Sipping Backcountry Beers In Girdwood

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

BY TIFFANY HERRINGTON

Located in the stunning landscapes of Girdwood, Alaska, Girdwood Brewing Co. stands as a shining example of the harmony between craft beer and the great outdoors.

Founded in 2017, this community-centered brewery has quickly become a beloved gathering place for locals and travelers alike. The story behind Girdwood Brewing is one of friendship, vision and a deep connection to the natural beauty of Alaska.

BIRTH OF A BREWING COMPANY

Girdwood Brewing Co. (907-783-2739; girdwoodbrewing.com) was the brainchild of a group of friends – Rory and Brett Marenco, Amy Shimek and Karl McLaughlin – along with cofounders Josh Hegna and his wife Shauna, and Rory’s wife Emily. Beer ambassador Josh Hegna recalls the town’s lack of a year-round gathering place prior to 2017. “Girdwood has always been an outdoor paradise with great dining and a cool music scene, but it was missing something,” Josh explains. “We thought a community-minded brewery with an outdoor vibe that was open daily with consistent hours would be an excellent addition to Girdwood.”

The founders envisioned a brewery that would serve as a hub for locals and tourists, offering a welcoming environment where people could enjoy high-quality craft beer while sharing stories of their Alaskan adventures. The goal was not just to create a brewery, but to establish a community landmark that reflected the spirit of Girdwood.

INSPIRED BY NATURE

The brewery’s surroundings play a crucial role in shaping its brewing philosophy. Girdwood Brewing’s slogan, “Local Brews. Epic Views,” encapsulates this perfectly.

“The mountains and surrounding wilderness inspire us to brew beers that are super drinkable for us and our friends after biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmachining or just hanging out on a beach,” says Josh Hegna.

Brewers Rory and Brett adopt a seasonal approach, crafting lighter, “more crushable” beers in the summer intended to be refreshing after an outdoor adventure, and heartier brews in the winter, perfect for sipping around a campfire on colder, shorter days.

PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORS

For Josh Hegna, Alaska’s wilderness is more than an inspiration; it’s a way of life.

“At the age of 50, I am a true 21st century ski bum with a boating and fishing addiction,” he shares. “Living in Girdwood affords me the opportunity to ski every day. My love is powder, and I target those days especially.”

Josh’s passion for outdoor adventure extends beyond skiing; in the summer and fall, his family uses rafts to fish, hit up whitewater, do multi-day camping trips and hunt. He recounts an unforgettable rafting trip with his wife in Talkeetna, where they flew in, harvested a caribou the next morning, navigated through Class IV rapids and ended the journey in Talkeetna with pizza and beers.

“It was the coolest rafting experience ever,” he recalls.

Hegna also shares that his wife is from a small village on Kodiak Island, where they frequently float an unnamed river in the fall for steelhead, an experience akin to “being in Jurassic Park,” as they share the river with Kodiak bears, which fortunately are more focused on filling up on salmon.

Josh’s personal connection to the outdoors is mirrored in the brewery’s culture. Many of the staff are avid outdoor enthusiasts, including hardcore skiers, snowboarders, snowmachiners, mountain bikers, hikers and boaters. Their passion for adventure is reflected in the beers they craft and the events they host.

“Our kids are involved with the ski clubs at Alyeska, and we have team members that volunteer and coach,” Josh explains. The brewery also encourages biking, has custom bike racks made for their staff, and supports the mountain biking community. “Our creative, Tim, designs a Girdwood Brewing Company bike jersey every year,” he adds.

ENGAGING WITH OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

Girdwood Brewing’s connection to the outdoors is reflected in every aspect of the brewery, from its beer names to its social media presence.

The taproom’s ski-themed décor, featuring historical skis and retired Alyeska chairlifts, adds to the charm. Girdwood Brewing also actively supports local outdoor activities, donating to ski clubs and sponsoring bike events.

The brewery’s engagement with the outdoor community is evident in its robust social media presence, with which it shares stunning photos of the Alaskan wilderness, updates on new beer releases and stories from outdoor adventures.

ALASKA-INSPIRED BREWS

“Our beer names like Avy Savvy, Surly Captain, Down the Chute, Chrome Pony, Crow Creek Gold, Shred Sauce, Salmon Slayer and Ullr Fuelr all have a meaning in their niche,” Josh Hegna says.

The Alaskan wilderness often directly influences the beers brewed at Girdwood. A notable example is Avy Savvy, a double IPA released during Avalanche Awareness month.

