In this land where winter reigns for the better part of the year, where frost clings to eyelashes and snow blankets the ground, one might not expect to find thriving colonies of bees. Yet, with a helping hand, nature finds a way. 49th State Brewing’s littlest workers, the Snowbees, defy the odds. This project proves, with the care of Anchorage Backyard Beekeeper Tim Huffman, that a tropical insect can survive in a sub-arctic environment. 

Situated on the rooftop of 49th State Brewing’s production facility adjacent to the Alaska Railroad’s depot in downtown Anchorage, the Snowbees are a testament to resilience and ingenuity. These bees, traditionally associated with warmer climates, have not only survived but thrived through five harsh Alaskan winters. The Snowbees produce exceptional honey. Even in low-producing summers like 2022 when consistent rains negatively impacted honey production of household apiaries around Anchorage, the Snowbees came out ahead. Huffman explains that overwintering your bees means they start strong in the spring because they already have drawn comb. The most exciting part is how Snowbee honey is put to use! Specialty beers like Biere de Miel, showcase the purity and rich flavor of this sweet nectar.