Seward, Alaska
Crusin’ Rating: B+
Booze Rating: C
This week, we are back with more of our Alaska Trip, continuing our exploration of the port city of Seward with a visit to the Tidewater Taphouse! Located directly next to the Alaska Railroad Depot in Seward and a half block away from the cruise ship terminal, Tidewater Taphouse is situated in a prime location to greet visitors from both land and sea, boasting a wonderful view of the docks, bay, and surrounding mountains. Even on gloomy days, neither Hannah nor I could fathom getting sick of a view like that.
The story of Tidewater Taphouse was, to us, slightly muddled and muddled slightly more even after talking to the employees at the taphouse. The brewery that Hannah and I were searching for initially was Stoney Creek Brewhouse. This brewhouse has a location listed and even an address but it took some investigation and guidance from locals to find out that Stoney Creek Brewhouse is the brewery part of Tidewater Taphouse (a brewpub). We came to learn that there was a different location at one point that closed, but then relocated/reopened under the same name by the same owner, who also partially owns the taphouse. Clear as ocean fog, right? What we could glean is that while Stoney Creek may not have been successful on its first run, or maybe didn’t have a public facing location at all - based on who we asked. At one point we were certain we’d be reviewing this beer in a bar or restaurant since it didn’t seem to have a space to call its home.
Eventually, we learned that the head brewer had partnered with some others in Seward and opened the Tidewater Taphouse which includes Stoney Creek Brewhouse, Mermaid Grotto and Cafe, and also the Kraken Lounge. While that sounds like a conglomeration of businesses, it’s far from clear cut when you enter the space. Determining where one entity ends or begins, or whether they are simply names for the spaces left us scratching our heads. The Brewmaster has semi-exclusive beer rights at the taphouse which definitely threw us for a loop as we assumed he’d want his beer served only.
Brain fog aside, we took note of the various spaces. Outside, there was a large patio that was open to the inside via a door large enough to fit a fishing boat through. The patio, like others we would later come to find out, had a neat detail of having what appeared to be custom hand-wrought metal fireplaces. These depicted various sea monster tentacles - very fitting for this normally rainy port town. Inside the space featured a split staircase that led up to a lofted second story that served as the main seating for the restaurant and second bar. Wood planks, some greenish blue, decorated the walls and ceiling with bistro lights hanging through the space. The nautical theme here was absolutely spot on, and even more so when we found ourselves doing the review upstairs.
The Kraken Lounge - well, what we assumed was the Kraken Lounge, was shaped like the prow of a ship and featured metal Kraken limbs snaking up from the floor and encircling the bar as if to pull it down into the depths. With dozens of ship masts, rigging, and port equipment serving as the backdrop through large windows, this was definitely one of the coolest looking bars we’ve walked into and definitely lent on the port/ocean theme a bit more than Seward Brewing Company.
The menu looked varied and Hannah and I may have regretted not giving it a try, but we were really there for the beer.
Steller Blue Hefeweizen (5.6% ABV) - Steller here referring to George William Steller - a naturalist and explorer, not a misspelling. This beer poured yellow with a slightly brownish hue when held to the light and had the aroma of blueberry muffins. With a general malt sweetness Hannah and I didn’t find much blueberry in here, maybe a faint sourness that went a little beyond tartness sometimes found in the style. We also thought there was a fairly boozey and hoppy finish here. I would avoid this one.
Low Tide Saison (5.7% ABV) - This pale yellow beer featured a nice note of black pepper, and fruitiness, what I thought was reminiscent of bubblegum - although Hannah disagreed and found more earthy spice present and grainy malt. While Coriander was listed in the tasting notes, neither of us could really locate that spice specifically when smelling. I picked up a little bit of orange when tasting, and additional pepper. Hannah was certain she picked up on corn-like sweetness which definitely does not belong here but it had a pleasantly bitter finish.
Squirrel Den Hazy IPA (7.1% ABV) - This beer poured a cloudy straw-yellow and featured aromas of pineapple and heavy mango fruit. Tasting gave notes of low mango and bright grassiness with a resinous finish. Straightforward, but we hoped for a little more of that fruit to shine through in flavor.
Experimental Pour (5.4% ABV) - This Raspberry Farmhouse ale poured ruddy yellow , an experimental ale, had some farmhouse funkiness and a little tartness on the nose. Tart in taste with flavors of dried raspberries initially, you get tartness up front, then rehydrated raspberries, and cooked lingonberry on the finish with low grassy hop notes. I thought this beer was very similar to New Glarus Belgian Red in spirit but hoppier in comparison. This one was decent.
While both breweries in Seward offered second stories, food options, and varying atmosphere of tourist and local hangouts combined, I think Tidewater Taphouse takes the edge when it comes to beer and I think they leaned strongly into the theme here, even if the origin story is a little unclear. I think if you’re looking for local beer and want some food to go with it as well as a fire in the summer months in Seward, then this is the spot we’d recommend! Although I wouldn't say go to Seward just for the beer, there’s so much to do - kayaking, icefield views, fishing, boat tours, and ample food spots to check out! Seward was an outdoor adventuring highlight of our trip to Alaska and we highly recommend checking out Sunny Cove Kayaking Tours or Major Marine Tours if you’re looking for an adventure!
We continue on to Homer, Alaska next week!
Until then, keep on crusin’, don’t stop boozin’!
To learn more about Tidewater Taphouse, please visit their website at: www.tidewatertaphouse.com or on Facebook: Tidewater Taphouse or on Instagram: @TidewaterTaphouse
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