Friends of Alaskan Brewing (AK)

A Golden Summer for Alaskan Brewing

2008-06-09T10:38:09Z

June 2008

Alaskan Brewing Wins Four Medals at World Beer Cup
Brewery brings home gold from the 'Olympics of Beer'

Alaskan Brewing Company brought home four international medals for quality from the World Beer Cup in San Diego, California on April 19. Alaskan Summer Ale and Alaskan Smoked Porter both took Gold medals in their respective categories with Alaskan Barley Wine and Alaskan Jalapeno IPA winning Bronze medals.

"Brewers all over the world participate in order to win recognition for their creativity and brewing ability," said Charlie Papazian, founder of the World Beer Cup and President of the Brewer's Association, the U.S.-based trade association that has put on the competition every two years since 1996. "For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold medal allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best example of that beer style in the world."

This year, 644 breweries from 58 countries came together at the biannual event to vie for international recognition in the 91 beer style categories. Professional brewers and industry experts from 21 countries served as the judges in the competition. The 129 judges worked in teams to conduct "blind" tasting evaluations of the beers to determine the top awards. The World Beer Cup has acquired the title of "the Olympics of Beer' because it is one of the very few international beer competitions awarding only one gold, silver and bronze in each category.

"It is an honor to come away with even one award from an international competition like the World Beer Cup," said Alaskan's Plant Manager, Curtis Holmes, who was on hand to receive the medals. "But for us to win four medals in a competition where we are judged against nearly 3000 other quality beers from all over the world is pretty amazing, and a testament to our crew's commitment to creating a quality product."

Alaskan Brewing's summer seasonal brew, Alaskan Summer Ale, won its first World Beer Cup Gold medal this year in the Golden or Blonde style ale. Alaskan Smoked Porter, a limited edition brew released in the fall, also was a gold medal-winner this year in the Smoke-Flavored beer category. Alaskan Barley Wine, bottled for the first time this year, won bronze in the Barley Wine-style ale category. The second bronze went to Alaskan Jalapeno IPA, which won a medal in the Fruit and Vegetable beer category. This beer is part of Alaskan Brewing's "Rough Draft" series and only available on draft with limited distribution in Alaska.

Several other breweries located in Alaska fared well at the World Beer Cup, with Midnight Sun Brewing Co. from Anchorage taking bronze in the Other Belgian-Style Ale Category for 'Pride,' and newcomer Kassik's Kenai Brew Stop winning bronze in the Strong Scotch Ale category for 'Caribou Kilt Strong Scotch'.

"Alaska is a difficult place to brew beer and receiving recognition by the industry for that hard work gives everyone a morale boost and validates what we do every day," says Holmes. "We were happy to share in the excitement and support with the other participating breweries and brewpubs based in Alaska, it was a great night for everyone."

Visit the Brewer's Association web site for a complete listing of entries and awards at www.beertown.org.

Alaskan IPA Named the Top New Craft Beer Brand in 2007

Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) listed the newest addition to the Alaskan Brewing family of beers, Alaskan IPA, as the number one new craft brand in 2007 and in the Top 15 fastest-growing new brands across all beer categories. IRI statistics are based on 2007 supermarket case sales.

IRI also listed Alaskan Amber in the Top 15 national craft beer brands based on dollar sales in 2007, and Alaskan Brewing Co. among the top 25 breweries nationwide, which is no small accomplishment, considering Alaskan Brewing products are distributed only in Alaska and nine Western states.

Such positive sales statistics for Alaskan IPA mean great things for the Pacific Ocean and coastlines as well. Alaskan Brewing donates one percent of sales from Alaskan IPA to the nonprofit ocean conservation initiative Coastal CODE. The CODE, which stands for "Clean Oceans Depend on Everyone" awards funding through grants to organizations and individuals dedicated to conserving and cleaning up the Pacific Ocean and shores while also increasing awareness about the need for everyone to do their part for the protection of the world's greatest resource.

Outside Magazine names Alaskan Brewing Co. as
"Best Place to Work" in 2008

Alaskan Brewing Company was recently named to Outside magazine's inaugural "Best Places to Work" list. The brewery was ranked No. 5 in the medium companies group, and in the top 15 companies overall. The full list and related stories were published in the May issue of Outside magazine, now available on newsstands.

"We are all really excited to be a part of this short list of amazing companies," says Alaskan Brewing Co. General Manager, Linda Thomas. "A key part of our mission statement is to have fun growing individually and as a company, so learning that we were selected as one of the best places to work in the nation by such an adventurous publication as Outside Magazine definitely reiterates the 'fun' element of our operations."

Outside's "Best Places to Work" list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group. The magazine conducted extensive surveys - based on benefits, compensation, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives and community outreach programs - designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the country.

The extensive, year-long process initially identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. The companies were then sent a confidential employee-satisfaction survey and employer-questionnaire to collect information about benefits, policies and practices.

The result is a list of 30 U.S. companies that make it possible for employees to balance productivity with an active, eco-conscious lifestyle. Alaskan Brewing is the only company from Alaska named in the list of 30. Other listed companies include Patagonia, Smith Optics and Clif Bar & Co.

