Fairbanks Distillery and Craft Beer Pub Crawl

An Authentic Taste of Fairbanks’ Craft Scene: The Distillery and Craft Beer Pub Crawl

If you’re headed to Fairbanks and want to get a real feel for its local flavors, the Fairbanks Distillery and Craft Beer Pub Crawl promises a relaxed, taste-focused evening. This tour is designed for those who enjoy discovering regional spirits and craft beers in an authentic setting, all while soaking in the local vibe. It’s not just about drinks—it’s about understanding how Alaska’s rugged spirit influences its distilleries and breweries.

What we love about this experience is its small-group atmosphere—a maximum of 12 travelers—which makes for an intimate, friendly environment. Plus, the combination of visiting three distilleries and a brewery offers a well-rounded snapshot of Fairbanks’ handcrafted beverage scene. An added plus: the tour’s timing at 6 PM makes it a perfect prelude to a Northern Lights outing or a cozy night out downtown.

One consideration worth noting is the cost of $75 per person—while it covers four tastings and private transportation, those who want to indulge more might find the additional drinks at each stop tempting. This tour is best suited for adults over 21 who enjoy good company, local spirits, and a relaxed pace. If you’re curious about Alaska’s drink culture or looking for a fun, social evening, this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with visits to three distilleries and a brewery in Fairbanks.
• Small-group size ensures a personalized, friendly atmosphere.
• Four complimentary tastings provide a solid introduction to Alaska’s craft spirits and beers.
• Convenient evening timing makes it easy to combine with other activities like northern lights viewing.
• Includes private transportation, removing stress and hassle.
• Ideal for travelers over 21 seeking a relaxed, sociable way to explore Fairbanks’ beverage scene.

Exploring Fairbanks’ Craft Beverage Scene

This tour is a fantastic way to experience Fairbanks’ lively craft beverage community without the hassle of figuring out where to go on your own. It’s especially appealing if you’re new to the region or want a guided introduction. The 3-hour format is perfect for an evening outing—short enough to keep your energy up but long enough to savor the flavors and stories.

You start at Salty’s on 2nd Avenue, central and easy to reach. From there, the tour whisks you to three different distilleries and a brewery. Each stop is about 30 minutes, which is enough time to sample some spirits or beers, chat with staff, and soak in the atmosphere. The first stop, Ursa Major Distilling, is highlighted as a favorite by past guests. Here, you’ll likely get a glimpse of what makes Alaska’s distilling unique—think local ingredients, innovative recipes, and a sense of pride.

The next stops—Fairbanks Distilling Company and Hoarfrost Vodka Distilling—continue this theme, emphasizing handcrafted spirits. These visits are more than tastings; they’re immersive experiences where you can learn about the distillation process and Alaska’s influence on flavor profiles. Guests have reported enjoying all the bars, praising the great drinks and good vibes, which shows the tour’s success in creating a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start Point: Salty’s on 2nd Avenue
The tour kicks off at 6 PM, giving you the chance to see a bit of Fairbanks’ nightlife even before the tastings begin. Meeting here keeps logistics simple and is close to public transportation, which is handy for travelers staying nearby.

Stop 1: Fairbanks
While not a formal stop, you’ll get a brief chance to observe the local nightlife scene—an excellent way to get a feel for the night-time ambiance. One reviewer appreciated this, mentioning it as “fun before northern lights,” highlighting how this tour complements other evening adventures.

Stop 2: Ursa Major Distilling
This is one of the tour’s highlights. The distillery’s focus on local ingredients and handcrafted spirits makes it a standout. The 30-minute visit includes a complimentary tasting, and you’ll learn about the craft of distilling in Alaska. Past guests praised this stop, noting it as a favorite.

Stop 3: Fairbanks Distilling Company
Here, you’ll experience more of Alaska’s signature spirits. The focus remains on handcrafted quality, and the atmosphere is easygoing. The tasting session helps you appreciate what makes these spirits special—think local botanicals, unique recipes, and a touch of Alaskan ingenuity.

Stop 4: Hoarfrost Vodka Distilling
The final stop continues the theme of craftsmanship, with spirits that showcase Alaska’s rugged environment. Guests often comment on enjoying the variety of spirits here and the friendly staff.

Return: Back to Salty’s
By 8:45 PM, the tour wraps up, leaving plenty of time for you to continue your evening—whether that’s a cozy night in, some stargazing, or heading out for more local entertainment.

What the Experience Means for You

Each distillery and brewery visit offers a taste of Alaska’s local spirit and character. The complimentary tastings are generous enough to give a good sense of what’s available, and with the chance to buy more, you can take some favorites home. The private transportation adds comfort and convenience, especially after a few drinks.

Reviewers have expressed satisfaction, with one noting they wouldn’t have visited these places otherwise, and another praising the “great drinks and great vibes.” The small group size ensures that you’re not just another face in the crowd—you’re part of a friendly, social outing.

The tour’s timing at 6 PM is strategic, allowing you to enjoy the evening without feeling rushed. It pairs perfectly with other night activities, like viewing the Northern Lights or exploring downtown Fairbanks.

Pricing and Value

At $75 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering it includes private transportation, four tastings, and guided visits to three distilleries and a brewery. The cost is reasonable for the quality of the experience and the convenience it provides. For those interested in Alaska’s craft culture, it’s a more engaging way to learn and taste than wandering aimlessly.

If you’re a fan of spirits or craft beers, the tour’s inclusiveness—covering several establishments—means you’ll get a broad sense of what’s on offer locally. Plus, the small-group nature ensures a more personalized experience, which can be hard to find during busy tourist seasons.

Practical Details

• Duration: 3 hours, from 6 PM to 9 PM
• Meeting Point: Salty’s on 2nd, downtown Fairbanks
• Transport: Private transportation included
• Age: 21 and over
• Booking: Book at least 41 days in advance, as this tour is popular
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before, with full refund

Remember, the tour depends on good weather, and if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Sum Up

The Fairbanks Distillery and Craft Beer Pub Crawl offers a relaxed, engaging way to explore the local beverage scene. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy tasting regional spirits, socializing in intimate groups, and learning about Alaska’s craft culture. Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a small group, or a couple looking for a fun night out, this tour combines authentic flavors with a friendly atmosphere.

The tour’s value lies in its combination of quality tastings, local storytelling, and convenient logistics. It’s a fine way to spend an evening in Fairbanks, especially if you’re gearing up for Northern Lights viewing or want to wind down after a day of exploring.

If you’re open to discovering Alaska’s craft spirit scene and enjoy the camaraderie of small-group tours, this experience is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
No, this tour is for adults over 21 and involves tastings at each stop. Non-drinkers may want to skip this or enjoy the atmosphere without tasting.

How many tastings are included?
You get four complimentary alcoholic tastings—one at each of the three distilleries and the brewery.

Can I purchase additional drinks during the tour?
Yes, at each stop you are welcome to buy more drinks if you wish.

What is the tour’s start and end time?
The tour begins at 6:00 PM and ends around 9:00 PM, with return to the starting point by 8:45 PM.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation is included, making it easy and stress-free to visit all the stops.

What’s the best way to book this tour?
Booking well in advance is recommended—on average, travelers book about 41 days ahead. You can secure your spot through the provider’s website or booking platforms like Viator.

This tour is a fantastic way to get a taste of Fairbanks’ local flavor, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy a laid-back evening exploring Alaska’s craft spirits and beers.