the Alaskan Brewery, located just a short taxi ride north of the Juneau Cruise Port. Established in 1986, this brewery welcomes visitors daily except Sundays and is the sole brew house in Juneau. Its beers reach the western United States, and for those on the mid-west or east coast, Alaskan Brewery beer can be hard to come by, so make the most of your port stop.
SKAGWAY:
Skagway Brewing offers one of the most renowned Spruce Tip brews, where the brewmasters infuse each barrel with tips from spruce trees, imparting a unique flavor. Additionally, the pub is just a short walk from the Skagway cruise port, allowing you to enjoy a variety of beers and still have time to stroll back to the ship.
Gold Rush Brewery is a bit further out of town, but it’s only a quick bus or bike ride down the Klondike Highway. Its taproom is open six days a week, offering samples of some of the finest root beer around and delicious southern-style barbecue to complement their ales.
SITKA:
Sitka may not be a frequent stop for cruise ships, but if you're fortunate enough to visit this tranquil town, be sure to check out the Barnoff Island Brewing Company and their taproom to savor their seasonal brews. Don't miss their Medvejie brew, which delivers a robust flavor for a stout.
VICTORIA:
Although not technically in Alaska, most Alaskan cruises include a stop at this Canadian Pacific port, and beer enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that Victorians (yes, that's what they call themselves) take pride in their excellent microbreweries. The challenge? Figuring out how to sample them all, and frankly, we don't have a solid answer for that.
We recommend starting your exploration at the furthest brewery from the cruise port and gradually making your way back. This strategy helps ensure that your beer tasting adventure doesn’t result in an unexpected overnight stay in Victoria. One gem is Spinnaker's Gastro Brewpub, tucked away in a quieter part of town. If your beer flight doesn’t end with the Orange Karma Oatmeal Cream Ale, be sure to grab a pint. It's rich, delicious, and might make returning to the ship on time a bit tricky.
Your final stop, conveniently located near the ship, is Swans Brewpub right in downtown. This was my top choice for an IPA during the cruise, but be sure to order a full flight to sample your six favorites. Plus, there's no need to worry about finding a table; the bar in the center of the room is perfect for holding your drinks, jacket, and even your feet.
Victoria boasts more microbreweries than we've mentioned, but we’re unsure if our legal team would approve any further recommendations. As you stroll back to the ship, don't forget to snap some pictures of the stunning Victoria parliament building along the way. Most importantly, keep track of the brews you loved, as many breweries will happily ship some back to your everyday, non-cruise life until you can return to the ship again.
Evaluation :
5/5