Alaskan Amber 6Pk

Alaskan Amber 6Pk is a 5.3% ABV altbier-style ale from Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau, Alaska, sold here as a six-pack of 12 oz cans. Named "Best Beer in the Nation" at the 1988 Great American Beer Festival Consumer Poll, this amber ale remains one of the most recognized craft beers to emerge from the Last Frontier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.3%  |  Origin: Juneau, Alaska, USA  |  Style: Altbier  |  Brewery: Alaskan Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Alaskan Brewing Co. operates in Juneau, Alaska, drawing its brewing water from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field. Alaskan Amber follows the German altbier tradition, meaning the ale undergoes slow fermentation at colder temperatures than most ales — a technique that conditions flavor and builds smoothness without the crispness of a true lager. The grain bill combines premium two-row pale malt with specialty malts, balanced by a blend of European and Pacific Northwest hop varieties.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pours a dark amber-to-copper color with a lasting tan head that leaves moderate lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Caramel malt leads, followed by warm biscuit notes and a subtle hint of toasted grain. The hop presence stays restrained, letting the malt character dominate the nose.

Taste: The first sip delivers deep caramel sweetness that spreads across the palate. Mid-palate, nutty undertones develop alongside toasted malt, while a measured hop bitterness arrives to keep things balanced. The overall impression is richly malty without becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly dry close. A faint astringency lingers alongside residual caramel and a trace of biscuit.

How to Drink Alaskan Amber

Pour into a tulip glass or standard pint at around 45–50°F to let the malt complexity open up; drinking straight from the bottle works fine in more casual settings. For a Beer Shandy, the caramel base pairs well with fresh lemonade for a lighter warm-weather drink. In a Michelada, the nutty malt backbone stands up to lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire without disappearing. Try it in a Beer Cheese Fondue — the toasted malt and smooth body melt into sharp cheddar for a rich dip.

Best For

• Introducing friends to craft beer beyond pale ales and IPAs
• Pairing with hearty fall and winter meals like stews or roasts
• Stocking a tailgate or barbecue cooler with a crowd-pleasing amber
• Building a sampler pack showcasing regional American craft breweries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Alaskan Amber taste like? Alaskan Amber delivers deep caramel malt sweetness balanced by nutty undertones and restrained hop bitterness. The cold-fermentation process gives it a notably smooth, clean character uncommon among ales.

How does Alaskan Amber compare to Firestone Double Barrel Ale? Reviewers frequently draw direct comparisons between the two; both are malt-forward amber ales with moderate bitterness and smooth bodies. Alaskan Amber leans more toward the German altbier tradition with its cold-fermented profile, while Firestone DBA takes inspiration from British pale ale brewing.

Is Alaskan Amber good for craft beer beginners? Yes — its balanced malt sweetness and low bitterness make it approachable for drinkers who find hop-heavy styles too aggressive. At 5.3% ABV, it is sessionable enough for extended enjoyment.

Where is Alaskan Amber made? Alaskan Amber is brewed by Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau, Alaska. The brewery uses glacier-fed water sourced from the nearby Juneau Ice Field, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world.

What foods pair well with Alaskan Amber? Grilled burgers and sausages match the toasty malt character. Smoked salmon echoes the beer's Alaskan roots while complementing its caramel sweetness. Sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheeses mirror the nutty undertones. Roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips harmonize with the malt-driven body. Barbecue ribs with a brown sugar glaze amplify the caramel notes.

What sizes does Alaskan Amber come in? This listing is a standard six-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the most widely available format for Alaskan Amber.

Is Alaskan Amber worth the price? Alaskan Amber positions as an everyday craft beer — accessible in price and reliable in quality. Its 1988 Great American Beer Festival recognition and sustained presence in the market reflect consistent brewing standards that justify its place in the craft amber category.

Why Alaskan Amber?

Few American craft beers have stayed relevant as long as Alaskan Amber. The altbier-style cold fermentation sets it apart from the majority of domestic amber ales, producing a smoother, more refined malt character. Brewed with glacier-fed water from one of the world's largest ice fields and recognized nationally since the late 1980s, it carries a sense of place that most amber ales in its price range simply cannot match. For drinkers seeking a malt-forward beer with genuine balance and provenance, Alaskan Amber remains a benchmark.