Hello, was wondering if any Alaska BA's could shed some light on Anchorage Brewing for me. My sister is driving from Alaska to New York in about a month to visit, and I was thinking of asking her to pick up some Anchorage bottles for me. Is the best place to pick up bottles to go at the brewery itself, or is a store a better idea? I really want to try Bitter Monk, Love Buzz, and Darkest Hour especially. Thanks for any advice!
Don't send her to the brewery; it's not open to the public. She should try La Bodega on E. Benson and/or the Brown Jug Warehouse just north of the intersection of Tudor Blvd and the Seward Highway. Not sure what she'll find on the shelves; once Gabe releases something, it typically doesn't hand around long. But she can get you bottles of what's on offer currently.
I'm not sure whether those three beers are available right now, but Anchorage beers are definitely available outside of Alaska and I was under the impression they could be obtained in places like Illinois and maybe even New York? They're certainly available in Washington, Oregon, and California but I think they have (or had) a semi-nationwide distribution arrangement w/ Shelton Brothers. Maybe shoot them a message via their contact page? If nothing else they can give you a good idea where in Alaska your sister might be able to find some. But yes, if you do manage to score any, I think you'll be impressed. A fine brewery indeed.
