Idaho Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Gem State

Idaho’s craft beer scene is rich with creativity and quality, offering a diverse selection of brews that capture the essence of the state’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.

From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, Idaho’s breweries produce exceptional beers that are worth exploring.

Here are ten of the best Idaho beers you absolutely must try.

1. Payette Brewing Co.’s “Malt Brown Ale”

Payette Brewing Co. is a key player in Idaho’s craft beer scene, and the Malt Brown Ale is one of its standout offerings.

This beer is known for its rich malt profile and smooth finish.

• Style: Brown Ale
• ABV: 5.3%
• Description: Nutty and caramelized with flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and toffee.

2. Boise Brewing’s “Panther Pale Ale”

Boise Brewing’s Panther Pale Ale is a well-crafted pale ale with a balanced flavor profile. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a clean and refreshing beer.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Balanced with flavors of citrus, pine, and a subtle malt sweetness.

3. Sockeye Brewing’s “Dagger Falls IPA”

Sockeye Brewing’s Dagger Falls IPA is a bold and flavorful beer with a strong hop character. It’s a great example of the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Hoppy and aromatic with notes of grapefruit, pine, and a touch of caramel malt.

4. Mother Earth Brew Co.’s “Cali Creamin’”

Mother Earth Brew Co.’s Cali Creamin’ is a unique cream ale with a smooth and creamy texture. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a lighter, yet flavorful brew.

• Style: Cream Ale
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Smooth and creamy with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a light malt character.

5. Highland Hollow’s “Darkside Stout”

Highland Hollow’s Darkside Stout is a rich and robust beer with a deep malt character. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a hearty and satisfying stout.

• Style: Stout
• ABV: 6.8%
• Description: Rich and complex with flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of smokiness.

6. Sawtooth Brewery’s “Sawtooth Pale Ale”

Sawtooth Brewery’s Sawtooth Pale Ale is a classic pale ale with a well-balanced flavor profile. It’s a great representation of the brewery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Balanced with notes of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.

7. Grand Teton Brewing Co.’s “Bitch Creek ESB”

Grand Teton Brewing Co.’s Bitch Creek ESB is a distinctive beer with a strong malt character and a balanced hop presence. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate an extra special bitter.

• Style: ESB (Extra Special Bitter)
• ABV: 6.0%
• Description: Malty and flavorful with notes of caramel, toffee, and a moderate hop bitterness.

8. Sawtooth Brewery’s “Nectar of the Gods IPA”

Sawtooth Brewery’s Nectar of the Gods IPA is a flavorful and aromatic IPA with a juicy hop profile. It’s a great choice for IPA enthusiasts looking for a hoppy and refreshing brew.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.8%
• Description: Juicy and hoppy with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and a touch of malt sweetness.

9. Payette Brewing Co.’s “Pale Ale”

Payette Brewing Co.’s Pale Ale is a well-balanced and flavorful beer with a clean finish. It’s a great representation of the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Balanced with flavors of pine, citrus, and a smooth malt character.

10. Kilt Lift Brewery’s “Scottish Ale”

Kilt Lift Brewery’s Scottish Ale is a traditional Scottish-style ale with a rich and malty profile. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a classic and flavorful beer.

• Style: Scottish Ale
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Rich and malty with notes of caramel, toffee, and a touch of smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Payette Brewing Co.?
Answer: Payette Brewing Co.’s Malt Brown Ale is known for its rich malt profile and smooth finish.

What makes Sockeye Brewing’s Dagger Falls IPA stand out?
Answer: Dagger Falls IPA is noted for its bold hop character with flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a touch of caramel malt.

What are the unique characteristics of Mother Earth Brew Co.’s Cali Creamin’?
Answer: Cali Creamin’ is a cream ale with a smooth and creamy texture, featuring flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a light malt character.

What distinguishes Grand Teton Brewing Co.’s Bitch Creek ESB?
Answer: Bitch Creek ESB is known for its strong malt character with notes of caramel, toffee, and a balanced hop bitterness.

What is special about Highland Hollow’s Darkside Stout?
Answer: Darkside Stout is rich and complex with flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of smokiness.

Summary

Idaho’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of exceptional brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and smooth ales.

These top picks showcase some of the best beers the Gem State has to offer, reflecting the creativity and quality of its breweries.

Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Idaho’s craft beer!