Alaskan Brewing has a long tradition of investing in their employees and their community. The brewery offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including tuition reimbursement and interdepartmental cross training, profit sharing, 100 percent covered medical, dental and vision premiums, as well as employee ownership opportunities. Lunchtime barbeques and regular sponsored events and parties bring together employees and their friends and families to create a fun, diverse and satisfying daily workplace.

"Our employees are all personally invested in Alaskan Brewing and ensure that we produce a high quality product, so we operate more like a family than a business," says Alaskan Brewing Co-Founder Marcy Larson. "We believe in a 'work hard, play hard' environment."

The company has recently involved their employees in additional efforts geared towards sustaining the environment outside the workplace. Alaskan Brewing donates 1 percent of proceeds from Alaskan IPA sales to helping clean up the Pacific coast through their nonprofit ocean conservation initiative Coastal CODE. The brewery provides coordinated opportunities for their employees to join in and do their part for the environment through local cleanups and other events in Southeast Alaska.

"These 30 companies figured out that there is a way to have it all and understand the growing need for work/quality of life balance," said Chris Keyes, Editor of Outside. "These organizations have found a way to bring company morale to a whole new level while at the same time being responsible to their local communities and the environment. It's a trend that we only see increasing in the years ahead."

Alaskan Brewing Co. Answers the Call to Distribute in Colorado
Brewery moves into a new market for the first time in three years

Alaskan Brewing Co. is pleased to announce that after 20 years of attending and bringing home awards from the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, the brewery will finally begin supplying thirsty consumers in Colorado year round.

Inundated over the years with requests from Colorado consumers, Alaskan Brewing has answered the call with the launch of Alaskan Amber along Colorado's Front Range in early spring, with the Alaskan Summer Ale, Alaskan Pale and Alaskan Smoked Porter to following this month. Fans in Colorado who have previously traveled to neighboring states for Alaskan Beer are excited to hear that the wait is over.

"I've heard a rumor today that I can hardly believe! Can it be? That after all these years you'll be coming to Denver, Colorado?" asked Alaskan Brewing fan Boyd of Denver, "Please say it's so! And if it's true, pack in a bomber of Smoked Porter and some IPA for the trip!"

Fresh kegs arrived in late-March for delivery to those pubs and restaurants eager to satisfy their taste for adventure with Alaskan Amber. Alaskan Amber's newly released packaging, with the vivid red and iconic Alaskan commercial fishing boat, is now available alongside Alaskan Pale and Alaskan Summer Ale in retail accounts around Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.

Please contact Communications Manager Ashley Johnston at ajohnston@alaskanbeer.com or 907-780-5866 for more information, beer samples or photos.

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A Golden Summer for Alaskan Brewing

2008-06-05T09:55:34Z

June 2008

Alaskan Brewing Wins Four Medals at World Beer Cup
Brewery brings home gold from the 'Olympics of Beer'

Alaskan Brewing Company brought home four international medals for quality from the World Beer Cup in San Diego, California on April 19. Alaskan Summer Ale and Alaskan Smoked Porter both took Gold medals in their respective categories with Alaskan Barley Wine and Alaskan Jalapeno IPA winning Bronze medals.

"Brewers all over the world participate in order to win recognition for their creativity and brewing ability," said Charlie Papazian, founder of the World Beer Cup and President of the Brewer's Association, the U.S.-based trade association that has put on the competition every two years since 1996. "For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold medal allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best example of that beer style in the world."

This year, 644 breweries from 58 countries came together at the biannual event to vie for international recognition in the 91 beer style categories. Professional brewers and industry experts from 21 countries served as the judges in the competition. The 129 judges worked in teams to conduct "blind" tasting evaluations of the beers to determine the top awards. The World Beer Cup has acquired the title of "the Olympics of Beer' because it is one of the very few international beer competitions awarding only one gold, silver and bronze in each category.

"It is an honor to come away with even one award from an international competition like the World Beer Cup," said Alaskan's Plant Manager, Curtis Holmes, who was on hand to receive the medals. "But for us to win four medals in a competition where we are judged against nearly 3000 other quality beers from all over the world is pretty amazing, and a testament to our crew's commitment to creating a quality product."

Alaskan Brewing's summer seasonal brew, Alaskan Summer Ale, won its first World Beer Cup Gold medal this year in the Golden or Blonde style ale. Alaskan Smoked Porter, a limited edition brew released in the fall, also was a gold medal-winner this year in the Smoke-Flavored beer category. Alaskan Barley Wine, bottled for the first time this year, won bronze in the Barley Wine-style ale category. The second bronze went to Alaskan Jalapeno IPA, which won a medal in the Fruit and Vegetable beer category. This beer is part of Alaskan Brewing's "Rough Draft" series and only available on draft with limited distribution in Alaska.

Several other breweries located in Alaska fared well at the World Beer Cup, with Midnight Sun Brewing Co. from Anchorage taking bronze in the Other Belgian-Style Ale Category for 'Pride,' and newcomer Kassik's Kenai Brew Stop winning bronze in the Strong Scotch Ale category for 'Caribou Kilt Strong Scotch'.

"Alaska is a difficult place to brew beer and receiving recognition by the industry for that hard work gives everyone a morale boost and validates what we do every day," says Holmes. "We were happy to share in the excitement and support with the other participating breweries and brewpubs based in Alaska, it was a great night for everyone."

Visit the Brewer's Association web site for a complete listing of entries and awards at www.beertown.org.

