In 2010, McCarthy and his business partner, Jason Motyka, began their brewing adventure in Healy, a small town of about 1,100 residents. Despite its isolated location and the short tourist window during the Alaskan summer, the demand they saw in their other ventures in nearby Denali Village convinced them of the brewery’s potential. Initially starting small, they soon expanded due to the high costs of importing supplies into Alaska, which led them to open a larger production site in Anchorage and eventually package their beers for broader distribution.

Near the gateway to Denali National Park, a repurposed three-bay bus depot houses the innovative 49th State Brewery. This distinctive venue includes a restaurant, brewing facilities in development, and spaces for restrooms and storage. Starting with just one barrel at a time, the brewery initially operated on a small scale, fine-tuning its brews to perfection. Their limited batches sold out quickly, attracting beer enthusiasts from as far as Fairbanks, two hours away.
49th State expanded by taking over a historic building in downtown Anchorage in late 2015, launching it as a brewpub on July 4, 2016. The site, originally a 1917 Elk’s Lodge, had become a central community space featuring a private bar, multiple dining areas, bowling lanes, and a ballroom. Previously managed by Snow Goose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewing Co., the location was remodeled to celebrate Alaska’s brewing culture. Today, it’s a thriving brewpub where 49th State increases its annual beer production by 500 barrels, offering guests two dining rooms, rooftop patios, a theater, several private dining spaces, and a gift shop within a vast 30,000-square-foot area. Visitors to the Healy brewpub are greeted by a lively outdoor rustic scene with fire pits and picnic tables. A weathered, green-painted bus, a replica from the film “Into the Wild,” serves as a fun backdrop for photos and symbolizes the rugged Alaskan spirit as described by co-founder David McCarthy. Through its growth and various challenges, 49th State Brewery has remained committed to its craft and community. The journey from a small operation in a converted bus barn to become a prominent name in Alaska’s craft beer market illustrates their dedication to quality and their ability to navigate the unique challenges of their locale.

Photos courtesy of 49thstatebrewery.com