As the crushing weight of reality, pandemic, political upheaval and Southeast Alaska’s foul, foul weather combine to smash us into smears on the pavement, Juneau’s breweries are taking part in an event to remind you: Beer is here, and it loves you.
Alaskan Brewing Company, Barnaby Brewing Company, Devil’s Club Brewing Company and Forbidden Peak Brewery, along with breweries across the state, are holding a month-long event through Feb. 14 to celebrate their craft and raise money for the Brewer’s Guild of Alaska.
“Beer is a labor of love, and they are ready to share the hard work they have put in,” said Darcy Kniefel of the Brewer’s Guild Events Committee, in a news release. “The breweries are getting more creative in their events, and that means we are getting so much more out of our AK Beer Month than ever before.”
Juneau’s breweries will take part in the AK Beer Chase, an app-based scavenger hunt with a $20 registration fee. Breweries will involve their products in the game and contribute to the prizes.
“I think it’ll be fun,” said Andy Kline, marketing manager for Alaskan Brewing, in a phone interview. “We’re working on providing as safe an environment as possible.”
[Health department split would hurt Alaska Natives, leaders say]
The Brewer’s Guild, founded in 2002, is taking over organization of the AK Beer Week, said Alex Vrabec, development coordinator for the Brewer’s Guild. About 40 breweries across Alaska will take part, Vrabec said, as well as some taprooms and restaurants.
“A lot of the little tasks and scavenger hunt type things, we came up with those so Juneau people can participate,” Kline said. “Try a seltzer if you haven’t tried one. Or try a barrel-aged beer if you haven’t tried one. Show us the wildest place you’ve taken Alaskan gear. We’ve managed to work in a lot of dog pictures. We like dog pictures.”
Alaskan will also contribute an Alaskan Brewing snowboard to the pot for one of the winners of the Beer Chase, Vrabec said. Other prizes include a $500 grand prize and various contributions from breweries. The money from the registration helps the Brewer’s Guild, which in turn advocates for breweries among Alaska’s labyrinthine liquor laws.
“Friday, we’re kicking off with a virtual toast. People can head to the AK Beer Week page,” Vrabec said. “It’ll be something fun and a little different and COVID-conscious.”
Juneau’s brewers will also be holding events at their breweries over the coming weeks.
“We have a keg talk. That’s gonna be on the 27th. We’re gonna have a flight that we’re going to go through with a couple of my brewers and myself,” Kline said. “We’ll be sending out a virtual invite.”
Other breweries are having out-the-door specials. Barnaby Brewing is putting together some specials, said Emily Barnaby in a phone interview. Forbidden Peak will be selling a tropical themed four course food and beer pairing to go, in cooperation with Red Spruce, beginning next week, said marking and taproom director Meghan Chambers in a phone interview. They’ll also be releasing a popular favorite, the Northern Escape, a passion fruit and guava blonde.
“We’re doing a weekly raffle every Tuesday on our social media,” said Evan Wood, co-owner of Devil’s Club. “For AK Beer Month we will be re-releasing one of our most popular winter beers in four-packs for the first time on Sunday, the Moon Drop Hazy Pale Ale.”
Ready for the AK Beer Chase?
Sign up at myalaskatix.com/events/beer-chase-1-15-2021. Registration is $20 and benefits the Brewer’s Guild of Alaska.
For events at Juneau’s breweries, check out their social media.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