Such positive sales statistics for Alaskan IPA mean great things for the Pacific Ocean and coastlines as well. Alaskan Brewing donates one percent of sales from Alaskan IPA to the nonprofit ocean conservation initiative Coastal CODE. The CODE, which stands for "Clean Oceans Depend on Everyone" awards funding through grants to organizations and individuals dedicated to conserving and cleaning up the Pacific Ocean and shores while also increasing awareness about the need for everyone to do their part for the protection of the world's greatest resource.

Subscribe to Friends of Alaskan Brewing (AK) via email by entering your email address below:

Alaskan Brewing Wins Four Medals at World Beer Cup

2008-04-23T12:16:02Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ashley Johnston
Alaskan Brewing Co.
907.780.5866
ajohnston@alaskanbeer.com
pr@alaskanbeer.com

Alaskan Brewing Wins Four Medals at World Beer Cup®
Brewery brings home gold from the 'Olympics' of beer

JUNEAU, ALASKA � April 19, 2008 - Alaskan Brewing Company brought home four international medals for quality from the World Beer Cup® in San Diego, California on April 19. Alaskan Summer Ale and Alaskan Smoked Porter both took Gold medals in their respective categories with Alaskan Barley Wine and Alaskan Jalapeno IPA winning Bronze medals.

"Brewers all over the world participate in order to win recognition for their creativity and brewing ability," said Charlie Papazian, founder of the World Beer Cup® and President of the Brewer's Association, "For a brewer, a World Beer Cup gold medal allows them to say that their winning beer represents the best example of that beer style in the world."

This year, 644 breweries from 58 countries came together at the biannual event to vie for international recognition in the 91 beer style categories. Professional brewers and industry experts from 21 countries served as the judges in the competition. The 129 judges worked in teams to conduct "blind" tasting evaluations of the beers to determine the top awards. The World Beer Cup® has acquired the title of "the Olympics of Beer' because it is one of the very few international beer competitions awarding only one gold, silver and bronze in each category.

"It is an honor to come away with even one award from an international competition like the World Beer Cup," said Alaskan's Plant Manager, Curtis Holmes, who was on hand to receive the medals. "But for us to win four medals in a competition where we are judged against nearly 3000 other quality beers from all over the world is pretty amazing, and a testament to our crew's commitment to creating a quality product." Alaskan Brewing's summer seasonal brew, Alaskan Summer Ale, won its first World Beer Cup Gold medal this year in the Golden or Blonde style ale. Alaskan Smoked Porter, a limited edition brew released in the fall, also was a gold medal-winner this year in the Smoke-Flavored beer category. Alaskan Barley Wine, bottled for the first time this year, won bronze in the Barley Wine-style ale category. The second Bronze went to Alaskan Jalapeno IPA, which won a Bronze medal in the Fruit and Vegetable beer category. Alaskan Jalapeno IPA is part of Alaskan Brewing's "Rough Draft" series and is available on draft only with limited distribution in Alaska.

Several other breweries located in Alaska fared well at the World Beer Cup®, with Midnight Sun Brewing Co. from Anchorage taking Bronze in the Other Belgian-Style Ale Category for 'Pride,' and newcomer Kassik's Kenai Brew Stop winning Bronze in the Strong Scotch Ale category for their 'Caribou Kilt Strong Scotch'Ale.

"Alaska is a difficult place to brew beer and receiving recognition by the industry for that hard work gives everyone a morale boost and validates what we do every day," says Holmes. "We were happy to share in the excitement and support with the other participating breweries and brewpubs based in Alaska, it was a great night for everyone."

Visit the Brewer's Association web site for a complete listing of entries and awards at www.beertown.org.

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Copyright © 2003 - 2008 Alaskan Brewing Company, all rights reserved.
Alaskan Brewing Company
5429 Shaune Dr., Juneau, Alaska 99801-9540
p (907) 780.5866
Site: http://www.alaskanbeer.com
E-Mail info@alaskanbeer.com

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Outside Magazine names Alaskan Brewing Co. as one of America's Best Places to Work in 2008

2008-04-17T08:55:07Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ashley Johnston
Alaskan Brewing Co.
907.780.5866
ajohnston@alaskanbeer.com
pr@alaskanbeer.com

Outside Magazine names Alaskan Brewing Co. as one of America's Best Places to Work in 2008
Small craft brewery honored for employee benefits and environmental stewardship

JUNEAU, AK, APRIL 2008 - Alaskan Brewing Company today was named to Outside magazine's (www.outsideonline.com) inaugural "Best Places to Work" list. The brewery was ranked No. 5 in the medium companies group. The full list and related stories were published in the May issue of Outside magazine, now available on newsstands.

"We are all really excited to be a part of this short list of amazing companies," says Alaskan Brewing Co. General Manager, Linda Thomas. "A key part of our mission statement is to have fun growing individually and as a company, so learning that we were selected as one of the best places to work in the nation by such an adventurous publication as Outside Magazine definitely reiterates the 'fun' element of our operations."

Outside's "Best Places to Work" list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group (www.bestcompaniesgroup.com) (BCG). The magazine conducted extensive surveys - based on benefits, compensation, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives and community outreach programs - designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the country.

The extensive, year-long process initially identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in the United States. The companies were then sent a confidential employee-satisfaction survey and employer-questionnaire to collect information about benefits, policies and practices.

