Discover the Best Breweries in Idaho: A Guide to Craft Beer Heaven

Idaho, a state known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, is also home to an incredible craft beer scene that is just waiting to be explored.

With a variety of breweries in both Boise and smaller towns, you can embark on a journey through Idaho’s beer paradise, finding hidden gems, and experiencing unique brews, mouthwatering food pairings, and unforgettable events.

So grab your favorite beer-loving friends and get ready to discover the best breweries in Idaho!

Key Takeaways

• Discover the amazing craft beer scene in Idaho, from Boise to small towns with hidden gems!
• Experience unique brews and a friendly atmosphere at award-winning breweries like Grand Teton Brewing & Laughing Dog Brewery.
• Enjoy live music, food pairings, dog parks and more while supporting sustainable practices at local breweries!

[ez-toc]

Idaho’s Craft Beer Scene

Idaho’s craft beer scene is absolutely thriving, thanks to its rich barley and hops production. The largest concentration of breweries can be found in Boise, where you can indulge in great beer and great food at places like Woodland Empire Ale Craft and Boise Brewing.

But don’t let the city life fool you! There are also fantastic breweries nestled in smaller towns, offering local charm and unique brews that are just as noteworthy.

From Laughing Dog Brewing’s dog-friendly atmosphere to the award-winning barrel-aged beers of Grand Teton Brewing, there is a brewery experience for everyone in Idaho.

Downtown Boise, with its dynamic beer scene, is a destination that locals and tourists alike should not miss. It hosts the community-owned Boise Brewing, recognized for its unique investment opportunity and the award-winning Black Cliffs American Stout.

No trip to Idaho is complete without visiting the lesser-known breweries in charming small towns, where you can uncover gems like Salmon River Brewery, with its locally sourced food and picturesque mountain views.

Grand Teton Brewing

Welcome to Grand Teton Brewing, Idaho’s oldest brewery, known for its amazing quality lagers and ales, including some fantastic barrel-aged beers.

The brewery was founded by the Otto brothers in 1988 and was the first microbrewery in Wyoming, setting the stage for Idaho’s craft beer scene.

One of the specialties of Grand Teton Brewing is its award-winning Sweetgrass Pale Ale, made with local ingredients and glacial run-off water, which adds a unique touch to this delicious beer.

Located in Victor, at the base of the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, Grand Teton Brewing offers a picturesque setting to enjoy their exceptional brews. With local ingredients and a commitment to quality brewing, it’s no wonder that this brewery has become a favorite among both locals and visitors alike.

Why not visit Grand Teton Brewing to appreciate their impressive selection of ales, lagers, and barrel-aged beers?

Laughing Dog Brewery

If you’re looking for a community-focused and dog-friendly brewery, look no further than Laughing Dog Brewery!

Founded by Fred and Michelle Colby, this welcoming brewery offers some truly unique brews and a relaxed atmosphere for you and your furry friends at Laughing Dog Brewing.

One of their flagship beers is the Mountain Dog Huckleberry Cream Ale, a delicious and refreshing brew that’s perfect for enjoying with friends on a sunny day.

At Laughing Dog Brewery, you can also try other highly recommended beers like the Imperial IPA Alpha Dog and the 219 Pilsner. With their focus on community and a pet-friendly environment, Laughing Dog Brewery is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and savor some truly fantastic brews.

Gather your friends—including the four-legged ones—and make your way to Laughing Dog Brewery for an unforgettable craft beer outing.

Woodland Empire Ale Craft

Experience the magic of Woodland Empire Ale Craft, a top Idaho brewery known for its pure ingredients and IPA expertise. This brewery prides itself on using only the finest ingredients sourced from Idaho, showcasing the state’s abundant natural resources and commitment to quality brewing.

One of their exciting offerings is the Acme Boisener-Weisse, a bottle-aged sour featuring sourdough starter from the renowned Acme Bakeshop.

Another must-try brew is their In the Morning Coffee Mild, made with organic, fair-trade coffee from Doma, an Idaho coffee roaster. Not to mention, their Ada Country barrel-aged imperial stout, which is released once a year and has been topping the charts on BeerAdvocate in the state.

With multiple recognitions such as the Best of Craft Beer Awards and several medals at the North American Beer Awards, Woodland Empire Ale Craft is a destination that any craft beer aficionado should visit.

