Kahiltna Birchworks was founded in 1990 by Michael East and Dulce Ben-East on their remote homestead in Alaska’s Susitna Valley, about 30 miles off the road system. With a background in Fish and Game and a deep appreciation for nature and wild foods, they sought a way to make a living in harmony with the land. That spring, they tapped their first 200 birch trees and produced their first batch of birch syrup. Over the years they expanded their operation, eventually becoming the world’s largest birch syrup producer, tapping up to 16,000 trees annually. Their commitment to sustainability and quality laid the foundation for what Kahiltna Birchworks is today.
In 2023, Hammers Family Birch (HFB) took the helm, carrying on Michael and Dulce’s legacy while expanding into new birch-based innovations. Our focus remains on sustainable harvest practices and honoring the land, a responsibility we take seriously as stewards of the boreal forest. “Kahiltna” means “from the source”—a fitting name for a company rooted in the purest essence of Alaska’s wilderness. Every spring, as the ground thaws and nature awakens, we tap the trees to collect birch sap, transforming it into rich, complex syrup through a meticulous process that requires over 110 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup.
Today, Kahiltna Birchworks continues to celebrate Alaska’s natural abundance, supplying chefs, breweries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and culinary enthusiasts with premium birch syrup and wild-harvested specialties. With deep respect for the history of this company and the people who first called this land home, we are committed to innovation while staying true to the spirit of Kahiltna Birchworks.
Passing on the Torch
As of July 31st, we sold our business to Ted and Alex Hammers, and their partner Chris Sorensen, of Hammers Family Birch. These young men have the energy, enthusiasm, and vision – along with our support – to take Alaska Wild Harvest into the future with knowledge rooted in the past.