All of the results were analyzed by BCG's experts, who selected the top 30. The winners where then broken down into three categories: small (15-49 employees); medium (50-249) and large (250+). The result is a list of 30 U.S. companies that make it possible for employees to balance productivity with an active, eco-conscious lifestyle. Alaskan Brewing is the only company from Alaska named in the complete list of 30 organizations. Other listed companies include Patagonia, Smith Optics and Clif Bar & Co.

Alaskan Brewing has a long tradition of investing in their employees and their community. The brewery offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including tuition reimbursement and interdepartmental cross training, profit sharing, 100 percent covered medical, dental and vision premiums, as well as employee ownership opportunities. Lunchtime barbeques and regular sponsored events and parties bring together employees and their friends and families to create a fun, diverse and satisfying daily workplace.

"Our employees are all personally invested in Alaskan Brewing and ensure that we produce a high quality product, so we operate more like a family than a business," says Alaskan Brewing Co-Founder Marcy Larson. "We believe in a 'work hard, play hard' environment."

The company has recently involved their employees in additional efforts geared towards sustaining the environment outside the workplace. Alaskan Brewing donates 1 percent of proceeds from Alaskan IPA sales to helping clean up the Pacific coast through their nonprofit ocean conservation initiative Coastal CODE (www.coastalCODE.org). The brewery provides coordinated opportunities for their employees to join in and do their part for the environment through local cleanups and other events in Southeast Alaska.

"These 30 companies figured out that there is a way to have it all and understand the growing need for work/quality of life balance," said Chris Keyes, Editor of Outside. "These organizations have found a way to bring company morale to a whole new level while at the same time being responsible to their local communities and the environment. It's a trend that we only see increasing in the years ahead."

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ABOUT ALASKAN BREWING CO.
Alaskan Brewing Co. has been making award-winning beer in Juneau, Alaska, since 1986. The Alaskan Brew Crew bottles the unique character of the Last Frontier with historic recipes, local ingredients and glacier-fed water. Alaskan Brewing handcrafts Amber, Pale, ESB, Stout, IPA, Smoked Porter, Winter Ale and Summer Ale. Visit www.alaskanbeer.com.

ABOUT OUTSIDE MAGAZINE Outside is America's leading active lifestyle magazine, with over two million readers a month. For more than 30 years, the magazine has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. Along with receiving many other accolades, Outside is the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence. Visit the magazine online at www.outsideonline.com.

ABOUT BEST COMPANIES GROUP Best Companies Group (BCG) was formed in January of 2004, with the purpose of identifying and recognizing best employers within a city, statewide, regional and industry stages. BCG will partner with B-to-B media and other business or human resource organizations to publicize the opportunity, encourage participation and to recognize those who make the list of "Best Places to Work," "Best Companies" and "Best Employers."

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Alaskan Amber to get an exciting new look

2008-02-15T08:00:39Z

February 2008

Alaskan Amber:
Exciting New Package, Same Great Taste of Alaska

Alaskan Brewing Co. is adding some excitement to shelves this March with new packaging for the Alaskan Amber. The updated design features a vibrant red label and new dramatic artwork from renowned Alaskan artist John Fehringer. Fans of Alaskan Amber will be relieved to know that although the bottles have a brand new look, when it comes to the recipe of Alaskan Brewing's flagship beer, we haven't changed a thing.

The illustration on the new packaging also maintains the image of the Southeast Alaskan fishing vessel featured on the past Alaskan Amber labels since its release in 1986, but with a new sense of place and the exhilaration of running the waters of the Inside Passage. Alaskan Brewing co-founders Marcy and Geoff Larson recall searching for the perfect boat to serve as a character model for the Amber Package, that is, until the morning when Marcy looked out of her window to see the fishing vessel Caribou anchored just off shore from their home in Juneau, Alaska. The F/V Caribou, which is owned and operated by local Juneau resident and fishing captain Will Metcalfe, represents the remote coastal lifestyle of those that call Southeast Alaska home.

"Our motivation for the 2008 package redesign was to refine the artwork and lend the vivid red of the boat to the package as well," says brand manager Cindy Burchfield, "When the opportunity arose to work with John Fehringer, we knew we were on to something." Having lived in and around Southeast Alaska since 1980, Fehringer has developed a reputation for capturing the Alaskan experience in his artwork.

Fehringer says that he considers it a privilege to be a part of the label design process and made it his goal to "portray the duality of the term 'art' with Alaskan Amber; the artwork on the package, and the art of creating Alaskan Amber beer." Fehringer used his signature technique of airbrush and gouache, and opaque watercolor to bring new life and fresh excitement to the vessel and the dramatic Southeast Alaskan landscape.

Over the next two years, Alaskan Brewing will work with Fehringer to redesign and update the imagery of the Alaskan brand line. The complete set will continue to promote to the "family of products" produced by Alaskan Brewing Co. To learn more about John Fehringer and his work, visit his website at www.fehringerstudios.com.

Alaskan Brewing Co. celebrates bottled Barley Wine success at Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival

The Egan Convention Center reached capacity January 18 & 19 for the 13th Annual Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival. One of the most highly regarded festivals of its kind, the Anchorage event brought beer enthusiasts from all over the country to compare brews and share their appreciation for craft brewing. More than 5700 attendees and volunteers enjoyed live music and local entertainment, as they tasted the more than 200 draft beers on tap over the weekend. A portion of the proceeds from the sold-out event was contributed to the American Diabetes Association.