Boise Brewing

Boise Brewing is an innovative community-owned brewery, founded by Collin Rudeen in 2014, that offers a unique investment opportunity for craft beer fanatics to get involved in the brewing process.

Inspired by the community-supported agriculture model, Boise Brewing aims to be a community-led brewery that focuses on quality and sustainability.

One of their standout offerings is the award-winning Black Cliffs American Stout, which boasts a perfectly balanced flavor between rich chocolate and coffee tones and a plentiful northwest hop character.

Located in the heart of downtown Boise, this brewery is not only a great place to enjoy delicious craft beer but also an opportunity to become a part of the growing craft beer movement in Idaho.

With its unique approach to brewing and commitment to community, Boise Brewing is a must-visit destination for any beer lover looking to experience the best of what Idaho’s craft beer scene has to offer.

Payette Brewing

Payette Brewing, located in Garden City, has undergone significant growth and expansion since its founding.

They offer:

• Unique brew experiments
• A new state-of-the-art facility in Downtown Boise
• A welcoming atmosphere perfect for friends and pets alike
• Awesome food trucks
• A huge outdoor lawn
• An amazing fire pit to enjoy while sipping on their delicious brews.

Among their highly ranked beers in Idaho, you’ll find their flagship beer, Bourbon Barrel Aged 12 Gauge (American Imperial Stout), along with Embers Mexican Chocolate Porter (American Porter), and Gummy Bear Apocalypse (New England IPA).

Their Twelve Gauge Imperial Stout, aged in bourbon barrels, features incredible vanilla, oak, whiskey, chocolate, and coffee notes that will delight any stout fan.

Payette Brewing’s growth and commitment to quality brewing make it a must-visit destination on your Idaho brewery tour.

Salmon River Brewery

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Idaho, Salmon River Brewery offers the perfect combination of locally sourced food and award-winning beer.

Established in 2008 by Matt and Jenn Hurlbutt, this scenic brewery is backed by private investment from Adolphus A. Busch. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you savor popular beers like Shiver IPA, Buzz Buzz Coffee Porter, Udaho Gold®, and The Big DIPA.

During your visit, take advantage of the amazing family-friendly atmosphere, with easily accessible patio and rooftop dining areas available during the summer.

The locally sourced food, such as steamed clams in herb butter, garlic, and white wine topped with fresh parmesan, pairs perfectly with Salmon River Brewery’s craft beers.

A visit to Salmon River Brewery offers a unique and memorable dining and drinking experience that you won’t want to miss.

Sockeye Grill & Brewery

Discover the award-winning Sockeye Grill & Brewery, offering a wide selection of craft beers, delicious food, and a focus on modern brewing science. With over 250 awards under their belt, Sockeye Brewing is known for its unique brews and non-alcoholic sparkling water with Idaho hops.

In addition to their mouthwatering menu, you can indulge in their house-crafted beer, such as the flagship Dagger Falls IPA and the popular Long Day IPA.

Sockeye Grill & Brewery is more than just a place to enjoy great beer and food; it’s also a place to learn about the fascinating world of brewing.

The brewery was founded in 1996 in Boise, Idaho, and has grown into a major player in Idaho beer production, becoming the first canning facility to open in the state since the 1950s.

With its commitment to quality and innovation, Sockeye Grill & Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts who want to explore the best of Idaho’s craft beer scene.

Selkirk Abbey Brewing Company

Experience the unique flavors of Selkirk Abbey Brewing Company, Idaho’s only Belgian brewery, known for its slow and careful brewing process that creates fruity, spicy, and sour flavors in their beers.

With a focus on Belgian-style ales, Selkirk Abbey offers a truly authentic taste of Belgium in the heart of Idaho. One of their must-try beers is the Infidel Belgian IPA, a deliciously hoppy brew with a Belgian twist.

Selkirk Abbey’s commitment to quality brewing is evident in their attention to the Belgian yeast and fermentation process, which takes longer than other brewing styles but results in the complex flavors that make Belgian beers so beloved.

If you’re looking to explore a different side of the craft beer world, a visit to Selkirk Abbey Brewing Company is sure to delight your taste buds and expand your horizons.

Highlands Hollow

Step back in time and visit Highlands Hollow, Idaho’s capital city’s oldest brewpub, offering locally sourced food, fresh ale, and constantly rotating taps of unfiltered beer brewed on-site.

