Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and have a taste for unique, hands-on adventures, the Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience at Uncharted Alaska Distillery promises more than just your average visit. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, curious traveler, or looking for a memorable activity, this tour blends history, tasting, and creative fun into a compact two-hour package.

What makes this experience really shine? Firstly, the knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights into the distilling process and local stories. Secondly, the opportunity to craft your own infused spirit, which is a rare chance to create something truly personal. On the flip side, the price might seem a bit high at $149 per person, especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget, but considering the quality of the experience and the souvenirs you’ll take home, many find it well worth it.

This experience is best suited for visitors who enjoy a mix of education, interactive activities, and tasting, especially those with a penchant for spirits or creativity. It’s also a superb choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a fun, authentic taste of Ketchikan’s local craft scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines a distillery tour with a hands-on infusion class.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff share engaging stories and insights.
• Personalized Souvenirs: Create your own infused spirit with custom labels.
• Value for Money: Well-reviewed for its fun, informative, and memorable nature.
• Convenient Location: Close to town, easy to combine with other activities.
• Limited Group Size: Max 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itself

The Starting Point: Uncharted Alaska Distillery

Your journey begins at 321 Main St, Ketchikan, where you’ll meet your guides and head into the historic fire station that now houses this charming distillery. The first part of the tour is all about understanding how local spirits are made, with guides providing a lively, accessible explanation of distillation. Several reviews highlight the guides’ fun and knowledgeable approach, describing the experience as “so much fun” and emphasizing how well the hosts help celebrate the process with humor and stories.

While the admission is free at this initial stage, you’ll spend approximately an hour here. Expect to learn about the distillery’s history and process, with tastings of their house spirits—which include whiskey, vodka, and gin. The tastings are often praised for their generous pours and variety, with many reviewers mentioning how much they enjoyed trying different flavors and hearing the stories behind each one.

The Hands-On Infusion Class

After a brief break, you’ll move into the second stop of the tour, which is about 45 minutes long. Here, the real fun begins: you get to blend your own infusion. Guided by friendly staff, you’ll choose from an array of botanicals, herbs, and spices—all included in the experience—to craft your signature bottle.

This part of the experience has been a crowd favorite, with visitors describing it as “such an amazing adventure” and “so fun and very informative.” You get to sample the botanicals, learn about their flavors, and then mix your own custom spirit. Once finished, you’ll label your bottle with a personalized label, turning it into a special keepsake or gift.

Many reviews emphasize how satisfying it is to create your own drink, with one mentioning, “Making my own bottle of strawberry rhubarb kiwi vodka with glitter was awesome.” That kind of creative freedom makes this tour stand out from standard distillery visits. And, of course, you get to bring this bottle home, which adds great value and a tangible memory of the trip.

The Final Touch: Enjoy Your Creation

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, leaving you with a custom-infused spirit and a story to tell. Some travelers also mention enjoying wandering around Ketchikan afterward, knowing they have a unique product they made themselves.

What to Expect from the Experience

The Guides and Atmosphere

The reviews consistently praise the knowledge and humor of the staff. This isn’t a stiff, lecture-style tour. Instead, you’ll find yourself engaged by lively stories about the town’s history and the business, as well as insights into the distilling craft. The guides are described as great at explaining complex processes in an approachable way, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Tasting and Sampling

With several tastings included, you’ll get to sample a variety of spirits, including unique options like Ghost Pepper Agave—a flavor that’s worth trying, according to reviewers. The tastings are described as generous, with many people appreciating the chance to try many different spirits without feeling rushed.

The Infusion Activity

This is the highlight for many—crafting your own infused spirit. All botanicals are included, and you can choose your preferred herbs and spices. The process is guided but interactive, allowing you to experiment and create something genuinely yours. The labeling part adds a fun, personalized touch, turning your bottle into a memorable souvenir.

The Cost and Value

While $149 per person might seem steep, consider what’s included: a rundown of distillation, multiple tastings, and a personalized infusion to take home. Many reviews point out how worthwhile the experience feels, especially when you consider the quality of the spirits and the personalized craft.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour offers a more intimate experience, allowing for personal questions and interaction. The activity is accessible and considered near public transportation, making it easy for visitors to join without hassle.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy learning about local craft industries, appreciate hands-on activities, and want to bring home a personalized souvenir. It’s especially suitable for spirits enthusiasts, people celebrating a special occasion, or those looking for a fun, memorable activity that blends history, tasting, and creativity.

Families or groups celebrating a birthday or milestone (like the reviewer celebrating a son’s 21st) will find this a great add-on. It’s also wonderful for travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences rather than just taking photos of scenery.

The Sum Up

The Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience in Ketchikan offers an engaging, well-rounded taste of what local craft spirits are all about. With friendly guides, generous tastings, and the chance to create your own infused spirit, it provides excellent value for those wanting a fun, educational, and interactive activity. The experience is particularly suited to spirits lovers, creative souls, and curious travelers who want more than just a quick tour—they want a memorable, personal journey into Ketchikan’s small-batch distilling scene.

While it’s a bit pricier than some activities, the combination of learning, tasting, and crafting makes it worth considering if you’re after an authentic and enjoyable local experience. Plus, you’ll leave with a custom bottle and stories to share long after your cruise or visit has ended.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for kids or minors?
The experience is designed for adults, especially since it involves alcohol infusion. However, children could join as observers for the history and craft parts, but they won’t be participating in tastings or infusion.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted at this tour location.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2 hours, split roughly into an hour for the initial tour and tastings, and 45 minutes for the infusion class.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is 321 Main St, Ketchikan, near the historic fire station.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While the tasting aspect is for adults, the infusion activity could be fun for families if kids are allowed to observe. But overall, it’s primarily an experience for adults.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity, with a full refund.

What spirits are typically sampled?
Reviewers mention whiskey, vodka, gin, and a special Ghost Pepper Agave, among others.

Is the fee per person?
Yes, the price is $149 per person.

Can I bring my infusion home?
Absolutely. Once your infusion is complete and labeled, you can take your bottle home as a cherished souvenir.

For those seeking a lively, authentic, and creative taste of Ketchikan, this distillery experience offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits lover or just curious about the art of distilling, it’s a tour worth considering.