Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience

A Close-Up Look at the Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience in Ketchikan

This distillery tour is a surprisingly engaging mix of history, tasting, and DIY fun, located right in the heart of Ketchikan, Alaska. For $149 per person, you’ll spend approximately two hours exploring Uncharted Alaska Distillery—housed in a historic fire station—and learning how their local spirits are crafted. The tour is limited to about 20 travelers, which means plenty of personal attention without feeling crowded, and it’s ideal for those who enjoy a good story, a bit of hands-on activity, and the chance to take home a personalized bottle.

What we love most about this experience is how informative and interactive it is. First, the history briefing gives a charming look into the building’s past while setting the stage for the distilling process. Second, the infusion class allows you to get creative, mixing botanicals, herbs, and spices into your own custom spirit—then label it with your design. The only potential drawback? If you’re not particularly interested in spirits or crafting your own, this might feel less like a tour and more like a craft session. Still, for those who love a hands-on experience, it’s a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to learn about local spirits, cruise passengers wanting a memorable, authentic activity, or anyone looking for a fun, small-group experience that ends with a personal keepsake. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, the relaxed atmosphere, and the quality of the spirits and infusion process.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience in a historic fire station setting.
• Hands-on infusion class gives you a chance to create a personalized spirit to take home.
• Knowledgeable guides make the process engaging and educational.
• Tastings of house spirits include unique options like Ghost Pepper Agave, adding a flavor adventure.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Good value for the engaging, craft-focused experience combined with tastings and a souvenir bottle.

What to Expect from the Distillery Tour in Ketchikan

Visiting a Historic Setting

The tour begins at 321 Main St, Ketchikan, housed in a historic fire station now transformed into a distillery. The setting alone adds a layer of charm—imagine walking into a building with storied pasts and then getting a peek into modern craft distilling. You’ll be greeted by friendly guides, likely including Travis, who reviews consistently mention as being both knowledgeable and entertaining.

The History Briefing

The first part of the experience takes about an hour and offers a succinct yet engaging history of the building and the distillery’s roots. This segment helps set the tone, giving you context about how Alaska’s spirits are made and why this particular location is significant. It’s an excellent foundation for appreciating the craftsmanship and the local character infused into each bottle.

Tasting Local Spirits

Next, you’ll move onto sampling some of the distillery’s house spirits, which could include unique flavors like Ghost Pepper Agave. As one reviewer notes, “Great taste of many of their products,” and many found the tastings both generous and educational. This part is particularly popular because it offers a taste of Alaska’s distinctive flavor profiles, often different than what you might find elsewhere.

The Hands-On Infusion Class

The highlight? The infusion class lasting about 45 minutes. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are included, and you get to blend your own spirits—whether it’s a strawberry rhubarb vodka or a kiwi-infused liquor. This is not just a demo; it’s a participatory activity where you really create your signature bottle. You will label your infusion, making it a perfect souvenir, and then take your custom bottle home.

Multiple reviews highlight how much fun this part is—“Making my own beverage to take home!” and “Loved infusing and designing my label.” The bottles are described as “cool,” and the process is straightforward enough for most to enjoy, even without prior experience.

Making It Personal

Each guest can craft a personalized bottle to bring home, which is a major plus for travelers wanting a tangible memory of their trip. The quality of the spirits and the infusion process have received high praise; many say it’s “more than I expected,” and the bottles come out looking attractive and professional.

End of Tour and Recommendations

The tour wraps back at the starting point, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding area afterward—perfect for wandering around Ketchikan’s charming streets. The small group size and friendly guides create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps the experience relaxed and fun.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour costs $149, which includes tastings and your custom-infused spirit. Given the quality of the experience and the personal souvenir, many see it as good value.
• It lasts about two hours, making it a manageable activity during a cruise or day trip.
• All botanicals, herbs, and spices are included, so you don’t need to bring anything extra.
• The meeting point is at 321 Main St; it’s accessible by public transit, and service animals are allowed.
• Since the tour is capped at 20 guests, booking in advance is recommended, especially since it’s a popular choice—over 5 bookings last month alone.

Authentic Feedback from Past Participants

The reviews offer a consistent picture of a fun and informative experience. Guests mention that guides are “great at explaining the process,” and many appreciate the generous tastings and unique spirits like the Ghost Pepper Agave. The infusion process draws lots of praise, with comments like “making my own bottle was awesome” and “I can’t wait to taste it.”

Travelers also value the small group setting for the personalized attention, describing the tour as “so fun,” “hilarious,” and “a great way to spend the morning.” Several review the experience as being more than just a distillery visit—it’s a creative, memorable activity that offers a hands-on craft and a delicious taste of Alaska.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This distillery experience offers a rare blend of history, learning, tasting, and creative activity. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys spirits or wants to try something different in Ketchikan, especially if you like hands-on experiences and personal souvenirs. The knowledgeable guides and engaging format make it suitable for all ages (service animals allowed), and the small group setting ensures an intimate, relaxed vibe.

If you’re a cruise passenger or a visitor seeking an authentic local activity that’s both educational and fun, this tour should be on your list. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in crafting your own spirit and creating a memorable keepsake from your trip. Overall, it offers great value and a unique story—a combination that makes it stand out among other tours in Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the distillery tour?
  The entire experience lasts about two hours, including tasting and infusion.

• What is included in the infusion class?
  All botanicals, herbs, and spices are provided so you can blend your own spirit and customize it to your taste.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility.

• Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
  While mainly focused on spirits, the experience is more about craftsmanship and learning, so non-drinkers or kids might still enjoy the process and the history, but it’s primarily aimed at adults.

• Are there any spirits I should try?
  Many reviews recommend trying the Ghost Pepper Agave for a spicy twist, and the tastings include a variety of house spirits.

• What should I wear or bring?
  Since it’s in a historic building, casual and comfortable attire is fine. No special items are needed, but bring a sense of curiosity and readiness to have fun.

This distillery tour in Ketchikan combines storytelling, tasting, and hands-on creating into a genuine, memorable activity. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to experience Alaska’s craft scene, it offers good value, expert guides, and a chance to craft a one-of-a-kind souvenir.