If you’re cruising through Alaska and searching for an activity that combines local flavor, hands-on fun, and a dash of education, the Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience offers all that and more. From the moment you step into the historic fire station turned distillery, you’re welcomed into a world where storytelling, craftsmanship, and creativity collide. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just curious about how your favorite cocktails are made, this tour promises a memorable outing.
What makes this experience stand out are several factors: the knowledgeable guides who explain the distillation process with humor and clarity, the interactive infusion class that lets you craft your own unique spirit, and the stunning local backdrop of Ketchikan’s vibrant town. The only potential hiccup? It’s a relatively short tour at just two hours, so those wanting a deep dive into distilling might find it slightly brisk. Still, for most travelers, the blend of tasting, learning, and creating is more than enough value. This tour suits cruise passengers, craft cocktail fans, and anyone eager to take home a personalized spirit as a souvenir.
Good To Know

- Hands-on experience: Create your own custom infused spirit with all botanicals included.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable staff share engaging stories about the distillery and town.
- Tastings: Enjoy generous samples of house spirits like whiskey, vodka, and gin.
- Unique souvenir: Take home a personalized bottle with a custom label.
- Convenient location: Easy to reach in downtown Ketchikan.
- Great value: For $149, you get a mix of education, entertainment, and a memorable craft product.
Beginning at Uncharted Alaska Distillery

Your journey starts at 321 Main St, Ketchikan, a location within easy walking distance of the cruise docks and town. Enter the historic fire station, now transformed into Uncharted Alaska Distillery. Here, the guides—who are often praised for their fun, engaging personalities—kick off with a brief history of the building and a lively explanation of their local spirits. One reviewer highlighted how the owner shared insights into the distilling process, making complex techniques accessible and even humorous.
The tastings here are generous, with visitors trying a selection of spirits that showcase the distillery’s range. Reviewers repeatedly mention the variety and quality of samples, noting that the Ghost Pepper Agave, in particular, is a must-try for those seeking something spicy and unique. This part of the tour lasts roughly an hour, giving plenty of room for questions, conversations, and, of course, sampling.
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The Interactive Infusion Class
Following the initial tasting, the experience shifts gears into the fun, hands-on infusion session. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are included, so you can experiment freely. Reviewers love the opportunity to craft something personal, with one describing it as “so fun and very informative.” You’ll learn how different herbs influence flavor profiles, and guides are there to help perfect your blend.
Once your infusion is complete, you’ll move on to the labeling station, where you create a custom label for your bottle. It’s a delightful way to make a keepsake that’s both personal and practical. Many guests consider this the highlight—owning a bottle they designed, infused, and labeled themselves feels particularly rewarding.
Making the Most of Your Purchase

Your finished signature bottle becomes a memorable souvenir. You’ll leave with a personalized infusion—such as strawberry rhubarb kiwi vodka, infused with glitter, according to one enthusiastic review—that can be enjoyed at home or gifted. Several guests mention how much they appreciated the quality of the bottles and how well they turned out, often noting how creative and professional-looking their labels were.
Logistics and Group Size

The tour runs for approximately two hours, and with a maximum of 20 travelers, it maintains an intimate, friendly atmosphere. The small group size makes it easier to engage with guides and ask plenty of questions, which many reviewers appreciated. The price of $149 per person is quite reasonable considering the combination of tasting, education, and the personalized product you’ll take home.
What to Expect Post-Tour

After your distillery adventure, you’re close enough to wander through Ketchikan’s charming streets or grab a snack. Many reviewers mention how close it is to town, making it a convenient activity on a cruise day or a quick local outing.
A recurring theme in reviews is how entertaining and knowledgeable the staff are. One reviewer mentioned how the owner shared funny stories about the town’s origins while helping them celebrate a 21st birthday. Others talked about how generous the tastings were, leaving them feeling satisfied both in spirit and in knowledge.
Many expressed surprise at how much they learned about distillation and appreciated the variety of spirits—ranging from whiskey to vodka to gin—sampling different flavors before making their own. The infusion process received high praise as a creative highlight, with one guest saying they made a “bottle of strawberry rhubarb kiwi vodka with glitter,” which they couldn’t wait to taste.
Practical Tips

- Arrive on time at the meeting point; the tour starts promptly.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you plan to wander afterward.
- The experience is family- and service animal-friendly, making it accessible.
- Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak cruise seasons, as the tour often sells out.
- Consider bringing a small notebook if you want to jot down flavor ideas or tasting notes.
For $149, you’re not only getting a fun and educational activity but also a personalized keepsake that’s crafted by your own hands. The combination of tastings, storytelling, and the infusion class makes it a well-rounded experience, especially for those interested in spirits, cocktails, or local Alaska culture.
The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge truly elevate the experience, and reviewers consistently praise the fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal activity for cruise passengers wanting to squeeze in a memorable, authentic experience that’s different from typical sightseeing.
This tour is best suited for adventure-loving travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, as well as drink connoisseurs curious about how spirits are made. If you love trying new flavors and want a unique souvenir, this experience checks all the boxes. It also works well for small groups, couples, or families looking for a relaxed, engaging activity close to town.
The Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience in Ketchikan is an engaging way to learn about local spirits while creating your own personalized infusion. It offers a perfect mix of education, entertainment, and craft, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking something different. The knowledgeable guides, generous tastings, and fun infusion process create a memorable outing that you’ll cherish long after your cruise has docked.
Despite its brief duration, the tour provides high value through its interactive elements and quality souvenirs. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy a taste of Ketchikan’s local flavor and take home a tangible reminder of their visit — a true craft experience with a personal touch.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about two hours, with roughly an hour for the initial tasting and history, and around 45 minutes for the infusion class.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at 321 Main St, Ketchikan, in the historic fire station that now houses the distillery.
Is the tasting part of the tour included?
Yes, tasting the distillery’s house spirits is included as part of the experience, and many guests find the samples to be quite generous.
Can I make my own infusion?
Absolutely. You’ll select botanicals, herbs, and spices to craft your own signature infusion, which you then personalize with a label.
What’s the cost of the tour?
The price is $149 per person, which includes tastings, the infusion class, and your personalized bottle.
Is this experience suitable for children or service animals?
Service animals are allowed, and the tour is family-friendly, though the focus is on spirits and tasting.
Will I get to take my infusion home?
Yes, the custom-labeled bottle is yours to take home and enjoy or gift.
Is it possible to cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
This distillery tour offers an authentic glimpse into local Alaskan spirits, combined with a creative and interactive twist. It’s an experience that balances fun, learning, and a bit of personalization — perfect for making your Ketchikan visit truly memorable.
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