HooDoo Brewing Company

In the heart of Alaska, where the rugged climate meets true hospitality, lies HooDoo Brewing Company. Founded in 2012, this family-owned business has become a true hub for residents of Fairbanks and travelers exploring the northern latitudes of the USA.

HooDoo Brewing Company. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The establishment is located in a unique spot—a former industrial warehouse that once served as a laser tag arena and even had its own airstrip. The brewery was named after the HooDoo Mountains, a range well-known among winter sports enthusiasts for its breathtaking landscapes and extreme competitions.

Today, it is a modern craft brewery and cozy taproom where German brewing traditions harmoniously blend with American innovation. HooDoo Brewing Company stands out from other venues for its dedication to quality and its commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.

For those planning a visit to this popular Fairbanks spot, essential contact information is provided below. You can contact the venue by phone or through the official website to clarify event details.

The main reason to visit this place is, of course, to taste the freshest craft beer. Here, you can try varieties inspired by classic German recipes: from light Kölsch to aromatic IPAs and rich lagers. Visitors can enjoy a drink on tap in the taproom or purchase growlers (special reusable bottles) and even kegs to go.

The free brewery tours, which take place Saturdays at 4:00 PM, are particularly impressive. The owner personally leads guests through the "inner sanctum" of the production facility. You will see the entire process: from the milling of grain (barley, oats, and wheat) to the operation of the massive 30-barrel fermentation tanks.

During the walkthrough, you can learn about the origin of the ingredients, which are sourced from Germany, the Czech Republic, and the best farms in Washington state. Visitors are also shown the original homebrew rig where the first test batches were brewed, as well as the modern bottling line, making for a truly comprehensive brand experience.

The brewery is located at 1951 Fox Ave, in the city's industrial district, near the railway and Phillips Field Road. Finding the building is easy—it is housed in a former warehouse and is clearly marked with signs.

The most convenient way to get there from the city center is by car or taxi; the trip will take about 10–15 minutes. Fairbanks is the northern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, and while public transportation is not very extensive here, renting a car remains the most comfortable way for tourists to get around.

The history of the establishment is closely tied to its founder, Bobby Wilken, who was born and raised in the area. His passion for brewing began during his college years in Montana, after which he completed professional training at the prestigious Siebel Institute in Chicago and Munich, honing his skills at major Alaskan breweries.

In 2011, Bobby and his wife Jessica returned to their hometown to realize their dream of owning a business. They chose a 35-year-old warehouse building that had previously been used for laser tag and spent a year and a half completely renovating it to meet the needs of a modern production facility.

The opening took place in 2012 without any preliminary advertising. At the start, guests were offered only two varieties—Kölsch and IPA—but the quality of the beer was so high that word of the new brewery spread instantly among Fairbanks residents, ensuring the project's success from its very first days.

For a casual visit to the taproom to leisurely enjoy a glass of fresh beer and soak in the atmosphere, tourists usually find 1–2 hours sufficient. It is an ideal place to wrap up a busy day of city sightseeing.

If you plan to join the Saturday brewery tour, we recommend setting aside at least 2–3 hours for your visit. This will give you enough time to listen to the master brewer and enjoy a tasting of seasonal varieties.

The establishment is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays to allow the production team to rest. During the week, the doors open in the afternoon, while on weekends, the taproom begins serving as early as 11 AM.

Please note that the schedule may change depending on holidays or private events, so it is recommended to check for the latest information on the brewery's official website before your trip.

After visiting the taproom, it's worth taking some time to explore the surroundings, as the Fox Ave area and the downtown district hide many interesting sites. A walk nearby will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this northern city and see Alaska's historical monuments.