Established in 1968 as the Brass Lamp, this historic brewpub has been serving delicious and thirst-quenching beers in the North End of Boise for over 30 years.

At Highlands Hollow, you can enjoy a variety of beers including Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy, American Brown Ale, American Lager, English Pale Ale, and India Pale Ale (IPA).

Pair your brew with their amazing menu, featuring dishes like Steamed Clams, Halibut & Chips, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and BBQ Pulled Pork.

A visit to Highlands Hollow offers a delightful combination of history, local charm, and mouthwatering food and beer that you won’t want to miss.

Wallace Brewing / Orehouse Tasting Room

Explore the unique world of Wallace Brewing / Orehouse Tasting Room, a brewery that pays homage to the town of Wallace’s mining history with their bordello and mining-inspired beer labels.

Located at 610 Bank Street in Wallace, Idaho, this brewery and tasting room offers a fun and engaging experience for craft beer enthusiasts looking to learn more about the town’s notorious past.

Some of their top beers include the 1910 Black Lager, a delicious dark brew that nods to the town’s mining origins, and the Jackleg Stout, a rich and satisfying beer with a cheeky bordello-inspired name.

With its unique beer labels, fascinating history, and engaging tasting room experience, Wallace Brewing / Orehouse Tasting Room is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to discover the hidden gems of Idaho’s craft beer scene.

Hidden Gems: Small Town Breweries

Idaho is full of hidden gems when it comes to small-town breweries, each offering unique craft beers and local charm that make them unforgettable destinations for beer lovers.

From Rants and Raves Brewery, known for its craft beer and locally sourced ingredients, to Kootenai River Brewing, offering delicious American pub fare and exquisite house-crafted beer, there’s no shortage of amazing breweries to discover in Idaho’s smaller towns.

Other noteworthy small-town breweries in Idaho include:

• McCall Brewing Company
• River of No Return Brewing Company
• Wildlife Brewing
• Bombastic Brewing
• Trickster’s Brewing Company
• Daft Badger Brewing

These hidden gems showcase the incredible variety and creativity of Idaho’s craft beer scene, proving that you don’t need to be in a big city to enjoy amazing brews and unforgettable experiences.

Idaho Craft Beer Month

Celebrate Idaho’s craft beer scene during the annual Idaho Craft Beer Month, which takes place every April and features a variety of events, tastings, and brewery collaborations to showcase the best of Idaho’s brewing industry.

From beer festivals featuring only Idaho breweries to beer tastings at Whole Foods and a craft beer festival in downtown Boise with live music and games, there’s something for everyone during this exciting month-long celebration.

Some unique beer collaborations released for Idaho Craft Beer Month in the past include partnerships between Idaho Brewers United and Idaho Tourism, as well as a solar eclipse-themed beer release collaboration between Mother Earth Brewing Co. and Payette Brewing Co.

To get involved in Idaho Craft Beer Month, visit participating breweries, restaurants, and locations that offer special promotions and events, and immerse yourself in the fantastic world of Idaho craft beer.

Food and Beer Pairings at Idaho Breweries

Discover the perfect food and beer pairings at various Idaho breweries, enhancing your craft beer experience and taking your taste buds on a culinary journey.

Food and beer pairings involve matching different types of food with different types of beer to create a harmonious and flavorful experience that is sure to delight.

From the Tuna-Mango Tiradito paired with Henry’s Fork IPA at Grand Teton Brewing to the burgers with sautéed mushrooms and onions at Laughing Dog Brewery, there’s a delicious pairing for every palate.

At Payette Brewing, you can also indulge in unique food and beer pairings during special events, such as themed pairings and collaborations with catering services. They even offer beer and food sampling events where their beverages are perfectly paired with delectable bites.

During your next visit to an Idaho brewery, don’t miss out on the delectable food and beer combinations available.

Brewery Tours and Tastings

Embark on guided tours and tastings at Idaho breweries, learning about the brewing process and sampling unique craft beers.

Some breweries that offer tours and tastings in Idaho include:

• Payette Brewing Company
• Grand Teton Brewing Company
• McCall Brewing Company
• Idaho Brewing Company

To book a brewery tour, visit websites such as Brews Cruise, Boise Bicycle Tours, Payette Brewing, or Boise Party Bus, and be sure to check their availability and book in advance, as tours can sell out quickly.

