Far north in the frozen splendor of paradise, the midnight sky gives way to a faint glow on the horizon. Its greenish glow spreads like flames, a water-color corona of increasing color that begins to swirl and dance with bohemian abandon! This aurora curtain of radiant light reflects in the glaciers of living ice below, before it is swallowed up by the blackness of night.

This backdrop personifies the spirit that lives within an inspiring frontier, one that holds tales of ancient Yup’ik Eskimo villages, life-saving dog mushers, and pioneer bush pilots. Arising from within these symbols is Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau, Alaska.

An up-start microbrewery launched by Geoff and Marcy Larson in 1986, Alaskan Brewing has carved out a place of honor in the Pacific Northwest, having won more medals than any other craft brewery at the Great American Beer Festival. Their accolades reach across international waters to include medals bestowed at the Australian International Beer Awards, the World Beer Cup and the Brewing Industry International Awards.

These brews are complex in character, the unique result of a quality blend of superior ingredients and pure glacier water. Alaskan Amber, an “alt” style beer, has a clarity of taste that is exquisite for cooking and superb for quenching a dynamite thirst. This year, Alaskan Amber is the Official Sponsor of the 2005 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the 1,049 mile challenge that celebrates the heroics of the best dog teams and mushers from Anchorage to Nome – heroics that spared the people of Nome from a deadly outbreak of diphtheria in 1925.  The Iditadod begins March 5, 2005 in Anchorage, Alaska and ends when the last musher crosses the Burled Arch in Nome.

What better way to celebrate the spirit of guts and determination than with Alaskan Brewing Company’s dedication to quality and commitment to success?

Alaskan Brewing Company brews the finest in craft beer!

The Beer Fox Recommends:

Alaskan Amber – Old World “alt” style beer, with rich creamy head and sunset amber hue – rich with malts and crisply balanced hop tones.

Alaskan ESB – Extra Special Bitter Ale, having greater hop depth and coppery glow – roasted malts impart a darker richness, while balanced by the character of premium Northwest hops.

Alaskan Pale – Golden Ale with light touch of citrus – hoppy and crisp, the result of dry-hopping by hand during fermentation.

Alaskan Smoked Porter – Rich mahogany hue, with robust, smoky flavors, reminiscent of the Gold Rush Era. Produced in limited vintages each year.

Alaskan Stout – Hints of chocolate, caramel and coffee add complexity to this deep ebony blend – Smooth and satisfying.

Rough Draft Series – These unique ales are brewed for fun or historical significance – a seductive series of surprises for the palate.

Seasonals:

Alaskan Winter Ale – English Olde Ale style, with copper color, rich head, and sweet floral aroma of malts, spruce tips and noble hops – full in the throat, leaves a lasting glow. Sorry, my Friends – Sold out for this year!

Alaskan Summer Ale – German style Kolsch ale, with the glow of golden straw – softly malt with clean fresh Hallertauer hops. Production begins early this year – look for this in February!

As the final crème de la crème, Alaskan Brewing has a selection of over 80 recipes online at www.alaskanbeer.com , created by their superior brew crew. Cooking with beer adds an edge of seductive pleasure to your palate, and takes beer into the realm of gourmet connoisseurs.

Cheers!