Idaho is quickly becoming a hotbed for craft brewing, with a growing number of breweries producing high-quality beers. The state is home to a wide variety of breweries, from small, independent operations to large-scale production breweries. Idaho’s craft beer scene is also known for its diversity, with breweries producing everything from hop-forward IPAs to smooth stouts.
If you’re planning a trip to Idaho, be sure to make time to visit some of the state’s best breweries. Here are a few of our favorites:
* **Boise Brewing Company** is one of the largest and most popular breweries in Idaho. They produce a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, porters, and sours. Boise Brewing also has a great taproom and restaurant, where you can enjoy their beers with a delicious meal.
* **Crooked Fence Brewing Company** is a small, independent brewery located in Meridian, Idaho. They produce a limited number of beers, but they’re all top-notch. Crooked Fence is known for its hop-forward IPAs and its barrel-aged stouts.
* **Payette Brewing Company** is another large-scale brewery that produces a wide variety of beers. Payette is known for its innovative brewing techniques, and they’re always experimenting with new flavors and styles. Payette also has a great taproom and restaurant, where you can enjoy their beers with a delicious meal.
* **Sockeye Brewing Company** is a small, independent brewery located in Sandpoint, Idaho. They produce a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, porters, and sours. Sockeye is known for its high-quality ingredients and its commitment to sustainability.
* **Wildwood Brewing Company** is a small, independent brewery located in Ketchum, Idaho. They produce a limited number of beers, but they’re all very well-made. Wildwood is known for its hop-forward IPAs and its barrel-aged stouts.
These are just a few of the many great breweries in Idaho. If you’re looking for a great craft beer experience, be sure to visit one of these breweries the next time you’re in the state.
#### A Tour of Idaho’s Best Breweries
If you’re planning a road trip through Idaho, here’s a suggested itinerary for a tour of the state’s best breweries:
* **Day 1:** Start your tour in Boise, the state capital. Visit Boise Brewing Company, Crooked Fence Brewing Company, and Payette Brewing Company. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at one of Boise’s many great restaurants.
* **Day 2:** Drive to Sandpoint, a charming town on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Visit Sockeye Brewing Company and Wildwood Brewing Company. In the evening, relax on the beach or take a hike in the nearby mountains.
* **Day 3:** Drive to Coeur d’Alene, a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Visit River City Brewing Company and Iron Goat Brewing Company. In the evening, enjoy a show at one of Coeur d’Alene’s many theaters.
* **Day 4:** Drive to McCall, a small town at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. Visit Sawtooth Brewery and Lost Nation Brewing Company. In the evening, go for a swim in Payette Lake or take a hike in the Sawtooth Mountains.
This is just a suggested itinerary, of course. You can customize it to fit your own interests and time constraints. But no matter how you choose to spend your time, you’re sure to have a great time exploring Idaho’s craft beer scene.
#### Idaho’s Craft Beer Scene: A Growing Trend
Idaho’s craft beer scene is growing rapidly, with new breweries opening up all the time. In 2012, there were just over 20 breweries in the state. By 2020, that number had grown to over 70. And it’s still growing!
There are a number of factors contributing to the growth of Idaho’s craft beer scene. One is the state’s growing population. Idaho is a popular destination for people from all over the country, and many of these new residents are bringing their love of craft beer with them.
Another factor is the state’s favorable business climate. Idaho is a relatively low-tax state, and it has a strong economy. This makes it a great place for entrepreneurs to start new businesses, including breweries.
Finally, Idaho has a rich agricultural tradition. The state is home to a number of hop farms, and it also produces a variety of other ingredients that are used in brewing beer. This makes it easy for
