Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience

Introduction

If you’re visiting Ketchikan and looking for a taste of local craftsmanship, the Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience might just be your next favorite activity. This tour promises a blend of history, hands-on fun, and tasting, all in a cozy, accessible setting.

What really draws us in are two things: first, the interactive element where you get to create your own custom infusion—think of it as a mini science project with spirits—and second, the local storytelling that makes the distillery’s history come alive. It’s a relaxed experience packed with learning and flavor, perfect for those who enjoy tasting spirits or want an authentic taste of Ketchikan’s craft scene.

That said, a possible consideration is the tour duration of around 2 hours, which might feel a bit quick if you’re someone who loves to linger or explore more extensively. Still, for a focused, engaging experience, it hits the mark.

This tour suits adventurous spirits lovers, curious travelers eager to make their own infused bottle, and anyone interested in learning about the process behind craft spirits—especially in a town that values its local flavors and stories.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Make your own custom infusion with all ingredients included.
• Authentic setting: Enjoy the history of a historic fire station turned distillery.
• Tastings: Sample a variety of house spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
• Personalized souvenirs: Label and take home your signature bottle.
• Group size: Small groups (max 20) ensure a personal, engaging experience.
• Cost and value: $149 per person offers a memorable, interactive, and flavorful outing.

Detailed Review of the Tour

Location and Setup: Uncharted Alaska Distillery in Ketchikan

You’ll start your journey at the Uncharted Alaska Distillery, conveniently located on Main Street in Ketchikan. The building itself, a former fire station, adds a layer of historical charm, and the guides do a good job of weaving this story into the experience. As you step inside, you’re welcomed into a friendly, informative environment that feels both professional and relaxed.

This small, intimate setting helps keep the focus on learning and participation, with a maximum group size of 20. The attention to detail from the staff makes sure everyone feels involved, whether you’re a seasoned spirits connoisseur or a casual sipper.

The First Stop: Exploring the Distillery

The tour begins with a brief history and overview of the distillery process—what makes this place special, and how they craft their spirits locally. The guides share stories about the history of the fire station, giving you a sense of place and tradition.

Expect about an hour of tastings of their house spirits. This part is more than just sipping—you’ll learn what makes each spirit unique, with a focus on flavors from ingredients like botanicals, herbs, and spices. One reviewer highlights the generosity of tastings and the engaging storytelling, making this segment both informative and fun.

The Hands-On Infusion Class

Next, the real fun begins. The guides lead you through a 45-minute infusion class, where you get to blend your own spirit infusion. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are provided—think strawberries, rhubarb, kiwi, or even a ghost pepper agave if you’re feeling adventurous.

Here, you’ll learn about flavor combinations, infusion techniques, and how different botanicals influence the final product. Many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the interactive aspect, describing it as “so fun” and “a cool experience.” One even writes, “making my own flavored vodka with glitter was awesome.”

Once your infusion is complete, you personalize it by designing a custom label, which adds a nice touch of ownership. You leave with a bottle of your creation—a memorable souvenir that you can share at home.

The Value of Tasting and Creating

Participants rave about the variety of spirits available for tasting—whiskey, vodka, gin—and the delicious flavors they sample. One reviewer calls the experience “so much fun” and appreciates the extra stories about town and the distilling process.

The tasting, combined with the infusion class, offers a great balance of education, flavor exploration, and hands-on activity. The fact that you get to label your own bottle and take it home adds a personal touch, transforming this tour into more than just a quick visit.

Practical Details and Group Experience

The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, which is perfect for fitting into a busy cruise itinerary or a day in town. Given the price of $149 per person, many consider it excellent value—especially considering the personalized activity, tastings, and takeaway bottle.

The small group size makes it engaging without feeling rushed, and the public transportation nearby makes it easy to access. The fact that service animals are allowed means it’s inclusive for some travelers with mobility needs.

Why Travelers Love It (Based on Reviews)

Travelers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides and their ability to explain complex processes in an easy-to-understand and engaging manner. Several mention how much they enjoyed the variety of tastings, noting the spirits were “tasty” and “unique.”

Many also appreciate the fun atmosphere—it’s described as “hilarious,” “informative,” and “a great way to spend a morning.” The ability to create a personalized bottle and learn about local spirits makes it stand out from typical distillery tours.

A Few Downsides to Consider

While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some might find the duration of around 2 hours a bit quick if they want a more leisurely experience. Plus, the $149 fee might seem steep for travelers on a tight budget, but most agree the quality and uniqueness of the experience justify the cost.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This distillery experience is a fantastic choice for spirits enthusiasts, craft cocktail lovers, or those simply curious about how local spirits are made. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want an interactive, memorable souvenir—a bottle they’ve helped infuse and label themselves.

If you enjoy learning local stories, trying new flavors, and making something personal, this tour hits all those notes. It’s also a good pick for small groups or couples seeking a friendly, engaging activity with a relaxed vibe.

However, if you’re after a long, leisurely tour or are on a very tight budget, you might want to consider other options. But for a fun, educational, and tasty outing, this distillery tour delivers plenty of value.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or minors?
The tour is geared toward adults, especially since it involves alcohol tastings and infusion making. Minors might not be allowed or might need to check with the provider beforehand.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including history, tasting, infusion class, and labeling.

What should I expect to do during the tour?
You’ll learn about the distilling process, sample various spirits, participate in blending your own infusion, and create a custom label for your bottle to take home.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the tour, for a full refund.

Is the experience accessible?
Yes, the tour is near public transportation and is friendly to service animals, making it accessible for most travelers with mobility needs.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $149 per person, which includes all tastings and the infusion activity—considered good value given the personalized experience and takeaway bottle.

The Sum Up

The Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience in Ketchikan offers a compelling mix of history, hands-on fun, and flavor exploration. It’s a well-rounded activity that appeals to curious travelers, craft spirits lovers, and anyone wanting a memorable souvenir from their trip. The guides’ knowledge, the intimate setting, and the opportunity to create something personal make it stand out from more traditional distillery tours.

While it may not be the longest or cheapest option, the engaging nature and quality of the experience deliver excellent value. If you enjoy tasting, learning, and making your own infused spirit, this tour is well worth a spot on your Ketchikan itinerary.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a unique activity that captures local craftsmanship, this distillery experience offers a delightful blend of education, entertainment, and a tasty takeaway.