Beer lovers and aspiring capitalists will enjoy the tour of Alaska's most popular craft brewery. Now too big to be called "micro," the brewery started small in 1986 when Geoff and Marcy Larson had the idea of bringing a local gold rush-era brew back to life. It worked, and now Alaskan Amber and several other brews are everywhere in Alaska and many places down the west coast, and the brewery has won a long list of national and international awards for its brews. The short, free tour, which starts every hour, is fairly interesting, with views of the brewing equipment behind glass and an amazing worldwide beer bottle collection, but it's the tasting that makes it fun. They serve a wide variety of free samples, often creating an impromptu party in the lobby. Identification is required. The brewery also has a downtown gift shop at 219 S. Franklin St.