Contributed by June Geteisen, Arkose Brewery
Five years ago in October 2011, Arkose Brewery opened its doors for the first time in Palmer at 650 E. Steel Loop. As Palmer’s very first brewery, we have played an instrumental role since that time in shaping the craft brewing industry in the Mat-Su Valley through ongoing education, events and tastings. Mat-Su Valley residents are passionate about craft beer, and it seems we have started a trend with more and more breweries choosing the Valley as their home.
We take great pride in our craft and strive to offer a wide variety of beer styles to please every palate. With usually nine beers on tap, all brewed at our facility right here in Palmer, the public has the opportunity to sample new beers on an ongoing basis in out taproom.
We began distributing beer in kegs shortly after we opened and over the past year we have been busy bottling and distributing in 22 oz bottles throughout the entire state of Alaska, so we not only have a presence in the Valley, but all over from Juneau, to Fairbanks, to the Peninsula.
Our brewery has evolved quite a bit since our humble beginnings. We have tripled our brewing capacity and hired a full-time assistant brewer and beer ambassador, Anthony Origer. You’ve probably seen him at the brewery or at many of the events held throughout the year. We are also grateful to the occasional and invaluable part-time work from Pete LaFrance and Dave Rector. Hiring plans are in the works as we hope to employ more talent in the next year.
We appreciate the support from all of those who visit our taproom, buy our packaged product and demand we be on tap at their local restaurants, pubs and liquor stores. It is your support that has gotten us to where we are today and we look forward to further evolving and growing to support that demand. Thank you for supporting your local brewery! We want to give a special thanks to JB Chocolatier, Palmer Museum & Visitor Center, Greater Palmer Chamber, Mat-Su Convention & Visitor Bureau, Pho Nora Food Truck and Percussion in the Valley all of whom have been unwavering supporters and partners.
We brew for all of you and invite you to help us celebrate five years of beer with the following events:
Friday, Oct 21st
• Anniversary Beer Meets Chocolate, 6 p.m. $25. Special Arkose chocolate will be handcrafted by local JB Chocolatier. Attend for a chance to win a free "Arkose Handcrafted" logo mug. Sign-up online at Eventbrite.com or call 746-2337. Must reserve in advance. 21 years and over. Come early and have pizza first from Humdinger’s! Beer, pizza and chocolate? Don’t miss this!
• Humdinger's Gourmet Pizza by the slice! 5 - 7 p.m. (weather permitting). We are super excited to have Humdinger’s bring their portable grill and offer their amazing pizza right here at the brewery.
• Mandarina Moose IPA Brew Debut at the brewery beginning at noon. German Mandarina Bavaria hops and grapefruit add just the right amount of fierce brightness to this IPA to remind us that beers like this are great any time of year.
Saturdays, Oct 15th, 22nd & 29th
• 3-Day Community Drum Workshop, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. $45. We are excited to be partnering with Percussion in the Valley for this special workshop. Includes instruction and beer! Call 907-631-8079 to reserve. 21 years and over.
Tasty Thursday, Oct 20th
Small Batch Peanut Butter Porter + Pho Nora Food Truck at 5:30 (weather permitting)
Tasty Thursday, Oct 27th
Small Batch Gingerbread Ale + Pho Nora Food Truck at 5:30 (weather permitting)
Arkose Beer at Events this Month
Saturday Oct 15: Palmer on Parade Auction & Dinner, 6 p.m. Palmer Senior Center
Saturday Oct 29: Mighty Monster Boo Fest at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.