A typical brewery tour in Idaho may include visiting multiple breweries, learning about the brewing process, tasting different beers, and possibly getting a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities.

Some tours may also include educational information about the history of brewing in Idaho and the specific breweries visited.

During these tours, you can taste a variety of beers such as Juicebox IPA, Teton Range IPA, Gem State Pale Ale, Socktoberfest, Sunbeam Hazy IPA, Purple Haze Stout, Cask Hell Diver, Sour Puss, R&R Brown Ale, and The Common Punk.

Why not partake in a brewery tour and immerse yourself in the intriguing realm of Idaho craft beer?

Dog-Friendly Breweries in Idaho

Bring your furry friend along to these dog-friendly breweries in Idaho, offering welcoming environments for both you and your pet.

Some dog-friendly breweries in the state include Payette Brewing in Boise and Bear Island Brewing Co. in Idaho Falls, where well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join you while you enjoy your favorite brews.

Lost Grove Brewing, another dog-friendly brewery in Idaho, allows leashed and well-behaved dogs inside the taproom and brewery facility, making it the perfect place to relax with your four-legged companion.

With no specific restrictions on dog breeds, all you need to do is ensure your furry friend is on a leash and well-behaved when visiting these dog-friendly breweries.

Grab your furry friend and head over to your favorite brewery among these pet-friendly options for an enjoyable craft beer outing.

Live Music and Events at Breweries

Enjoy live music, trivia nights, and other events at Idaho breweries, adding to the overall craft beer experience and creating unforgettable memories.

From beer festivals featuring live music performances to beer and dessert pairing classes and charity events, Idaho breweries offer a variety of events that cater to all tastes and interests.

At many Idaho breweries, you can find a variety of music genres being played, including:

• rock and roll
• funk
• country
• local and national bands

Some breweries also host live music events and festivals, featuring different artists and bands for your entertainment, while offering a variety of local brews.

In addition to live music, you can also participate in weekly and monthly scheduled events at various breweries, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting happening in the Idaho craft beer scene.

Sustainable Practices in Idaho Breweries

Learn about the sustainable practices implemented by Idaho breweries, including:

• Sourcing local ingredients
• Implementing eco-friendly brewing methods
• Recovering and reusing water resources
• Implementing sustainable energy practices to reduce their environmental impact

Many Idaho breweries prioritize using local ingredients and environmentally friendly brewing practices to reduce their environmental impact.

For example, Lost Grove Brewing is the first brewery in Idaho to become a Certified B Corporation, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsible brewing practices.

Meanwhile, Laughing Dog Brewery sources local Idaho water, barley, hops, and yeast to make their delicious brews, showcasing their dedication to using locally sourced ingredients and supporting the local community.

By visiting these sustainable breweries, you can enjoy delicious craft beers while also supporting eco-friendly practices and the local environment.

Summary

From bustling cities to charming small towns, Idaho offers a diverse and vibrant craft beer scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.

With a wide variety of breweries, unique brews, and unforgettable experiences, there’s no better time to embark on a journey through Idaho’s craft beer paradise.

So grab your friends, pack your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Idaho craft beer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of beers can I expect to find at Idaho breweries?

Experience the diverse craft beer scene in Idaho with IPAs, stouts, lagers, ales, and barrel-aged beers – a beer for every occasion!

Are there any dog-friendly breweries in Idaho?

You and your pup can enjoy a brew together at dog-friendly breweries in Idaho like Payette Brewing in Boise and Bear Island Brewing Co. in Idaho Falls – just make sure to keep them leashed!

Can I go on a guided brewery tour in Idaho?

Yes, you can! There are multiple brewery tours available in Idaho to explore the brewing process and sample different beers. Sounds like a great time!

What is Idaho Craft Beer Month?

Celebrate Idaho’s thriving craft beer industry with Idaho Craft Beer Month – an exciting annual April event featuring events, tastings, and brewery collaborations!

Are there any unique food and beer pairings at Idaho breweries?

Experience unique food and beer pairings at Idaho breweries such as Grand Teton Brewing’s Tuna-Mango Tiradito with Henry’s Fork IPA and Laughing Dog Brewery’s burgers with sautéed mushrooms and onions!