This year the festival provided the option of an alternative "Connoisseur's Session" Saturday afternoon, during which Alaskan Brewing featured an exclusive pour of the vintage 1996 Alaskan Smoked Porter. Also on tap this year from Alaskan Brewing was Alaskan Amber, Alaskan Stout, Alaskan Winter Ale, Alaskan IPA, Alaskan Smoked Porter and, of course, the Alaskan Barley Wine.

Alaskan Brewing Co. first introduced the Alaskan Barley Wine at the Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival in 2003 and fans of the specialty brew have been asking to see it in bottles ever since. Five years and several awards later, Alaskan Brewing returned to the festival in January to celebrate the success of the first-ever limited release of Alaskan Barley Wine in 22-ounce bottles.

The Alaskan Barley Wine first arrived in stores, as well as on draft, in select locations in Alaska, Washington and Oregon in early January, but the limited-edition release did not stay on shelves for long. Alaskan Brewing Co.'s gift shop sold out so quickly that even those who brewed the Alaskan Barley Wine had to stand in line to purchase a bottle.

"It was in and out," says Matt Maples at Liquid Solutions, a national internet-based beverage distribution company, of the Alaskan Barley Wine. "We started with 55 cases - they sold out in less than a week." Maples isn't surprised about the high demand for the 22oz bottles, "people make a lot of crazy barley wines, but this one is so well put together and balanced it's quite the hot ticket." When asked about the second shipment of cases he received in mid-January, Maples replied, "It's gone."

For more information about where to buy or order Alaskan Barley Wine and all Alaskan Brewing Co. products, please visit www.alaskanbeer.com/faq.html.

Alaskan Brewing Crew hit the trail for the 2008 Iditarod Sled Dog Race®

Alaskan Brewing Co. is proud to be an official sponsor of the 2008 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®. The Alaskan Brew Crew are no strangers to overcoming the challenges of the remote Alaskan landscape, making the Alaskan Amber a natural partner for "The Last Great Race." Since 1986, Alaskan Brewing has been brewing and bottling all of its beer in Juneau, Alaska despite the 1,500-square-mile ice field and the daunting peaks of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts, which separate this remote coastal town from the rest of the country.

"The Iditarod is an event that is so unique to Alaska it draws people from all over the world," says Brew Crew member and Iditarod volunteer Charlie Brown, "It represents the spirit of volunteerism and the excitement of an authentically Alaskan adventure."

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® challenges the courageous spirit of the mushers and their teams as they race against the elements and cross over two of North America's tallest mountain ranges along the more than 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome. More than 100 ambitious teams are kicking off the grueling race this year on March 1, in Anchorage.

Alaskan Brewing Co. is also sharing the excitement of the Iditarod with its West Coast consumers by hosting two sweepstakes winners and their guests at the start of the 2008 Iditarod. Randy Sooter from Tucson, Arizona was the winner of the 2007 Princess Cruises Passport Sweepstakes and Kathryn Bakken from Everett, Washington was the winner of the 2007 Leader of the Pack Iditarod Trip.

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Alaskan Brewing receives health and safety award

2007-12-14T07:35:28Z

Alaskan Brewing receives 4th federal award for outstanding health, safety

JUNEAU, ALASKA � December 14, 2007 � The Alaskan Brewing Co. has been presented the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award for its outstanding employee safety and health programs. This is the fourth consecutive SHARP award for the craft brewery since 2001.

�This company has been setting a tremendous example by meshing a top-notch workplace safety and health program into its business plan,� said Click Bishop, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which administers SHARP, a federal recognition program. �The success this company has had should make it crystal clear how important it is to focus real effort on workplace safety.�

To qualify for SHARP a company must have an injury illness rate below the national average and have a complete safety and health management program that is found to be satisfactory in every category, said Bill Nickerson, SHARP coordinator for the state of Alaska. Nickerson said those categories include hazard prevention and control; safety and health training, planning and evaluation; and management and employee participation. Alaskan Brewing Co.�s Juneau plant is one of only 17 SHARP sites in the state, he said.

�Our Brew Crew is like a family,� said Heather Conlin, Human Resources Manager for Alaskan Brewing. �We care as much about the health and safety of our crew as we do about the taste and quality of our beer. We�ve found that our investment in a healthier and safer work environment has also led to greater crew satisfaction and productivity. We can�t think of a better investment.�

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For more information or artwork, please contact Communications Manager Amy Phillips at aphillips@alaskanbeer.com and 907-723-0713.

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Alaskan Smoked Porter wins bronze at European Beer Star Awards

2007-11-19T20:51:56Z

JUNEAU, ALASKA � November 19, 2007 � Alaskan Smoked Porter won a bronze medal in the Smoked Beer category at the European Beer Star Awards. The winners were announced Thursday at the beverage industry�s largest trade fair, the BRAU Beviale in Nuremberg, Germany.

