Brewing Across Borders: A Skagway–Whitehorse Collaboration
- Dan Drahozal
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Some collaborations start with big plans. This one started with a friendly chat.
This fall, Skagway Brewing Company and Woodcutter’s Brewing Co. in Whitehorse joined forces to create a beer that celebrates our shared northern home — a Cascadian Dark IPA brewed right in Yukon Territory. What followed was a day of storytelling, recipe-nerding, and a reminder of how tight-knit the brewing community really is up here.
How It All Started
Michael Healy (Skagway Brewing) and Scott Shailer (Woodcutter’s) bumped into each other in town and threw out the idea of a collaboration. A couple phone calls, a video meeting, and an email chain later… boom: collaboration green-lit.
Why a Cascadian Dark IPA?
Both breweries tossed a few styles on the table, but the one that stuck was a Cascadian
Dark Ale — also known as a Black IPA — chosen for a simple reason: we both live in Cascadia. Skagway and Whitehorse may sit in different countries, but they belong to the same Pacific Northwest bioregion that inspires a ton of creativity (and some very good beer).
This style let both teams play with contrast: rich, dark malts balanced by bright, expressive hops.
A Beer Shaped by the North
Up here, we don’t exactly have a dozen breweries down the block to trade pints and tricks with. The northern brewing community is small but tight, and collaborations like this help keep the knowledge flowing and relationships growing.
“It’s a great industry with like-minded folks who work hard and enjoy our backyards,” Scott said. “Growing our community of brewing friends one pint or collab at a time keeps the dream alive.”
Brew Day
Every collaboration has its moments. According to Scott, Woodcutter’s brewer Jess Giroux had two major tasks:
Getting Mike to grain out — she won.
Curbing Scott’s enthusiasm — she lost.
The day was packed with sharing ideas, comparing processes, talking tech, and learning how each brewery solves the same problems in their own style.
Skagway Brewing’s head brewer, Tyler Mills, added:
“I loved getting to see how other brewers achieve the same result with their own style and approach. It’s awesome to share relatable stories, similar but unique struggles, and exciting ideas for the future.”
Brewed for Flavor
The goal was a flavor profile that leaned into chocolatey roasted malt, followed by a distinct orange finish, a touch of pine, and hints of grapefruit.
In Scott’s words: “So yummy!”
What’s Next?
If the smiles at the end of brew day were any clue — this won’t be the last time.
There’s already talk of making this an annual tradition, and plans are in motion for Woodcutter’s to head south in the spring for a second round on Skagway turf.
Tyler summed it up perfectly:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and look forward to returning the favor this upcoming spring… I can’t wait to see y’all again soon!”
Why This Collaboration Mattered
This project reached beyond recipe development or brew day logistics. Mike Healy shared why the idea meant so much to him and his family:
“Once this idea started forming, I felt extra motivation to make it happen from the standpoint of neighborly relationships. It is very important to me and my family, who are part Canadian, that we don't let national politics erode the local ties that are so strong in the North. And, that yes, I hope that this becomes an annual event!”
His words capture the heart of this collaboration — strengthening cross-border friendships, celebrating shared culture, and building community one pint at a time.
