I'm traveling to Juneau this week. I know it's a smallish city. Either way, just in case, any recommendations? I'm aware of Alaskan Brewing (and the internet says there's a place called Barbary Brewing), but anything else to watch out for? Breweries, bottle stores, specific bottles/cans? Thanks in advance!
Alaskan and Barnaby are our locals. Alaskan (which locals will just call "the brewery") has changed their policies in the past year, and no longer gives out free tasters. They've got a number of beers on tap, some things that will likely be brewery-exclusives (small batches/one offs), and basically all of their core beers. It's a small, tight, tasting room. Barnaby is new this year, and he brews on a 1 barrel system. Mostly lower ABV beers, a wide range of styles. Most of his beers are good, a few are outstanding (recently took US Beer Cup Gold for his common). While not beer, just down the block from Barnaby is Amalga Distillery, the other new kid on the block doing excellent gin and tap cocktails. Very recommended. As for others to watch out for: Percy's is where you'll find the most interesting selection, bottle-wise. They get things that no one else in town brings in. If you're looking for hops, be careful and look at dates however, as things can sit in here for a while. Breeze In (specifically the Valley location on Trout St) has the largest selection, and if you're looking for other goodies from the other alaskan breweries (Midnight Sun, 49th State, Denali, Anchorage, Arkose...) your best selection of those will probably be found at Breeze In. If you're looking for pints downtown, The Hangar on the Wharf has the best selection of handles, with a wide variety of PNW craft, lots of Alaskan Brewing, and usually some other AK breweries. There are a bunch of other bars downtown, most with decent selections. The Alaskan Hotel & Bar is probably the only other that usually has an interesting selection on, and usually something that no one else in town will have (and almost always has Old Rasputin on, which is a bonus) If you end up with other specific questions, hit me up. Depending on schedules, I may even be able to meet up and buy you a pint. Enjoy Juneau! It's supposed to be a nice week.
Hey @blackcloud ! I'd been meaning to reply to your very helpful post. Excuse the delay. Our time in Juneau was way too short. We were without a vehicle, staying near the airport a couple of nights, before and after the Chilkoot trail. I underestimated the size of Juneau; we were SO lucky to have the Breeze-In within walking distance. Wow! Thanks for the recommendation! Despite the short time, we picked up Alaskan's Mocha Milk Stout and Midnight Sun's Sockeye and Pleasure Town. All solid offerings! Then, in Skagway, we tried Denali's Twister Creek and Alaskan's Icy Bay...So, mostly a sample of IPAs, but would love to return. Not enough time in beautiful Juneau. Your post will be helpful for future travelers. Cheers!
