Victor, Idaho’s Grand Teton Brewing Co. took it upon themselves to make “Idaho’s session ale.” Started in 1988 by brothers Ernie and Charlie Otto, Grand Teton (then Otto Brothers Brewing Co.) was first launched in Wyoming—the first of its kind in the state and the first malt beverage manufacturers’ permit issued in 35 years. A year later, the brothers invented the first modern growler since Prohibition and in 1992, they opened the state’s first brewpub. Later that year they outgrew their modest facility in Wilson, Wyoming, moved 18 miles west across the state line to Victor, Idaho and rebranded as Grand Teton. The brothers sold to the current owners in 2009 to Steve and Ellen Furbacher who took the brewery from under 5,000 barrels to the 10,000 they hit annually today. Thus, it only seems right for Grand Teton, the brewery that has spanned the mountains between two states, bottle and keg its home state’s designated session ale.
The Ale 208 Session Ale is an ode to the area code, brewed with Idaho malted barley and Idaho hops (Bravo and Galena). Fairly low IBUs (16) make this quaffer easy to consume, with a moderate malt influence, approachable, citrus hops and all the characteristics of sessionability—crisp, clean, thirst-quenching. For the true 208 experience, try this session in a 32-ounce, fish-bowl-sized “schooner” at Ketchum, Idaho’s historic and politically incorrect Grumpy’s. Pair with a deliciously greasy burger or freshly-fried corn dog.
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