Denali Brewing wins grand prize at Matanuska Brewfest

Denali Brewing Company of Talkeetna has been chosen to brew the official beer for the 2011 Alaska State Fair in Palmer.

Their fruit and wheat beer, Purple Haze, was voted this year’s overall favorite at the Mighty Matanuska Brewfest last weekend at the Palmer Fairgrounds. Purple Haze is brewed with 10 pounds of blueberries.

More than 50 beers were available for tasting to the one-thousand or so attendees of the Brewfest.  Over 30 of the beers came from Alaskan breweries. Alaskan companies included Alaskan Brewing, Silver Gulch, Kassik’s Kenai, Denali Brewing and several others. Outside breweries included Samuel Adams, Deschutes and Pyramid.

Denali Brewing also served its Mother Ale, Single Engine Red and Chuli Stout at the event.

Last years’ grand prize winner and chosen beer for the state fair was a cream ale from Kassik’s Kenai Brew Stop. With almost 20 breweries in Alaska, competition is guaranteed to get tougher.