Ahh ... fall. The most magical and fleeting of seasons! When summer has long-faded into the rearview mirror and the snow-dusted days of winter are just around the corner, we dare you to name a better cold weather duo than apples and cinnamon. Fresh-pressed apple juice, warm apple cider donuts, and fresh apple pie are exactly what the doctor ordered when autumn is at its peak!

Unfortunately, here in Alaska, fall is an early-arriving, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it season — if we're lucky, a few weeks of crisp air and fiery leaves before the temperatures plummet and the wind chill kicks in.

For hardy Alaskans, however, there's one local hotspot where the flavors of autumn can be savored year-round — not only well into the icy doldrums of winter but the verdant throes of spring and summer as well. With flavors that bring the tastes of fall and the Alaskan landscape to life, Double Shovel Cider Co. is the perfect spot to toast to the fleeting days of autumn and soak in those last days of sunshine before winter takes over.

Known for rugged mountains, jaw-dropping landscapes, and moose sightings (just to name a few highlights), Alaska might not seem like an obvious spot for growing apples and fermenting hard cider — but Double Shovel Cider Co. is here to prove otherwise, and honestly, it's a match made in heaven. Equal parts down-to-earth and cutting-edge, this AK-grown hard cidery has quickly captured the hearts (and tastebuds) of Anchorage’s apple-loving crowd, and it’s worth every second of a visit.

As the oldest and largest (i.e. the original) micro-cidery in Alaska, Double Shovel Cider Co. has been quietly redefining Alaskan brewery culture, one glass of hard cider at a time. It even has two locations (Anchorage and Kodiak) to make tapping into those sweet local flavors even more convenient. Their apple-packed beverages span the board when it comes to dryness, sweetness, and flavor profiles, which means there's a little something for everyone here, even those who aren't certified apple aficionados.

The idea for Double Shovel started with three friends — Galen, Jack, and Jerry — who wanted to bring something fresh to Alaska’s craft scene: a fun, refreshing, gluten-free microbrew alternative to beer that would highlight local flavors. They named the cidery after the caribou, whose “double shovel” antlers are prized in local hunting circles, a nod to their mission to keep it real and stay connected to Alaska's roots.

Since opening in 2016, Double Shovel has carved out a spot as Anchorage’s hard cider go-to, offering crisp, refreshing cider blends that somehow capture the wild Alaskan vibe in every sip. Local Almata apples, crabapples, and other hardy fruit varieties find their way into the fermenting room, where they are carefully aged, pressed, and juiced.

And, as it turns out, Alaskan apples make for some pretty great cider!

Of course, The Last Frontier has a short growing season, so while Double Shovel sources apples from Washington as well to supplement those grown here at home, they also add other local ingredients like spruce tips, wild berries, and even birch syrup to make their ciders truly Alaskan. These unique flavors have helped take Double Shovel's cider from a niche drink to a fall-rooted, all-seasons beverage that has grown immensely in popularity over the years. There's always something new and delicious on tap in addition to their flagship ciders!

Whatever you do, do NOT skip over the Cidermosas. *swoon*

Making cider in Alaska means facing some pretty unique challenges, from getting ingredients up north to managing distribution across a vast state. But these obstacles have only fueled Double Shovel’s creativity. Each cider is crafted with a commitment to flavor and quality — this isn't grocery-store apple juice, after all! The cidery's process is all about letting the natural apple flavor and yeasts shine, avoiding unnecessary additives, and making sure every creation has its own character. The seasonal varieties are always a hit, with small-batch releases featuring Alaskan-grown rhubarb, blueberries, and even local flowers.

In fall, cider flavor options are warm, iconic, and perfectly spiced to reflect the season — even if the season seemed to come and go a little too quickly. You might find blends like the Snow White Graf, a caramel apple beer-cider hybrid, or the semi-sweet Spiced Apple, which is like a slice of boozy apple pie in a can. (Liquid gold, in our opinion!)

Come summer, you can try the Botanical Cyser on for size, which beautifully marries cider and mead for the perfect blend of apples and honey. Or, sip your way through the aromatic Grapefruit Lavender Cider for a fruit and floral flavor phantasmagoria.

Can't decide? Try a whole flight (or just keep coming back). You'll typically find over a dozen on tap on any given day.

Ciders tap in at around 6.5 percent, giving them just the right amount of kick — a little more than a standard beer, but nothing too wild. They often boast a subtle, piney, citrusy vibe that instantly transports you to Alaska’s wild outskirts.

Part of the Double Shovel experience isn't just the standout drinks — it's the whole vibe. Walk into Double Shovel’s taproom, and you’re stepping into a slice of Alaska’s laid-back, welcoming spirit. Warm wood accents, local art, and a wall of growlers are just a few of the details that give off a true down-to-earth, Alaskan brewery charm. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll find locals unwinding after a long day, chatting over foaming glasses, and sharing stories. They even have live music on the regular, cider release parties, and special events and markets to keep things lively.

Plus, both locations boast fantastic outdoor spaces.

A huge plus? You can bring in your own food — whether it’s from one of the on-site food trucks or something you packed for the day. Double Shovel keeps it simple and social, and there’s something about this unpretentious, come-as-you-are vibe that makes it easy to settle in for a few hours. It's even family-friendly — so long as under-21 guests stick with non-alcoholic cider options.

As Double Shovel grows, they’re staying true to their roots: innovating, experimenting, and keeping their cider authentically Alaskan — most recently with their bottled Orange Peel Pommeau. In addition to their taprooms in Anchorage and Kodiak, you can now find their cider sold or on pour all around Alaska, and their plan to expand is only picking up steam. In fact, they've even made their way into the Lower 48!

Whether you're passing through Anchorage or settling in for a long winter in Kodiak, grab a glass, order some tacos, and let Double Shovel show you a new side of Alaska. Cheers to good vibes, epic merch, and fantastic cider!