Alaska Airlines to Offer Free Beer Tastings on Select Q400 Flights around Alaska

Some Alaska Airlines passengers may be able to participate in a beer tasting on select flights. Those on flights Anchorage and Fairbanks and Anchorage and Kodiak will be able to taste local beers like Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co.'s Old 55 Pale Ale.

"Silver Gulch is a successful local business based in the Fairbanks area, and we're excited to offer their beer on our Q400 flights within Alaska," said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines' regional vice president - Alaska. "This continues our tradition of serving products made in the communities we proudly serve."

Passengers will be able to try the hopped, American-style pale ale for free starting March 3, when Alaska Airlines introduces the Bombardier Q400 to the state of Alaska. The flights will be operated by sister carrier, Horizon Air.The flight will also feature complimentary soft drinks, Starbucks coffee, Northwest wine and microbrews (for passengers 21 and older), and A la Cart planeside baggage service.

"Travelers are going to enjoy our popular pale ale," said Glenn Brady, president of Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling Co. "It's a really nice beer that has a broad appeal. It's going to enlighten a lot of people on what a craft beer can be, in terms of 'Well I never thought I'd enjoy that, but I did.' "

Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling Co. has locations in Anchorage and north of Fairbanks. The beer is bottled in stainless steel "Kleen Kanteens," which are lighter, stronger and more environmentally friendly than traditional glass bottles.

"The pale ale we serve to customers onboard our Q400 flights will be about as fresh as you can get," said Lisa Luchau, Alaska Airlines' director of onboard food and beverage. "It'll be bottled and packed every day."

The samples that will be offered on the flights are 6.5 ounces and will be offered on flights operating after 11 a.m.

If passengers like the beer, they can pick up their own Kleen Kanteens at the brewery's restaurant in the C Concourse at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or at the brewery and restaurant in Fox, Alaska.