Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

The Last Frontier is a very scarcely populated state and has somewhat interesting laws regarding alcohol use, the sale of alcohol, and more. The state of Alaska has dry counties where the legal sale of alcohol is not permitted. Additionally, they’ve got locations where liquor sales are completely legal, but of course, the state has specific times when the sale can take place. Throughout this guide, we cover the details of many of these alcohol-related rules and regulations.

Find out all the laws pertaining to the regulation of serving alcohol, including the retail requirements, both on and off-premise and more. This guide provides information related to alcohol consumption, distribution, and selling in the state of Alaska. Find out all the most important facts, consumption trends, and laws that each and every supplier, wholesaler, and distributor in Alaska must know, consumers as well.

Consumption Trends In Alaska

Consumption trends vary from state to state, with Alaska being no exception. We’ve provided the CAGR over the last five years to showcase consumption by 9-liter cases, broken down by distilled spirits, wine, and beer. You’ll quickly see that spirits’ CAGR has increased by 1.12% during the period. While wine CAGR has dropped slightly by 0.14%. Lastly, beer is showing an even greater reduction of 0.48%. Please see below for graphical displays of each.

Alaska Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Alaska Spirits CAGR 2015-2020

 

Alaska Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Alaska Wine CAGR 2015-2020

 

Alaska Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Alaska beer CAGR 2015-2020

Alaska Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

Spirit trends in Alaska by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Dollar Sales
Millions
Straight Whiskey 84 N/A
Canadian Whisky 148 N/A
Scotch Whisky 17 N/A
Irish Whiskey 27 N/A
Gin 17 N/A
Vodka 169 N/A
Rum 106 N/A
Tequila 58 N/A
Cordials/Liqueurs 66 N/A
Cocktails 19 N/A

Source: Beverage Information Group

Alaska Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

See below for the wine trends in Alaska by volume sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Table 7,000
Wine Coolers Unknown
Champagne & Sparkling 415
Dessert & Fortified 142.7
Vermouth & Aperitif 14.6

Source: Beverage Information Group

Alaska Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

See below for the beer trends in Alaska by volume sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases
Volume Sales barrels
Craft 0.7 22.0
FMBs & Hard Seltzer 0.5 15.3
Super & Super Premium 0.8 26.7
Light 1.9 60.9
Popular 0.2 5.9
Imported 2 64.5

 

The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Alaska

  • Coming Soon!

The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Alaska

  • Coming Soon!

The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Alaska

  • Coming Soon!

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Alaska

Did you know that Alaska is subject to the three-tier model just like every other state in the United States? Not sure what this means? Well, the three-tier distribution model exists to control the sale of alcohol in states. How it works is quite simple. Suppliers and producers sell products to middle-tier business owners. They are importers and wholesalers. The importer and wholesaler then sell products to retailers. Should you be interested in learning more about this system, please check out the article linked below.

 
If you’re a brand owner, then chances are you’re looking to connect with distributors in the state of Alaska. If so, then please see below. You will find a complete list of alcohol distributors in the resource linked below. If you’re looking for additional information, then please feel free to reach out to us directly. Please find a list of the top distributors within the state below.

Wine & Spirits Distributors

Coming Soon

Beer Distributors

Coming Soon

More Distributors in Alaska(A-Z)

Full Alaska List Coming Soon!

Click here for a complete list of alcoholic beverage distributors. 

What Is The Self-Pitch Distribution Model?

Many understand that there are limited options when it comes to distribution today. Competition and industry consolidation make developing relationships with retailers that much more difficult. Given the difficulty today, one might consider a model known as the self-pitch distribution model. This option is a popular choice for many. Choosing Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model can often be the best way to go.

With the self-pitch distribution model, all the sales and marketing is all handled by the supplier. Learn more by watching the video below.

Selling Alcohol In Alaska

In the state of Alaska, all alcohol sales, licensing, and distribution regulation is controlled solely by Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office

If you’re looking to sell alcohol in Alaska, then you need to understand the rules and regulations associated with such activities. Should you need help knowing or understanding things, then. click here to reach out to us via email and we will contact you within 24 hours.

Important: While we do our best to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the sale of alcohol in Alaska, it’s not uncommon for laws to change. Which is why we update this information as frequently as possible. When in doubt, it’s best to use the Alaska government resource listed below.

FAQs on Alaska Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

What is the alcohol excise tax in Alaska?

Wine

21% or less abv
$2.50 per gallon

Beer/Malt

Malt $1.07 per gallon

Beer is $0.35 per gallon for the first 60K barrels

Cider

0.5%-7% abv
$1.07 per gallon

Liquor

$12.80 per gallon

<21% abv – $2.50 per gallon

Does Alaska allow direct-to-consumer shipping?

Alaska allows residents to receive alcohol via USPS providing it’s for personal use only. Yes, it’s applicable to wine, spirits, and beer.

Do they sell alcohol in grocery stores in Alaska?

No, they do not sell any alcohol in grocery stores in Alaska. You may buy alcohol in stores that hold a license to sell alcohol only.

Do they sell alcohol at gas stations in Alaska?

Yes, they sell beer at gas stations and convenience stores in the state of Alaska.

What times do they sell alcohol in Alaska?

On-premise retailers are permitted to sell alcohol every day between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless local law states otherwise.

Buying Alcohol In Alaska – Hours, Locations & Taxes

If you’re looking for information on when and where you can buy alcohol in the state of Alaska, then keep reading below.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Alaska

What is the alcohol sales tax rate in Alaska?

A sales tax rate of 5% applies to all alcohol purchases made in the state of Alaska.

Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in AK?

No, you cannot buy alcohol in grocery stores in Alaska.

Can you buy alcohol at Walmart in Alaska?

No, you cannot buy any alcohol at any Walmart in the state of Alaska.

(Data Sources – Visit the following pages for further information: Alaska.gov, Answerconnect.cch.com, Commerce.alaska.gov, Wikipedia.org)

Some other state data worth checking out:

North Carolina State Alcohol Sales Trends & Laws

Alabama Liquor Laws and Sales

Here at Park Street, we provide various importer services that allow you to focus on marketing and brand building. We handle everything else! If you’re interested in learning more about the services at Park Street Companies, then please feel free to complete the form below.

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