Breweries in Alaska produce a wide range of beers in different styles that are marketed locally, regionally, and nationally. In 2012, Alaska's 21 breweries, importers, brewpubs, packagers, and wholesalers employed more than 250 people directly in brewing activities, and another 2200 in related jobs such as wholesaling and retailing. [1] Including people directly employed in brewing, as well as those who supply Alaska's breweries with everything from ingredients to machinery, the total business and personal tax revenue generated by Alaska's breweries and related industries was more than $73 million. [1] Consumer purchases of Alaska's brewery products generated another $23 million in tax revenue. [1] In 2012, according to the Brewers Association, Alaska ranked 4th in per capita craft breweries with 22. [2]
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For context, at the end of 2013 there were 2,822 breweries in the United States, including 2,768 craft breweries. [3] In that same year, according to the Beer Institute, the brewing industry employed around 43,000 Americans in brewing and distribution and had a combined economic impact of more than $246 billion. [4]
Since the turn of the century,[ which? ] the number of craft breweries in Alaska has increased dramatically, reflecting a nationwide trend in the United States. [5] [6] [7] [8]
Alaskan breweries struggle with strict liquor regulations that keep their onsite sales limited to 36 ounces per person per day, closing times at 8pm and disallow TVs, gaming and live entertainment. Some breweries like the 49th State Brewing Company, Matanuska Brewing, and now Anchorage Brewing have picked up more extensive liquor licenses to get around the red tape [9]