“Since we opened in 2017, we have supported the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center,” Josh says. “As users of the backcountry, we truly value this resource and feel that it has saved lives. To show our support, we donate $1 of every beer sold and $2 of every four-pack to CNFAIC.”

Another seasonal favorite is Salmon Slayer, an easy-drinking saison released in the summer months.

“Salmon Slayer pairs great with salmon and celebrates this incredible resource that allows us to fill our freezers every summer,” Josh notes.

REMOTE LOCATION, BIG CHALLENGES

Operating a brewery in Girdwood – located in a valley between the Chugach Mountains of Southcentral Alaska – comes with a unique set of challenges, from finding a suitable location to dealing with extreme weather.

“Our biggest struggle was finding a spot to open Girdwood Brewing Company,” Josh says. “There were no existing buildings that would accommodate us, commercial land in Girdwood is scarce and there are a number of regulations that make it difficult to build in our town.”

Fortunately, a local fisherman offered to build the brewery on his land if they handled all the permitting. “After over 20 meetings with local Girdwood and Anchorage officials, we were allowed to build a brewery,” recalls Josh, who also has to combat the weather in Girdwood, which from relentless rain to huge snow years can also be a challenge.

“Safely opening the brewery each day is our priority and can require a plow, loader, snowblower and shoveler just to get the doors open,” he adds.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

For the Hegnas, the most rewarding aspect of running Girdwood Brewing is the sense of community it fosters. “I love the fact that we have created a community gathering place for travelers and locals alike,” Josh says.

The brewery’s ability to remain open during a massive snowstorm, thanks to the resourcefulness of its staff and the support of the community, exemplifies this spirit.

“Even through a major earthquake and the pandemic, we have stayed open every day, sans Christmas and Thanksgiving. This year that was put in jeopardy with a massive snowstorm where nobody was able to drive,” Josh Hegna says. “The community used snowmachines and skis to navigate. Our hearty staff got creative with transportation, and we were able to open the brewery doors. It was a super cool community gathering that day.”

The brewery’s role as a community hub is further strengthened by its support for local food trucks and artisans. By providing a platform for these small businesses, Girdwood Brewing helps to nurture the local economy and foster a sense of community. This commitment to community extends to the brewery’s events, which often feature live music, local art and outdoor activities, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Girdwood Brewing is constantly evolving, with plans to enhance its beer garden and offer more live music events. Visitors can expect new releases like Yuki!, a light refreshing rice lager, and exciting events such as Oktoberfest with a Festbier release, a dachshund parade, live music and a stein-holding contest.

The brewery’s future plans reflect its commitment to growth and innovation. By continually introducing new beers and events, Girdwood Brewing Co. aims to keep its offerings fresh and exciting for both locals and visitors alike.

As Girdwood Brewing Co. continues to grow and evolve, it remains true to its roots. The brewery’s dedication to quality, community and the natural environment ensures it will remain a cherished part of the Girdwood community for years to come.

In the words of Josh Hegna, “There are no strangers at GBC when having a beer and telling stories.”

This sense of community and connection is at the heart of the brewery, making it a place where memories are made, friendships are forged and the spirit of Alaska is celebrated in every pint.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual visitor, a trip to Girdwood Brewing Co. is an invitation to experience the best of what Alaska has to offer – great beer, beautiful landscapes and a welcoming atmosphere. ASJ

Editor’s notes: Girdwood Brewing Co. is located at 2700 Alyeska Highway in Girdwood, Alaska. Follow them at facebook .com/girdwoodbrewingco and Instagram (@ girdwood_brewing_co). Tiffany Herrington is a Seattle area-based writer.

SIDEBAR: EXPERIENCE THE MOUNTAINS AND OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND IN GIRDWOOD

For those planning a visit to Girdwood, Girdwood Brewing Co. owner Josh Hegna offers suggestions for a range of outdoor activities.

“From mild to the wild, there is something for everyone in Girdwood,” he says. “You can go for a mellow bike ride on the Bird to Gird trail, hike to beautiful waterfalls, enjoy a guided tour or go Nordic skiing. The bold may want to surf the bore tide, packraft a rowdy creek, ski some of the steepest slopes in North America or go downhill mountain biking at (Mount) Alyeska.”

Girdwood Brewing Co. enhances the experience of exploring the community by providing a welcoming space to relax and enjoy a craft beer after a day of adventure. The brewery’s beer garden, with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, is the perfect spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Alaska.

Go to girdwood.com for more information. TH