Susitna Brewing Company blazes the trail with Iron Dog

BIG LAKE — Hundreds of people from across the state and beyond flocked to the frozen South Shore of Big Lake for the 2024 Iron Dog start, bringing in a lot of customers looking to warm up with drinks and freshly prepared meals within the Susitna Brewing Company restaurant which was just a short walk away from all the action.

"Things were pretty smooth. We were definitely ahead of the game. We're hoping the finish is the same way," Susitna Brewing Company owner Matthew Dow said.

Dow said that he's impressed with how the Iron Dog has grown under Executive Director Mike Vasser's leadership. He said each race start is an entertaining spectacle to witness.

"He puts on quite a show," Dow said. "It's pretty awesome to see it let alone have it right in front of the brewery."

Multiple local vendors and food trucks were present during the Iron Dog start, including Susitna Brewing Company's beer tent. Dow said they've been serving a special seasonal craft beer dedicated to the "world's longest, toughest snowmobile race," the Iron Dog Blonde 2503. He noted that they might incorporate the golden Ale into their regular menu if it becomes a high seller.

"So far, it's been pretty positive feedback," Dow said.

Dow said they're planning to host this year's award ceremony for the Iron Dog racers Sunday, Feb. 25. He said that he hopes they can continue that tradition each year.

"We've got enough room for everyone," Dow said. "It would be pretty cool to make that the staple- kind of the home of the Iron Dog."

Dow said their partnership with the Iron Dog has been a mutually beneficial experience. He said that he can relate to the Iron Dog racers since he used to race off road vehicles.

"It's one of my passions… You get the same comradery," Dow said.

Dow marveled at the sheer amount of determination and grit it takes to race in the Iron Dog.

"I think the guys that do it are insane," Dow said. "You've got 2,500 miles of never knowing what to expect."

Susitna Brewing Company opened to the public in 2022. Dow said their overall operations have been faring well, and they've been etching out their niche in the community and greater Alaskan brewery network.

"Finally, things are coming to fruition," Dow said.

In addition to serving their own craft beers at their restaurant in Big Lake, Susitna Brewing Company distributes cans to retailers across the state.

"It's going well," Dow said.

Dow said they're working with partners such as Three Bears Alaska and the Palmer Ale House, and they aim to expand to additional outlets such as Carrs Safeway and Fred Meyers in the future. He noted that having the canning line component included in their business model is important since they're in such a remote area.

"I think overall, it's going to be the key to succeeding because we're kind off the beaten path… So, we kind of get it from both sides," Dow said. "We just try to cater to everyone's needs."

Susitna Brewing Company hosts a variety of weekly events such as live music, Trivia Tuesdays, open mic nights. Dow said they're going to have even more going on when summer rolls around.

"It's going to be a pretty awesome summer for us," Dow said.

Susitna Brewing Company is located at 5120 South Big Lake Road in Big Lake.

For more information, call 907-892-2337 or visit susitnabrewing.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com