�We were excited to hear that our Smoked Porter was awarded a bronze medal at the European Beer Star Awards,� said Plant Manager Curtis Holmes. �Rauchbiers have been around for centuries and are still an important cultural beer style in Germany. To win a medal against the brewers in Europe that have defined this smoked beer style is definitely an honor for us.�

The international beer contest, which was started in 2004 by the Association of Private Breweries in Germany and the Association of Small and Independent Breweries in Europe, has become a very competitive and coveted prize. This year a record 575 beers from 212 breweries and 28 nations were submitted, setting a record for number of participants and marking a 30 percent increase over last year.

The European Beer Star medal is only the most recent in a string of awards for Alaskan Smoked Porter. The specialty brew just won a silver medal in the Smoke-Flavored Beer category and a bronze medal in the Aged Beer category for the 2004 vintage at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in October, securing its distinction as the most award-winning beer in the history of the nation�s largest and most prestigious beer festival.

What gives Alaskan Smoked Porter its unique taste is smoking the malt over alder wood, a hardwood indigenous to Southeast Alaska that is often used to smoke fish. In addition to imparting its flavor, smoking helps preserve the beer. Like a fine wine, Alaskan Smoked Porter is handcrafted in limited-edition vintages and can be aged for years. The 2007 vintage of Alaskan Smoked Porter is being released this month, in time to toast its recent wins and to celebrate the holidays.

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For more information, artwork or beer samples, please contact Communications Manager Amy Phillips at aphillips@alaskanbeer.com and 907-723-0713.

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Alaskan Barley Wine released in bottles for the first time ever

2007-11-19T20:43:04Z

JUNEAU, ALASKA � November 19, 2007 � Alaskan Brewing Co. will offer a limited release of its award-winning Alaskan Barley Wine in 22-ounce bottles for the first time ever in January 2008.

�The release of Alaskan Barley Wine has been highly anticipated every year since this recipe was introduced on draft at the Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival in 2003,� said Co-founder and Brewmaster Geoff Larson. �People from all over have been asking us to bottle it, so we decided to try a limited-edition bottle run this year.�

The specialty brew is what you would expect coming from the most award-winning craft brewery in the history of the Great American Beer Festival. Alaskan Barley Wine has won silver medals at both the 2003 Great American Beer Festival and the 2004 Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival. Most recently the 2004 vintage won first place at the 2007 Toronado Barley Wine Festival.

Alaskan Barley Wine is produced in small batches each year. Typically this higher alcohol beverage is brewed in the spring, cellared in the tunnels of the Alaska-Juneau Gold Mine for the summer and retrieved in time for its release at the Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival in January. The cool tunnels of the mine shaft provide natural refrigeration and a prime environment for the aging process.

Like a fine wine, Alaskan Barley Wine can be aged for years. The bottling of the 2007 vintage of Alaskan Barley Wine will allow individuals to age it to their liking. �We figured we�d leave it up to individuals as to how long to age their Alaskan Barley Wine,� said Quality Assurance Analyst Ryan Harvey. �Some people like barley wines fresh, and others store it for years.�

Harvey says the barley wine category is a broad one. Barley wines feature big malt character, and a high residual sweetness counterbalanced with generous additions of hops. The full body and a higher level of alcohol in this brew, adds to the complex flavor. Harvey characterized Alaskan Barley Wine as a bit darker and more balanced than most. �I think we achieve a good balance,� he said. �There is just the right amount of hops and malt to complement each other without either one being overpowering.�

Alaskan fans agree. Dave and Stephen of Denver made their annual pilgrimage to Alaska in October. During their visit to Alaskan Brewing Co. they sampled for the first time the Alaskan Barley Wine, which was available on draft.

�I can tell you now that we will probably be coming back in February for a load of your Barleywine,� Dave and Stephen wrote in a thank you note to the brewery. �The batch that we tasted at the Alaskan Brewing Company was incredibly flavorful and smooth.�

Alaskan Barley Wine will be available in select retail locations in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. For those who live elsewhere, it will be available online at www.liquidsolutions.biz.

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For more information, artwork or beer samples, please contact Communications Manager Amy Phillips at aphillips@alaskanbeer.com and 907-723-0713.

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2007 Alaskan Smoked Porter to be released in November

2007-10-26T12:10:50Z

October 2007

GABF medals raise excitement for
2007 Alaskan Smoked Porter release
The highly anticipated 2007 vintage of the Alaskan Smoked Porter is being released in November. There is even more excitement about this annual event since Alaskan Smoked Porter recently won medals for both the 2006 and 2004 vintages at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver.

Brew Crew members Ann Metcalfe, left, and Rachael Juzeler accepted the bronze medal for the 2004 vintage of Alaskan Smoked Porter in the Aged Beer category at the Great American Beer Festival. Pictured at right is Charlie Papazian, president of the Brewers Association, who presented them with the medal.

"We look forward to brewing this beer every year," said Brewing Manager Brent Kesey. "And we really look forward to drinking it. Each vintage is a little different because the smoking process is never exactly the same.

"The 2007 has been very well received by our crew, so we think it will be by our fans, too."

This unique beer, which has the distinction of being the most award-winning beer in the history of the GABF with a whopping 16 medals, has a deeply loyal fan base among consumers as well as beer judges. On Oct. 13, the day the GABF awards were announced, a Colorado man left Denver at 3 a.m. to fly to Juneau, Alaska, staying in town only long enough to get a brief brewery tour and pick up four cases of 2006 Alaskan Smoked Porter.

