Anyone who has tasted the Alaska Brewing Company's beers in Juneau is familiar with Alaskan Amber, the best-tasting and most popular of their presentations (Disclosure: It is MY favorite) but here is a new specialty beer that has received attention.

Excerpts:
"Alaskan Brewing Co. was awarded a silver medal in the Specialty Beer category at the world's largest commercial beer competition, the 31st annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colo."

"Birch Syrup from Alaska is a truly rare and surprising gourmet ingredient so we thought 'why not create a brew that specifically showcased that great flavor?'" said Alaskan Brewing co-founder Marcy Larson. "It's rewarding to see our hard work and commitment to sharing the flavors of Alaska recognized at the world's largest beer competition. The great thing about this beer is that it is really representative of Alaskan history and flavors."

"More than 660 breweries, representing 11 countries, entered products to be judged by 185 judges"

http://juneauempire.com/neighbors/2012-10-21/great-alaska-beer-receives-great-american-award#.UIRG3YYWDkh