Beer Review – Alaskan Summer

Overview

Alaskan Summer is a Kolsch Style Ale brewed by Alaskan Brewing Co. It is one of 18 beers listed on the company’s website and is offered seasonally. It has an ABV of 5.3%.

About the Brand

The Alaskan Brewing Company was founded in 1986 by Marcy and Jeff Larson. It was the 67th independent brewery in the United States and the first to open in Juneau since prohibition.

Interestingly, the company’s cofounders more or less fell into brewing. After falling in love with Alaska, they were trying to figure out a financially viable way to stay in the area. On the suggestion of a friend, they decided to start a brewery. Jeff’s background as a chemical engineer and Marcy’s as a foundation, coupled with an 80 year old article explaining a former brewery’s methods lead to the creation of, what is now known as, Alaskan Amber in December of 1986.

About the Beer

The underside of Alaskan Summer’s cap reads “beer powered by beer”, which is an awesome sentiment and reflective of a company that prides itself on using high quality, Alaskan ingredients. It is clear and of a dark yellow, slightly amber color.

Alaskan Summer has a slightly earthy quality to its taste, but not enough to overpower. Its fairly generic beer smell and slight watery-ness makes it approachable for beer drinkers of many varying tastes. This eagerness to please, however, may be considered a drawback of a seasonal brew that lacks a compelling reason to seek it again.

Honestly, Alaskan Summer is not a bad beer. I am glad to have tried it, though I doubt I would pick it up again. It’s probably for some, but its not really for me. That said, I would very much be interested in trying Alaskan Amber and Alaskan White, should either cross my path.

TL;DR

Alaskan Summer is pleasant to drink, but it lacks a resounding reason to come back for more. There is little doubt that some people will think I am crazy for saying this, but Alaskan Summer just wasn’t for me. If you see it at the store, grab a bottle and try it, it may be up your alley.

Rating: 5.5/10

Question of the Day

What’s your favorite seasonal beer? Let me know and I may just review it one day!