With a rising beer scene, Idaho is doing well in the suds department. A key player in the Northwest, one important beer category must not be left behind – India pale ales. From hoppy to tropical and everything in between, these Idaho IPAs are must-haves to keep chilled this season.
Crooked Fence Brewing Co. || Hop Notion || Eagle, ID
Amber in hue with hops to boot, the Hop Notion adheres to the brewery’s motto to be “perfectly unusual.” Slightly spicy with long-lasting flavor, this one is a sessionable treat for the hop lover. Enjoy alongside a plate of deep-fried pickles from Crooked Fence’s restaurant.
Woodland Empire Ale Craft || Big Sticky Red IPA || Boise, ID
Love both IPAs and red ales? This one straight out of Idaho’s capital city brings together the best of both worlds. Made with nearby Idaho-grown hops from Jackson Hop Farms, the brew is a perfect mesh of red maltiness and IPA bitterness. Sticky and resinous yet satisfying, the sipper weighs in at 6.5 percent ABV with aromas of candied orange, pineapple, grapefruit and lemongrass.
Payette Brewing Co. || Rustler IPA || Boise, ID
From Boeing to brewing, owner Mike Francis journeyed long and far to create the Payette community, where top-notch brews and even growler fills and food trucks are aplenty. Crafted with Centennial, Chinook and Colombus hops and a variety of malts including Crystal and Munich, the Rustler IPA exhibits a sessionable yet spicy kick. The perfect pair alongside a flavorful plate of Pad Thai or Chile Relleno – food truck feast, anyone? – this IPA is for the fearless.
Grand Teton Brewing || Lost Continent Double IPA || Victor, ID
Filled to the brim with hops – over three pounds per barrel in the kettle and another half-pound during conditioning – the Lost Continent Double IPA was created as a response to Grand Teton’s popular Cellar Reserve, XX Sweetgrass. Orange marmalade and dried apricots come through for a fruit-forward character that perfectly complements the powerful hop bitterness in this seasonal sipper available April through June.
Sockeye Brewing || Dagger Falls IPA || Boise, ID
Sockeye’s Flagship brew, Dagger Falls IPA holds the title for the number one selling Idaho-made beer. It’s easy to see why – with its citrus- and pine-inspired aromas, the bev no doubt hails from the Northwest and is named after the first whitewater rapids in the Middle Fork of the state’s Salmon River. This one is for the true adventurer looking for a cold one.
Laughing Dog Brewing || Rocket Dog Rye IPA || Ponderay, ID
A favorite in Laughing Dog’s taproom, this rye IPA is a unique blend of Cascade, Cluster and Simcoe hops with rye malt. Yeasty with a hint of citrus, rye presents itself strongly in this 6.7 percent ABV sipper. Snatch it up year round for a brew that exudes individuality. Laughing Dog’s house canine, Ben the yellow lab, approves of this message.
Wallace Brewing || Vindicator IPA || Wallace, ID
Located in historical Wallace, Idaho, Wallace Brewing celebrates the city’s history of brewing dating back to the late 19th century. A touch of caramel and the presence of pilsner create a dangerously bold brew at 7 percent ABV in the Vindicator IPA. Head to the tasting room to try it on tap and even do some yoga while you’re there – classes meet the second Tuesday of every month.
