Skagway Brewing Co (Alaska)

Great place in a tourist trap city

First visit: June 9, 2012

Skagway Brewing Co.

Some history

With roots dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, the Skagway Brewing Company first opened its doors in 1897 to serve the thirsty prospectors who had abandoned everything to head North and strike it rich in the gold fields. During its heyday, the Skagway Brewing Company and its brew master Herman Barthel, the most technologically adorned brewer on the West coast, produced up to 30,000 barrels of beer per year and had a bottling operation on site. Multiple breweries operated out of Skagway during the peak of the Gold Rush and by 1900 competition was fierce amongst them. With the Skagway economy on a decline due to the fervor of the gold rush ending and growing prohibition support, the Skagway Brewing Company closed its doors in 1904. In 1916, the “Alaska Bone Dry Law” was passed effectively ending the making and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Territory of Alaska.

Way back when…

In 1997, a local entrepreneur reopened the Skagway Brewing Co. in the Golden North Hotel until 2002 when it again ceased operations. With the brewing tanks collecting dust and locals thirsty for microbrews, South Dakota native and long time Skagway resident, Michael Healy spotted an opportunity and bought the equipment in 2007. Operating in a brand new building, the Skagway Brewing Company again fired up the brew tanks and on July 4th, 2007 opened its doors once again much to the pleasure of locals and visitors alike. This bustling business keeps growing, frantically brewing to keep up with the high demand of its brews and quality-dining menu. We invite you to stop by 7th and Broadway for a fresh pint, delicious food, and a good time.

Food and Brew

First, the stunning brew.

Spruce Tip Ale

Spruce Tip Ale

The signature ale, brewed with spruce tips is a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

“This local favorite incorporates hand picked Sitka Spruce tree tips that add a crisp kick to its creamy, slightly sticky body and floral zest to the fruit and spice flavor.” Draft Magazine “50 Beers, 50 States” July 2009.

Spruce Tip Ale

This is like no other ale I have ever tasted. Think back to your childhood holiday time, and if your family was fortunate to have a Christmas tree gut from a fresh spruce, then you know that unmistakable aroma. Now imagine that aroma transformed into a taste sensation and deawn into a pint glass. Smell it. Taste it. See> Just like your tree, and you don.t need to wait for Christmas to roll around. This is one of the most unusual and delicious brews I have tasted. Now I need to find out how to get it to Albuquerque.

Spicy Carrot Soup

Spicy Carrot Soup

This is an unbelievably rich and delicious soup. hick and creamy. I detected a subtle blend od cumin, garlic, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg (I think),. I’m guessing that the stock was reduced and heavy cream added near the end of cooking. So good that I will try to reconstruct it in my kitchen. I will probably use white rather than black pepper.
Fantastic.

Big Burger

Big Burger

Char-grilled all-natural Black Angus beef burger. Cooked to perfection, medium rare, it was a three-napkin juicy mouthful. Loaded with all the regular goodies including bacon, tomatos, and lettuce. I had this delicious burger served with a side of very nicely done and tasty onion rings that were perfectly fried. Just the right amount of crispiness.

So, SBC is touristy. BFD. Well, I am a tourist and appreciate well prepared food in a fun atmosphere.

I’ll be back on my next trip.