Welcome back to Sip Northwest’s Beer Hall of Fame: a twice-monthly induction into a list of essential Northwest beers that have made their mark on the field and region.
One of the many fun niche beers a brewery can make is a festival beer. As live music continues to thrive — and even rage in the summer months — breweries are asked to bring their wares to outdoor concerts teaming with thirsty attendees. Usually they want to make something inventive and fun — and low alcohol. And that’s exactly why Payette Brewing Co. in Boise, Idaho, created their popular Rodeo rye pale ale.
“We were looking at making a festival beer,” says Mike Francis, founder of Payette. “The first time we brewed the rye pale ale was in 2012, it was a one-off for the Treefort Music Festival here in Boise.”
Among indie rockers, Treefort is a very reputable summer event and well attended. For Payette to stick out, the Rye pale ale had to be good, and it was right away. Using rye to give the beer a little spice on the finish and Citra hops to give it that signature brightness, Rodeo was born and quickly beloved.
Payette, named after the rushing river Francis grew up by in Boise, started up operations in 2011. After graduating from the University of Washington and undergoing a stint at Boeing, Francis moved back to his hometown and began the brewery production. He began with an IPA and a pale. But, he says, the rye pale ale is likely his permanent go-to, and the most enjoyed by those who work at Payette, as well.
“It’s probably my favorite year-round beer that we do around here,” Francis says. “I’d probably say the same for most of my brewery employee members. It’s leading the charge.”
Full of flavor but, almost like a session IPA, this pale will not bog you down. It would seem the beer’s success is something Payette and crew should celebrate. Maybe the happy quaffers can find a nearby festival where they can share a few Rodeo rye pale ales, where they were meant to be consumed.
