Glacier Brewhouse and the Great Alaska Beer Train

The Alaska Railroad, established and for many years operated by the federal government, was purchased by the state in 1985.  Headquartered in Anchorage, trains run north to Fairbanks and south to Seward and Whittier, where the big cruise ships dock.  In addition to scheduled runs, the railroad sets up special excursion trains with various tourism-focused companies.  

One such company, Glacier Brewhouse in downtown Anchorage, celebrates October with the Great Alaska Beer Train, a four-hour run along the Cook Inlet with fabulous views, delicious food, and of course plenty of beer. A $200 ticket buys you the experience, six half pints of different beers paired with the food, and the food, of course, brought to you at your seat.  Here is the menu for 2022: 

And this was how the bratwurst sausage was served--

The train doesn't cover a lot of distance in the two hours south, maybe fifty miles.  It does a turnaround and heads back to Anchorage at the same speed, with plenty of time to sip and savor the scenery and the beers.  The sixth token for a half point can be your choice after trying the five on the list.  I went back and had another strong stout!  Wish I had had a Seward's Folly to compare it to.  

I checked out Glacier's restaurant/taproom the next day.  They make at least a dozen beers so there were some good brews that didn't get to ride the train this year.

(Train ride 10/01/22)