Est. 2006 · Soldotna, Alaska

Built by Brewers.
Sustained by Community.

Three couples who fell in love with homebrewing together built one of Alaska's most beloved breweries. Twenty years later, they're still pouring, still gathering, still giving back.

Our Philosophy

Beer is an Art That Brings People Together

"Complement your adventure — whether fishing, hiking, snow machining, or just relaxing — with freshly brewed beer."

We built this brewery to be part of something larger than a tap list. From day one, KRBC has been about the Kenai Peninsula community — the people who fish these waters, hike these trails, and raise their families in this corner of Alaska.

"We take pride in what we do and love helping build the community where we raise our families." That's not marketing copy. That's what got us here.

The People Behind the Pints

Meet the Founders

Three couples. One shared obsession with craft beer. A 2001 homebrewing session that turned into a 20-year brewery.

Doug & Amy Hogue

Co-Founders

Doug was a Soldotna schoolteacher when he helped found KRBC. His and Amy's dedication to education and community shaped the brewery's core values from day one.

Wendell & Wendi Dutcher

Co-Founders

Wendell and Wendi brought craft expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the founding trio. Their commitment to quality beer and community remains the backbone of KRBC.

John & Naomi Weetman

Co-Founders

John and Naomi joined the homebrewing crew in 2001 and helped build KRBC into the Kenai Peninsula's cornerstone brewery. Family, community, and beer — in that order.

The Journey

Our History

2001

Three Couples, One Passion

Doug & Amy Hogue, Wendell & Wendi Dutcher, and John & Naomi Weetman meet and bond over homebrewing. A shared love of craft beer plants the seed for something bigger.

2006

Kenai River Brewing Opens

After five years perfecting their recipes, the three families open Kenai River Brewing Company in Soldotna, Alaska. Doug is still teaching school while helping launch the brewery.

2012

Community Roots Deepen

KRBC launches the Tsalteshi Trail charity beer program, partnering with the local trail association to brew seasonal beers that directly fund Soldotna's trail network.

2018

Expansion & Canning Line

Twelve years in, KRBC expands into a new facility, adds a canning line, and launches a full scratch kitchen. Sunken Island IPA and Skilak Scottish begin statewide can distribution.

2024

AK Coast IPA & Conservation

KRBC releases the AK Coast IPA in partnership with the Kenai Watershed Forum — tying craft beer to king salmon conservation and reinforcing the brewery's commitment to the Kenai Peninsula.

2026

Still Brewing. Still Here.

172 beers brewed, 20,160+ Untappd ratings, and counting. Kenai River Brewing continues as the anchor of Soldotna's craft beer and community scene.

Community First

The Tsalteshi Trail Program

Every season, we brew a special beer and donate a portion of proceeds directly to the Tsalteshi Trail Association — the volunteer-driven trail network right in Soldotna's backyard.

The Tsalteshi Trail Ale isn't just a beer. It's a direct investment in the trails used by Soldotna runners, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers year-round. When you buy a pint of Tsalteshi Trail Ale, you're funding the trails you love.

Tsalteshi Trail Ale
Rye Beer · 5.3% ABV · 40 IBU

Seasonal charity beer. Spicy rye character, earthy finish, brewed with purpose.

Proceeds → Tsalteshi Trail Association
See Our Full Beer Lineup

Conservation

AK Coast IPA & the Kenai Watershed

In 2024, we partnered with the Kenai Watershed Forum to release the AK Coast IPA — a beer that does more than taste great. A portion of every pour supports king salmon conservation on the Kenai River.

The salmon runs define this place. The river defines this community. Protecting it is the least we can do.

Find AK Coast IPA on Tap