Palmer on tap

Photo by Rindi White
Arkose co-owner Stephen Gerteisen pours a growler of "Blue Skies" Wednesday.

Beer lovers, rejoice! At long last, Palmer is home to a microbrewery.

Stephen and June Gerteisen this month opened Arkose Brewery, named for Arkose Peak and Ridge in Hatcher Pass, in the Palmer Industrial Park. They’re located at 650 East Steel Loop, off Outer Springer Loop.

Blue Skies Golden Ale, which Stephen Gerteisen described as a “malt-forward, smooth-drinking, light-bodied, approachable draft beer,” is currently the only beer Arkose has on tap. An IPA, Wild Like the Wind, will be added to the lineup Friday, Gerteisen said. A pale ale, not yet named, should be on tap Nov. 4. 

A large grey barn-like building in the Palmer Industrial Park is Arkose’s home. Gerteisen said he and June looked all over Palmer for an appropriate brewing spot and found that the industrial park specifically lists breweries as an allowed use. The garage-like setup works well for the brewing and fermenting equipment and there’s a large walk-in cooler to house brewed beer. A tasting room (dubbed the “Growler Cache”) up front has four taps and a rack full of Arkose gear.

Asked if a brewpub is in Arkose’s future, Gerteisen said he plans instead to focus on getting his beer on tap at local restaurants. He’s a brewer, not a foodie. But pleasant pairings are planned – a beer tasting is planned at Rusty’s at Dahlia Street in Palmer. Gerteisen said the event is planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 3.

What makes Arkose’s beer stand out from the rest? Freshness and good ingredients, Gerteisen said. Like vegetables and just about anything else that can be consumed, beer just tastes better from the source, he said.

Arkose is open Tuesday through Saturday, 2-7 p.m. Find out more at their web site, www.arkosebrewery.com. 

-- Rindi White