History

Port Chilkoot Distillery is located in Haines in southeastern Alaska and markets itself as Southeast Alaska's first distillery. Their products are described as handcrafted in small batches and designed to be local, flavorful, and authentic. The Alaska bottle labeling began in 2012, and the distillery sits in the historic Fort Seward area, where tastings also take place in their Tasting Room. The team consists of Heather Shade (owner), Sean Copeland (owner), and a small group that includes David Thomas (distiller and production), Rahsaan Gregg (facilities and production assistant), Lucy Nieboer (tasting room manager), Jen Reid (tour guide), and Rebekah Jean (host). The dog Ozzie is also mentioned as part of the story and the enthusiasm surrounding the distillery. Port Chilkoot is described as a place that operates sustainably and places emphasis on local craftsmanship and the relationship to the surrounding landscapes and ingredients. Their history is tied to Alaska's maritime culture and natural diversity, which is also reflected in their products and packaging. Over the years, the house has received a number of accolades and press coverage, and they profile themselves as a supplier of unique spirits with a clear sense of place.

Production / Making

Spirits from Port Chilkoot Distillery are handcrafted in Southeast Alaska and produced in small batches. Their approach includes complex botanicals and local ingredients, as well as a narrative about the region and the culture surrounding Haines. Important elements in their production include: - 50 Fathoms Gin produced in a London Dry style with local elements such as spruce tips, whole juniper, cinnamon and coriander, plus a citrus finish from Californian mandarins. - Icy Strait Vodka, distilled to Alaskan strength and blended with local water, which provides a clean and crisp flavor profile for cocktails or enjoyed neat. - Green Siren Absinthe, made from an 1700s recipe without artificial coloring or sugar syrup, with herbs such as wormwood, lemon balm and anise hyssop, and stored without color extraction. - Boatwright Bourbon, a blend of two Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, one of which is distilled entirely in-house and the other coming from Kentucky; the distillery describes it as a characterful, unique and locally reflected bourbon. - Wrack Line Rye, with a mash bill of 70 percent rye, and aged for at least 3 years, which is blended with a Straight Rye Whiskey to provide spice and balance in cocktails. - Seaworthy Rum, a golden rum aged in Boatwright Bourbon barrels for 12 months after the sugar cane is distilled through panela sugar cane. - Agave de Alaska, 100% blue agave for tequila-style spirits produced in small batches through the distillation process in Haines.

Their approach highlights small-batch production and a clear emphasis on locally derived ingredients and craftsmanship. The distillery's products are presented as “uncork a bottle and taste integrity” and focus on delivering an authentic Alaskan experience through flavor and also the visual identity.

Products / Whiskey Series

Boatwright Bourbon

Boatwright Bourbon is a handcrafted bourbon, a blend of two Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, where one comes from Port Chilkoot Distillery and the other from Kentucky. The distillery highlights it as a unique, local character, and describes the process as grain-to-barrel in their small craft distillery in Southeast Alaska.

Wrack Line Rye

Wrack Line Rye presents a classic rye whiskey with a mash bill of 70 percent rye. It is described as spicy and well balanced for cocktails, distilled in small batches on-site and aged for at least 3 years, after which it is blended with a Straight Rye Whiskey from the USA.

Old School Whiskey

Limited Release edition of a whiskey described as light but complex and aged for three years in Boatwright Bourbon barrels. Definitely a limited release, with only two barrel maturations per year and available in Haines and in rare quantities in Anchorage.

Visits / Experiences

Port Chilkoot Distillery is known as Southeast Alaska's first distillery and offers a Tasting Room and tours in Fort Seward in Haines. Their distillery tour & tasting is listed as an option, and they have partner arrangements with major cruise lines such as Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, American Cruise Lines and Cunard. Visitors can book tours through their cruise line partners, and they provide a contact email for more information about tours: tours@portchilkootdistillery.com. Their Tasting Room offers samples, cocktails and the opportunity to purchase bottles and merchandise. The destination is known for being “Bottling Alaska Since 2012,” which provides a long-standing history in the region.

Philosophy

Port Chilkoot Distillery's philosophy centers on craft and a strong sense of place. They emphasize creating something local, tasty, and authentic, using locally sourced ingredients and botanicals to reflect the degree of authenticity in their spirits. The owner and team come from backgrounds in biology, rather than solely craftsmanship, creating an approach where science meets artisanal craft in the selection and handling of raw materials. Their work in the isolated, coastal regions of Alaska is highlighted as part of the identity and culture surrounding the distillery, and they work with sustainable harvesting and a close connection to place and nature.