Cordova Brewery Captures Alaska’s Wild Spirit

The following appears in the December issue of Alaska Sporting Journal:

BY TIFFANY HERRINGTON

Curtis Fincher’s love for both the outdoors and his Cordova, Alaska, community has shaped more than just his sense of adventure. As a cofounder of Copper River Brewing, Curtis and his wife Christiana have transformed their deep connection to the rugged Alaskan landscape into a brewery that serves as a gathering place for the town’s close-knit residents. Copper River Brewing isn’t just a spot to grab a drink; it’s a hub where locals share stories, enjoy locally crafted brews and reflect on the wild beauty surrounding them.

“We wanted the brewery to be more than just a place to get a beer,” Curtis says. “It’s about creating a space where people can connect, with each other and with the land.”

Copper River Brewing reflects the untamed spirit of Alaska and its adventurous residents. Its design intentionally mirrors the rugged beauty of its surroundings, incorporating elements from Cordova’s fishing heritage and natural landscape to create a warm, rustic atmosphere that feels inviting to everyone – longtime residents and newcomers alike.

A WESTERN MIGRATION

Curtis and Christiana’s journey to Cordova wasn’t accidental. Originally from the East Coast, Curtis had spent time in Homer, Alaska, and parts of Montana before settling in Cordova, tucked away on the far eastern end of Prince William Sound. They were drawn by the combination of isolation and connection that defines the coastal town. With access only by plane or boat, Cordova’s remoteness creates a unique sense of community.

“There’s something special about coastal Alaska,” Curtis Fincher reflects. “People come here intentionally, and that creates a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for each other.”

Copper River Brewing quickly became a part of that. Whether it’s neighbors catching up over a beer, local fishermen relaxing after a day at sea, or community events bringing everyone together, the brewery has become more than just a place to enjoy a brew; it’s a place where people belong.

BIRTH OF A BREWPUB

This sense of community inspired Curtis and Christiana to open Copper River Brewing, along with their head brewer and cofounder Micah Renfeldt. Their vision was simple: create a space where locals could gather, similar to the breweries they had enjoyed in Montana. Rather than starting with a grand business plan, they took small steps – first considering the space, then securing the necessary licenses – and soon, the brewery began to take shape.

“We didn’t plan to open a brewery at first,” Curtis explains. “It just grew naturally from our ideas and the community’s needs.”

Beyond the brewery’s role as a gathering spot, Copper River Brewing draws inspiration from its natural surroundings. The Finchers’ deep connection to the Alaskan wilderness is evident in both the brewery’s design and its locally sourced ingredients. The brewery’s fisherman logo pays homage to Cordova’s fishing history, with Curtis reimagining a 1900s-era cannery logo to feature a fisherman holding a beer.

“We wanted a logo that felt connected to Cordova’s history and people,” Curtis says. “It’s a nod to the town’s fishing heritage, but with a little modern twist.”

PINTS WITH LOCAL TIE-INS

Copper River Brewing’s beers also capture the wild essence of the surrounding landscape. Curtis is passionate about using local ingredients whenever possible, and the result is a lineup of beers that reflect the flavors of coastal Alaska. One standout is the Berliner Weisse brewed with locally harvested kelp, which adds a salty, astringent flavor that echoes the nearby coastline. Another favorite is the spruce tip wheat ale, made with locally foraged spruce tips that give the beer a distinct, bitter finish reminiscent of the wild forests around Cordova.

“We wanted our beers to be a taste of this region,” Curtis Fincher says. “When people drink our kelp beer or spruce tip ale, they’re experiencing the flavors of this place.”

A PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS

The brewery’s connection to the outdoors extends beyond its beer menu. Curtis and Christiana are avid adventurers, spending much of their free time exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Each Fourth of July, they gather with their staff for a weekend at a remote cabin on Hinchinbrook Island, not too far to the west of Cordova, where they hunt and fish. In the fall, they visit a glacial lake that freezes over and offers the unique experience of ice skating among towering icebergs.

“Living here offers so many opportunities for adventure,” Curtis says. “We spend a lot of time on the water and in the wild, and it’s these experiences that make Cordova so special.”

GIVING BACK TO CORDOVA

They are also committed to supporting local conservation efforts. The brewery collaborates with organizations like the Copper River Watershed Project to help protect the region’s natural resources. In September, they partnered on a fundraiser to improve fish passage on the river’s delta, with proceeds supporting the health of the local watershed.

“Watershed health is critical to both the commercial and sportfishing industries here,” Curtis says. “We’re proud to support these efforts and help preserve the environment that inspires our beers.”

Curtis’s dedication to the community doesn’t stop there. The brewery sponsors events like the annual Salmon Jam at the local ski hill, Mount Eyak, where Copper River Brewing provides a beer garden. In Cordova, where residents often wear multiple hats – fisherman, skier, hiker – by day, the brewery has become a natural gathering place for people to unwind and celebrate.

CHALLENGES APLENTY, BUT REWARDS TOO

Running a brewery in a remote town like Cordova comes with its share of challenges. Shipping costs are one constant hurdle, with Curtis noting that the price of shipping grain often equals the cost of the grain itself. Utility expenses are also significantly higher than the national average.

Despite these difficulties, Curtis feels the rewards of operating Copper River Brewing far outweigh the challenges.

“One of the most gratifying things has been watching the community make this space their own,” Curtis says. “We’ve hosted everything from union meetings to retirement parties here. Seeing how people have embraced the brewery makes all the hard work worth it.”

RAISING ONE TO THE FUTURE

Looking down the road, the Finchers have ambitious plans for Copper River Brewing. Curtis hopes to secure a permanent building for the brewery and eventually transition to a co-op model, allowing employees to become owners. His vision is to maintain Copper River Brewing as a welcoming space where people from all walks of life come together, just as they do in the wilderness of Alaska.

“We’ve come a long way,” Curtis reflects. “But there’s still so much more we can
do. I want this place to be a lasting part of Cordova, a place where people always feel welcome.”

Copper River Brewing is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of Curtis and Christiana’s love for the Alaskan outdoors and their dedication to their community. As they continue to grow, Curtis remains focused on keeping the brewery connected to the people and the land that inspires it. He’s also committed to exploring more ways Copper River Brewing can support environmental causes, ensuring that the brewery continues to be a force for conservation in the region, helping to preserve the wilderness that defines Cordova. ASJ

Editor’s note: For more on Copper River Brewing, check out the company’s website (copperriverbrewing.com) and follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@CopperRiverBrewing). Tiffany Herrington is a writer based in the Seattle area.