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Alaska Beer Tasting Train Rides

Published: September 29, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Beer tasting by rail in Alaska blends two of the state’s greatest pleasures: big, cinematic scenery and bold, craft-forward flavors. Imagine following a ribbon of track along a fjord while beluga whales surface in glacial waters and a brewer talks you through a spruce-tip ale brewed from foraged new growth.

That’s the essence of Alaska’s beer tasting train rides—curated, 21-plus excursions that pair regional brewing talent with the Alaska Railroad’s most photogenic stretches of track. They’re limited, seasonal, and they sell out fast for good reason.

What these trains are

The "Great Alaska Beer Train" Experience

The 470-mile Alaska Railroad running from Fairbanks to Seward via Anchorage is the state's only freight carrier.  It is also unique by providing passenger service as well.

Throughout the year the railroad also offers various special events, including the Great Alaska Beer Train.

Departing from the historic Anchorage Depot, the train noses south along the tidal flats of Turnagain Arm. Here, mountains plunge into the sea, Dall sheep graze the cliffs, and the light turns syrupy by late afternoon—prime photography territory from the wide picture windows and glass-domed cars.

Onboard, the mood is festive but structured. Hosts introduce a lineup that often starts lighter (think crisp lagers or Kölsches) and flows toward hop-forward IPAs and rich, malty darks. Courses of small plates—locally inspired bites like smoked salmon dip, reindeer sausage with mustard, sharp cheddar, or chocolate truffles—arrive in sync with each pour. Brewers or reps talk tasting notes and backstories: how the spruce tips were harvested, why a particular yeast was chosen, how Alaska’s long summer light coaxes different flavors from grain and hops.

The route generally turns around near Portage, sometimes pausing in wide valleys where you can steal views of hanging glaciers and braided rivers. Expect three-and-a-half to five hours round trip, depending on the year’s plan. Seating is reserved, the atmosphere is adult and convivial, and staff keep the experience paced and safe. Because these events are 21-plus, bring a valid ID, and anticipate an emphasis on tasting pours rather than full pints—enough to appreciate variety while keeping the focus on scenery and conversation.

Talkeetna brew train days

Another popular format pairs rail with a brew-centric day in Talkeetna, the quirky, log-cabin town that anchors the Denali Southside. The northbound ride follows the Knik and Susitna river valleys, with broad views and, on clear days, glimpses of Denali hovering on the horizon. In Talkeetna, you’ll have several hours to explore a brewfest or town tastings, visit local taprooms, and sample seasonal releases before returning to Anchorage by rail that evening. It’s an easy, car-free way to enjoy a festival without managing a long drive on the Parks Highway.

Who’s pouring?

Local partners vary by date. Alaska’s craft scene punches above its weight, and events have featured breweries and brewpubs from Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and the Railbelt. You’ll often see names you might also encounter in town—talented teams known for spruce tip ales, richly hopped IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and easy-drinking golds designed for long summer days. The culinary side is usually helmed by a regional restaurant partner familiar with pairing Alaska ingredients to beer—seafood, game, berries, and artisan breads are common threads.

Scenery as a second course

Even without a single sip, these routes are bucket-list rides. Southbound along Turnagain Arm, watch for bore tides racing in and belugas ghosting the water’s surface. Granite walls rise straight from the rails, and the Kenai and Chugach ranges box in the horizon with steel-blue ridgelines. Northbound to Talkeetna, the landscape opens, with wide sky, meandering rivers, and wetlands frequented by moose and waterfowl. Fall colors light up the birch and aspen stands; in spring, the rivers run high and the peaks wear heavy snow.

Practicalities and tips
- Book early. Event trains often sell out weeks or months in advance. When dates post, move fast—especially for dome-car seating.
- Expect 21-plus and ID checks. These are strictly for adults, and staff enforce it.
- Plan transport. The Anchorage Depot is downtown and walkable from many hotels. If you plan to continue your evening afterward, consider a hotel nearby and skip driving entirely.
- Eat before you board. You’ll get food, but the portions are tasting-sized. A light meal beforehand helps you enjoy the pairings without overindulging.
- Dress in layers. You’ll be in climate-controlled cars, but platforms can be chilly, and photo stops might tempt you outside briefly.
- Motion comfort. The ride is smooth, but if you’re sensitive to motion, bring what you need to stay comfortable.
- Accessibility. The Railroad has accessible cars and boarding assistance; special-event capacity can be limited, so call ahead if you require accommodations.
- Dietary needs. If you have allergies or restrictions, contact the organizer when you book. Substitutions may be possible but aren’t guaranteed.
- Drink mindfully. Pours add up, and Alaska’s dry air and high-latitude sun can be sneaky. Hydrate, pace yourself, and know your limits.

What it costs
Pricing varies by year, partner, and seat class. Expect premium pricing that reflects limited seating, curated food, and the exclusive event format. Dome cars typically command higher fares than standard coaches. Gratuities, merchandise, and any add-on tastings at festivals are usually extra. Because details change, consult the Alaska Railroad directly for current fares and inclusions.

Making a weekend of it
If you’re flying in or turning the train into a getaway, Anchorage and Talkeetna both reward lingering. In Anchorage, you can visit local taprooms the day before or after your ride, explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and sample more Alaska-forward cuisine. In Talkeetna, consider an overnight to wander the riverfront, book a flightseeing tour around Denali, and visit the town’s own brewery and distillery outposts. Shoulder seasons (late August through early October and late April through early June) offer thinner crowds and vibrant transitions in the landscape.

Why it works so well
Alaska’s brewers take cues from their environment—spruce, berries, glacial water, long summer days—and so does the Railroad. Bringing them together elevates both. The controlled pace of a train means you can savor flavor and view in equal measure. You’re not rushing between venues or wrangling parking; you’re present, glass in hand, learning, laughing, and watching a world-class landscape scroll by. It’s the difference between checking a box and making a memory.

How to find the next departure

Because event names and partners can change, the safest way to catch the right train is to check the Alaska Railroad’s official site and its Special Events listings. Local tourism boards and brewery social channels also share announcements when dates drop. If there’s a particular partner you’re keen to experience, sign up for their newsletters too—these trips are popular, and early notice helps.

In a state built on big experiences, beer tasting by rail stands out for its simple, satisfying rhythm: roll, pour, pair, repeat. If you love craft beer, story-driven food, and landscapes that make you forget to talk, put one of Alaska’s beer trains high on your list—and book as soon as you see it.