Brewery Visits

ANCHORAGE BREWING – ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

In Anchorage, Hoppy visited Anchorage Brewing. His visit there last year can be seen here. This year he spent time in their outdoor seating area and on the rooftop, both of which he did not see on his last visit.

While there, he imbibed a No Answer Imperial Stout/Black Barleywine Blend which was double and triple cooled for 20 months in a blend of 15 year Calumet Farms, Willett, Willett Rye and Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels. It was 15% ABV.

He also drank a No Salvation Saison with Brettanomyces fermented in oak foeders with two proprietary strins of Brettanomyces and Saison yeast. Dry hopped with Strata and Mosaic Hops. This was 6.5% ABV.

Pictures follow.

HOMER BREWING – HOMER, ALASKA

Hoppy next visited Homer Brewing Co., the first brewery in Homer, which opened in September 1996. They were forced to move in 2001 and in 2005 they installed a refurbished seven-barrel brewing system, increasing the efficiency in the brewhouse.

Here Hoppy enjoyed a Skyline Spruce Tip Ale described as a medium-bodied amber ale brewed with eight pounds of local spruce tips and a light addition of Cascade hops. Refreshing, pleasantly tart and full of Alaska character. It is 6.2% ABV.

Here are some pictures from the location.

GRACE RIDGE BREWING – HOMER, ALASKA

Hoppy’s first brewery visit on his Alaska trip was at Grace Ridge Brewing in Homer. This brewery began in May 2016, becoming the second brewery in Homer. They moved into a new space in February 2022 doubling their size to a 2,400 square foot building, housing their brewery and taproom.

While there, Hoppy quaffed a Sadie Peak IPA described as a full-bodied English IPA with aromas of pine and floral. It clocked in at 6.5% ABV, 65 IBU.

Photos follow:

MIKERPHONE BREWING – ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL

At the start of his trip to Alaska, Hoppy stopped at Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village, IL, near ORD. They released their first commercial beer, inspired by music, in 2015. In that same year, Mikerphone Brewing was awarded Best New Brewery in Illinois by Ratebeer, as well as One of the Best New Breweries in the World by Beer Advocate Magazine. They continue to produce high quality, small batch beers inspired by music. Their tasting room is equipped with two bars and patio seating.

While there, Hoppy imbibed an I Want My IPA which is brewed with Mosaic and Citra hops. It clocked in at 7.25% ABV.

Photos follow:

TIDAL CREEK BREWHOUSE – MYRTLE BEACH, SC

On a recent visit to South Carolina Hoppy visited the Tidal Creek Brewhouse in the Market Common area of Myrtle Beach. Unlike most breweries that serve food, they serve breakfast and brunch as well as lunch and dinner. They are a coffee roastery, as well. They are a woman/veteran owned business that was established in 2018.

While there Hoppy enjoyed a Grand Strand West Coast IPA clocking in at 6.5% ABV, 60 IBU.

Pictures follow: