Alaska Airlines to Offer Local Beer Tasting on Q400 Flights in Alaska

Travelers on Alaska Airlines flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks and Anchorage and Kodiak will soon enjoy an extra infusion of local flavor in the form of 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 have the opportunity to sample the moderately hopped, American-style pale ale free of charge beginning March 3, when Alaska Airlines introduces the Bombardier Q400 to the state of Alaska. The flights will be operated for Alaska Airlines by its sister carrier, Horizon Air. These flights will 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.' "

The brewery, which has locations in Anchorage and north of Fairbanks, will bottle the beer 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."

Samples are about 6.5 ounces and will be offered to customers on flights operating after 11 a.m.

Travelers can pick up their very own Kleen Kanteens (or traditional glass growlers) filled with their favorite Silver Gulch beers at the brewery's restaurant in the C Concourse at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or at the brewery and restaurant in Fox, Alaska.

Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group and flies to 39 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Web Site: http://www.alaskaair.com