This fall I got to thinking how long ago it had been since I had seen Alaska (close to half a century) and when I learned of the Great Alaskan Beer Train run on the Alaska Railroad, I figured I should go up there again. A flight to Anchorage and soon I was at the tourist information center, a log cabin in the heart of downtown. Lining up some sightseeing trips led to the identification of some vital destinations in center city.
Two blocks from the tourist center I spied the brewpub 49th State Brewing and moseyed in for a mid-afternoon pint. The substantial building sits on the edge of a bluff, created by the 1964 earthquake which rocked the city, traces of its damage still plain to see. A 15-bbl brewing system in the lower level cranks out a good choice in beers.
The tap handles at the bar indicate the variety of styles. Some are carved from local materials like whale bones. I tried a pint of the Blonde Eagle (5.2%) upon learning that this was the flagship ale. Stomach full, I passed on the foods offered in the menu but saw a number of tasty-sounding salmon options.
The Russian Imperial Stout (11.2%) merited a can to take to my lodgings and try that evening. William Seward, the Secretary of State named to his cabinet by Abraham Lincoln and still serving Andrew Johnson in 1867, negotiated the purchase of Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million. The transaction was derided by some in Congress as Seward's Folly; the critics had no idea of the riches this land contained. The rich, sweet, malty flavor disguises the potent alcohol content of this one-and-done stout.
(Visited 09/29/2022)
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