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Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) recently toured Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau to discuss the impact of recently passed tax legislation, including key provisions backed by manufacturers.

• Rep. Begich met with Co-Founders Marcy and Geoff Larson and CEO Max Rule to learn how the company’s success has been fueled by continual investment in technology, sustainability and workforce development—made more feasible through a supportive tax environment.

A start-up story: Founded in 1986, Alaskan Brewing Company brought craft brewing back to Southeast Alaska when it became the first brewery to open in Juneau since Prohibition.

• Their first release, Alaskan Amber, was based on a Gold Rush–era recipe and quickly gained a regional following.
• Today, the brewery distributes a broad range of products—beers, hard seltzers and canned cocktails—in 25 states, with plans to reach all 50. All of Alaskan Brewing’s products are manufactured at its original Juneau facility, which remains the heart of its operations.

Beer Powered Beer: A standout feature of the visit was the brewery’s Beer Powered Beer system—a closed-loop energy model that turns spent grain from the brewing process into steam to power the facility.

• Rather than shipping waste out of Juneau, Alaskan Brewing burns it in a custom boiler to generate heat. Combined with CO₂ recapture technology and other energy-saving initiatives, the system has reduced fossil fuel use and lowered emissions significantly.
• “Living and working in Alaska means you have to think differently,” said Geoff Larson. “We’re using what we already have on hand—spent grain—to fuel our operations. That’s the kind of innovation tax policy should support. We appreciate Rep. Begich’s vote in favor of this legislation, which gives manufacturers like us the tools to keep investing in sustainable solutions.”

Tax policy at work: The visit came on the heels of major tax legislation passed by Congress, which includes provisions long supported by the NAM:

• Full expensing for research and development
• Extension of 100% bonus depreciation for capital purchases
• Restoration of EBITDA as the standard for interest deductibility
• A permanent 20% deduction for pass-through income

“These permanent tax reforms give businesses like Alaskan Brewing the ability to plan, invest and grow,” said Rep. Begich. “This legislation delivers real, measurable benefits to Alaska and to manufacturers around the country—helping them compete, create jobs and bring new products to market.”

The NAM says: NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain said the legislation represents a meaningful step in strengthening the manufacturing economy. “We thank Rep. Begich for his vote on this critical legislation,” Crain said. “This is more than a policy win—it’s a recognition that manufacturers are the backbone of America’s economy. When lawmakers stand with us, as Rep. Begich has, it sets the stage for stronger communities, more jobs and sustained national competitiveness.”

The last word: “Certainty matters,” said Larson. “If we know the rules won’t change midstream, we can take more calculated risks—whether that means upgrading equipment or entering new markets.”