Ketchikan: Distillery Tour with Infusion Class

If you’re looking for a unique way to connect with Alaska’s local flavors, the Ketchikan Distillery Tour with Infusion Class offers a refreshing twist on the usual shore excursions. This two-hour experience combines a behind-the-scenes look at a historic distillery, a chance to craft your own infused spirit, and a bit of creative label design — all in one compact package.

What we love about this tour is how it balances education with hands-on fun. First, you get to see the distillery’s operation, nestled in a building with a fascinating past as a fire station. Then, you get to infuse your own alcohol with botanicals, herbs, and spices — a process that turns abstract ingredients into a personalized bottle. Plus, creating a custom label to take home makes this a memorable souvenir.

The only thing to consider? The cost of $161 per person might feel steep for some, especially if you’re not a big spirits enthusiast. But for those who enjoy craft drinks and local experiences, it’s a worthwhile splurge.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate hands-on activities, local craftsmanship, and a bit of creative expression. Whether you’re a foodie, a spirits connoisseur, or simply curious about how things are made, you’ll find value in what’s offered here.

This experience made our article of Top 3 Workshops & Classes In Ketchikan.

Key Points

• Interactive craft session to create your own infused spirit
• Learn about distilling in a historic Alaska building
• Personalized souvenir with custom label
• Taste the house spirits and gain insight into local distilling traditions
• Accessible and wheelchair-friendly for most guests
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Experience: A Closer Look

From the moment you arrive at the Uncharted Alaska Distillery in downtown Ketchikan, you’re welcomed into a space that combines history and craftsmanship. The distillery operates within a building that once served as a fire station, adding a layer of local storytelling that enriches the experience. The guide, offering a live English narration, provides insight into both the history of the distillery and the distillation process itself. We loved the way they seamlessly connected Alaska’s local ingredients to the spirits they produce, emphasizing the region’s natural bounty.

The Distillery Tour

The tour of the distillery offers a solid overview of how spirits like gin, vodka, whiskey, or agave-based drinks are made. While the specifics of the process aren’t overly technical, the guide highlights the key steps—milling, fermentation, distillation, and bottling—and explains how local botanicals and herbs influence flavor profiles. The tasting session that follows lets you sample the house spirits, providing a palate-pleasing introduction to what makes this distillery special. Many reviewers appreciated the informative yet relaxed atmosphere, noting that the guide’s knowledge was clear without feeling overly technical.

The Infusion Class

The real highlight is the hands-on infusion class. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are provided, allowing you to experiment and blend your own signature flavor. We appreciated the generous selection of ingredients, which ensures everyone can craft a spirit tailored to their tastes. The process is straightforward — you choose your botanicals, herbs, or spices, then mix and infuse your alcohol under guidance. The ability to name and design your own label adds a personal touch, transforming your creation into a keepsake that’s perfect for gifting or savoring later.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee includes a distillery tour, tastings, and a 375 ml bottle of your infused spirit to take home. This amount of alcohol is a thoughtful souvenir, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors or want a special memento of their trip. However, souvenirs beyond your bottled creation, like additional bottles or spirits at the bar, are not included, so if you’re a true enthusiast, you might want to budget extra.

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Practical Details

The experience lasts around two hours, making it an ideal stop for a morning or early afternoon activity. It’s wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility considerations. You’ll meet directly at the distillery in downtown Ketchikan, simplifying logistics. Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, offering peace of mind for spontaneous trip plans.

Authentic and Enjoyable

One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the process with humor and clarity,” which highlights the approachable nature of the tour. Others enjoyed the personalized touch of creating a custom label, describing it as “a fun way to remember Ketchikan.”

Is It Worth the Price?

At $161 per person, this experience isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s worth considering what you get: a comprehensive tour, hands-on infusion class, and a personalized bottle. For spirits lovers and those seeking an authentic local experience, this price reflects the craftsmanship, educational value, and memorable keepsake you walk away with.

Compared to many typical shore excursions, which often just involve sightseeing, this tour offers a meaningful insider look at Alaska’s craft spirits scene. Plus, the learning component and the craft activity make it more engaging than just tasting at a bar.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous spirits enthusiasts, craft lovers, and anyone wanting a fun, interactive activity. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind paying a bit more for a personalized souvenir and an authentic taste of local craftsmanship. If you’re traveling with children, the tour isn’t suitable for kids under 18, and drivers under 21 won’t be able to participate in the alcohol infusion.

Final Thoughts

The Ketchikan Distillery Tour with Infusion Class offers more than just a glimpse into the spirit-making process; it’s an opportunity to engage creatively with local flavors and leave with a tangible memory of your visit. The mix of history, hands-on activity, and tasting makes it a well-rounded choice for those curious about Alaska’s craft scene or looking for a unique activity beyond the standard tour hustle.

If you like interactive experiences, enjoy learning about local products, or want a personalized souvenir, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially worthwhile if you appreciate craftsmanship and want a true taste of Alaska’s spirit traditions in a relaxed, friendly setting.

FAQs

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the distillery tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most guests with mobility needs.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience takes approximately two hours, perfect for fitting into a morning or early afternoon slot.

What spirits can I craft?
You can craft your own signature bottle of gin, vodka, whiskey, or agave spirits.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the distillery tour, tastings of the house spirits, and a 375 ml bottle of your infused alcohol to take home.

Can I book the tour now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience.

Are extra bottles or souvenirs available for purchase?
Not included, but you may find additional spirits or souvenirs at the distillery if you wish to extend your keepsakes.

Is the infusion process complicated?
Not at all. The process is guided and straightforward, with all botanicals, herbs, and spices provided for your experimentation.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the experience is only suitable for guests 18 and over due to the alcohol component.

Can I do this if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour uses a variety of botanicals, herbs, and spices. If you have allergies or restrictions, it’s best to inquire beforehand.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

If you’re eager to explore Alaska’s craft spirits in a fun, engaging way, this distillery experience is a smart choice, especially for those who enjoy a personal touch and a hands-on activity during their travels.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby