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The art of blending whiskey: Meet the Master blenders in Alaska

Photo for: The art of blending whiskey: Meet the Master blenders in Alaska

30/03/2023 The relationship between Alaska and whiskey has a long history.

It was in 1986, that a young couple in Juneau, using what little information they could find from the 1900s, started brewing. Today, there are close to 40 breweries.

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Alaska is known for its rugged wilderness, stunning natural landscapes, and harsh weather conditions. It's a place where people come to experience the raw beauty of nature and test their limits in outdoor adventures. And what better way to cap off a long day of hiking, fishing, or hunting than with a glass of whiskey?

The relationship between Alaska and whiskey has a long history. Whiskey has been a staple of the Alaskan lifestyle for centuries, providing warmth and comfort during the long, cold winters. In the early days of Alaska's history, whiskey was used as a currency and traded for furs, goods, and services.

Meet the master blenders:

1. Anchorage Distillery 

We distill whiskey from winter rye grown in the valley between the Talkeetna and Chugach mountain ranges. We add glacier water before aging the spirit in a new oak barrel. Never chill-filtered, the result is a rare Alaskan whiskey that only a few will discover.

Anchorage Distillery

2. Port Chilkoot Distillery

With a mash bill of 70 percent rye grain, Wrack Line Rye has enough rye character and spice to announce its presence, yet it is balanced enough to play well with others in a cocktail. It starts with our small batch grain-to-barrel distillations on site. After maturing on site for at least 3 years, we combine our rye barrels with a Straight Rye Whiskey made in the heart of U.S. Whiskey-country.

Port Chilkoot Distillery

3. Amalga Distillery 

Amalga Distillery is Juneau's first distillery. Located in historic Downtown Juneau, the tasting room is the still house, offering visitors the unique opportunity to sit down with a cocktail next to the still where the spirits were produced. Amalga's still is a 250-gallon pot from Vendome Copper and Brass out of Kentucky—they've been making stills longer than anyone else in the US, and this one is custom-built for Amalga Distillery. 

Amalga Distillery

4. Arctic Harvest 

In April 2017 we created our debut spirit. Born from grain grown and malted under the midnight sun, Solstice Shine is an unaged, white whiskey that is smooth, young, and wild. Drink it neat or add it to your favorite cocktail. Our favorite after a long day on the farm is a Moonshine Margarita! 

 Arctic Harvest

Written by Rasika Mahajan, Beverage Trade Network

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