Ursa Major Distilling

Ursa Major Distilling began in Fairbanks in 2012, when self-taught distiller Rob Borland started producing spirits. The company released its first vodka in 2013, followed by gin and rum, and later added AKavit to its range. Ursa Major describes itself as the first distillery in Fairbanks and the third established in Alaska. Its retail outlet and tasting room opened in the Greater Ester Industrial Area in 2015.

The distillery operates at 2922 Parks Highway in Fairbanks and remains a small family-run producer of AKavit, vodka, gin, rum, barrel-aged spirits and canned cocktails. Alaska licensing records identify Big Bear Enterprises LLC as the business behind Ursa Major Distilling, while federal permit records also connect the operation with Rob Borland.

AKavit has become one of the distillery’s regular spirits and remains in its current range. Ursa Major is also described by Alaska tourism sources as Fairbanks’ first legal distillery.