It was the third year running that the Colorado man has made the trip to Juneau for the sole purpose of picking up his favorite beer. This time he brought a friend and the two were treated to samples of the 2005 and 2004 vintages, which were being offered as a special nod to the GABF's Aged Beer category.

One of the most unique characteristics of Alaskan Smoked Porter is that it can be aged like a fine wine. Some yeast is left in it so it continues to condition in the bottle and the smoke acts as a preservative. There's no telling how long this beer can be aged, with some people reporting enjoying Alaskan Smoked Porter five and even 10 years or more later.

The 2007 Alaskan Smoked Porter is a particularly special vintage because it's the first batch made since Alaskan Brewing Co. bought and moved the original commercial smoker to the brewery. The same unit has been used to smoke the malt for every vintage of Alaskan Smoked Porter since it was first brewed in 1988.

Alaskan Brewing's Tom West takes top prize at Fish Alaska Magazine's Recipe Contest
Tom West, a veteran member of the Alaskan Brew Crew, won top honors for his Crustacean Pepper Pot at the Third Annual Fish Alaska Recipe Contest, held recently at the Kincaid Grill in Anchorage. West was awarded $11,000 in prizes and his winning recipe will be published in the January 2008 issue of Fish Alaska Magazine.

Contest judge Larry Csonka, left, congratulates Tom West of Juneau on his first-place win at the Third Annual Fish Alaska Recipe Contest. Csonka is the host of "NAPA's North to Alaska."

West's Crustacean Pepper Pot, which is a Mexican/Thai fusion dish made with Alaskan Summer Ale, beat out three other finalists. He recommends pairing the dish with Alaskan Amber or Alaskan Summer Ale.

The four semi-finalists were asked to prepare their recipes in front of a panel of judges and to provide a serving for each of the 50 guest spectators.

"When they announced my name, I got goose bumps," West said. "It wasn't until I returned home to Juneau that it really soaked in that I won." He said the win has made him consider doing more competitive cooking in the future.

"It was outstanding," recalled Melissa Norris, Fish Alaska Magazine's publisher and contest judge. "I wish he could make it for me right now."

West is no stranger to receiving accolades for his cooking. For the past 15 years he's been a perennial winner at Alaskan Brewing Co.'s annual cook-off, a fun event that showcases cooking with Alaskan beer. In fact, the Crustacean Pepper Pot won a first-place prize at the 2005 cook-off.

The Fish Alaska Recipe Contest was a much more formal affair. "I felt like I was on the Food Network's 'Iron Chef,' with a couple of exceptions," West said. "You already knew the recipe you were cooking and there was no secret ingredient."

West was thrilled by the $11,000 in prizes, which include a three-day stay at the Bear Trail Lodge on the Naknek River, a 38-inch Frigidaire BBQ from Allen & Petersen's Cooking & Appliance Center and a trip to Valdez including two roundtrip tickets from ERA Aviation.

For recipes using Alaskan beer, visit www.alaskanbeer.com.

Tongass National Forest turns 100 and Alaskan brings Winter Ale to the party
Alaskan Winter Ale is being released this month, just in time to help celebrate the 100th birthday of the Tongass National Forest. The largest temperate rainforest in the world, the Tongass is home to many Sitka spruce trees, the tips of which are the prized ingredient in Alaskan Winter Ale. It is the tender new growth of Sitka spruce tips that infuse Alaskan Winter Ale with a subtly sweet floral aroma.

On Sept. 10, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a proclamation setting aside land in the Alaskan rainforest as the Tongass National Forest. This land and other tracts set aside previously and since make up the nearly 17 million acre Tongass National Forest.

"The Tongass is home to a lot of wildlife-including some wild Alaskans," said Marcy Larson, co-founder and co-owner of Alaskan Brewing Co. "We think the one way to celebrate the centennial is to toast the Tongass with Alaskan Winter Ale."

Alaskan IPA Named Hottest New Craft Brand
Alaskan IPA was recently named the "hottest new craft brand of 2007" by Dan Wandel, Senior Vice President of Information Resources, Inc. (IRI).

Wandel's assessment was based on the first 13 weeks of IRI data collected since Alaskan IPA's release in March, in which Alaskan Brewing Co.'s newest beer outperformed other new craft brands in supermarkets in the Pacific Northwest.

Alaskan IPA was initially released in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. In September it enjoyed a very limited released in a few select locations in California, with full distribution in the Bruin state and Reno planned for 2008.

The fruity, citrus nose and hoppy but balanced flavor, as well as the surfing imagery, have proven popular with craft beer drinkers. Alaskan Brewing's commitment to give 1% of all Alaskan IPA proceeds to clean up and preserve the Pacific Ocean and coastlines in its new Coastal CODE initiative has also proven popular.

Recent CODE activities include three grants given to the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation in Alaska, Stop Oregon Litter & Vandalism and California Paddle 2007. The Brew Crew have also sponsored and taken part in beach cleanups in Yakutat and Juneau that collected 7 tons of garbage and 3 tons of garbage, respectively.

Together craft beer drinkers and Alaskan Brewing Co. are making a difference one beer at a time.

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Alaskan Brewing Co. wins 3 medals at 2007 Great American Beer Festival

2007-10-15T13:12:03Z

Alaskan Brewing Co. wins 3 medals at 2007 Great American Beer Festival

JUNEAU, ALASKA � October 15, 2007 � Alaskan Brewing Co. won three medals at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) on Saturday in Denver, maintaining its claim to fame as the most award-winning craft brewery in the history of the nation�s largest and most prestigious beer festival.

It was a big day for Alaskan Smoked Porter, which won a silver medal in the Smoke-Flavored Beer category and a bronze in the Aged Beer category for the 2004 vintage. The two most recent medals maintained its position as the most award-winning beer in GABF history, with 16 medals total. Alaskan Stout refused to be eclipsed by Alaskan Smoked Porter, taking home a bronze in the Oatmeal Stout category.

�We were honored to accept the three medals,� said Ann Metcalfe, Controller at Alaskan Brewing Co., �because with a record 2,800 beers entered, it confirms that our commitment to making excellent beer is recognized and rewarded.�

�The crowds at the sold-out festival lined up to taste our Smoked Porter, which was gone in less than two hours at each session,� Metcalfe said. �This was my first GABF, and I was gratified to see such excitement for our products among all the beer lovers in attendance.�

This was the first medal at GABF for Alaskan Stout, which had won a gold medal at the 2002 World Cup. �I�m so glad that Alaskan Stout won a medal, because I hope it will draw attention to an exceptional beer in a category that can be overlooked,� said Plant Manager Curtis Holmes.

Far from overlooked is the Alaskan Smoked Porter, which has earned a reputation as a world-class beer. As with a fine wine, a limited amount of Alaskan Smoked Porter is made each year and it can be aged. That�s because some yeast is left in the beer, allowing the beer to condition in the bottle with the smoke acting as a preservative.

Alaskan Brewing has an extensive library of vintage Smoked Porter, which was first brewed in 1988. A very popular feature at the 2006 GABF was a rare opportunity to taste 11 different vintages from the stores of Alaskan Brewing�s private library.

Alaskan Smoked Porter is often credited with reviving the rauchbier style in the United States. The malt for this unique beer is smoked over alder wood, a hardwood indigenous to Southeast Alaska that is often used to smoke fish. That winning combination was the result of a partnership between Alaskan Brewing and Taku Smokeries, a fish smokehouse that was then located across the street from the brewery.

In 2005 Taku Smokeries planned an upgrade that would get rid of the existing commercial smokehouse that had been used to smoke the malt for Alaskan Smoked Porter. Luckily, Alaskan Brewing Co. was able to buy the smokehouse that has played such an important part of the history and success of the brewery.

�History and authenticity is very important to us,� said Geoff Larson, Co-founder and Co-owner of Alaskan Brewing Co. �We felt that by buying the original smokehouse we could preserve the quality and consistency of Alaskan Smoked Porter for years to come, as well as a key part of our history.�

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For more information, please contact Amy Phillips at 907-780-5866 and aphillips@alaskanbeer.com

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Alaskan Brewing Co. given Alaska Spirits Award

2007-10-01T15:23:28Z

CHARR honors Alaskan Brewing Co.�s leadership with award

JUNEAU, ALASKA � October 1, 2007 � The Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailer�s Association (CHARR) recently presented the Alaska Spirits Award to Alaskan Brewing Co. for its leadership to improve the hospitality industry.

�The hospitality industry is a very important part of Alaska�s social and economic fabric, and the people in the industry represented by CHARR care very much about their communities,� said Marcy Larson, who founded the brewery with her husband, Geoff. �So being given the Alaska Spirits Award by this statewide association is very rewarding.�

CHARR�s Awards Committee recognized Alaskan Brewing Co. as one of the state�s top exports, as well as Marcy and Geoff Larson�s unflagging support and participation in CHARR, said Kirsten Holzshu, vice president of operations. Both Geoff and Marcy have served as Alaska CHARR Board members and Marcy is active in the Juneau / Lynn Canal chapter, having helped organize the Safe Ride programs in Juneau, Holzshu added.

The award was given at the 4th Annual Alaska CHARR Awards program, held in conjunction with the Annual Charity Auction & Banquet on Sept. 19 at the River�s Edge Resort in Fairbanks. The 130 hospitality industry members in attendance raised more than $25,000 for the Armed Services YMCA at the charity auction.

Giving the Alaska Spirits Award was Leeann Thomas, past officer of the Juneau/Lynn Canal chapter of CHARR and owner of the Triangle Club in Juneau. In 1987 the Triangle was one of the first bars to serve Alaskan Amber.

�I was really honored to present Alaskan Brewing with this award,� Thomas said. �The brewery truly represents the spirit of Alaska, having started with two individuals with a dream and growing to become an Alaskan success story.�

Thomas cited the brewery�s leadership in manufacturing, environmental stewardship and philanthropy. �Alaskan Brewing Co. represents care and quality in everything it does, from its operations and products to its environmental practices and charitable giving,� Thomas said. �In addition, it has a wonderful family-style spirit in its corporate culture. The brewery is a real asset to Juneau and to the state of Alaska.�

The Alaska Sprits Award was created four years ago to honor businesses that show leadership to improve the hospitality industry. Previous winners are K&L Distributors, Brown Jug and the Alaska Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association.

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For more information and high-resolution photos, please contact Communications Manager Amy Phillips at 907-780-5866 or aphillips@alaskanbeer.com.

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