2020 + COVID-19 provided the opportunity for several road trips to visit family and friends in Coeur d’Alene. During these visits, I realized that the panhandle of Idaho offers an ever-expanding cornucopia of interesting local craft breweries introducing new flavors, blending new concoctions, and utilizing new brewing techniques.
My awareness of the microbrew concept was conceived 30+ years ago when I visited San Francisco’s oldest home-brew store – San Francisco Brewcraft where I purchased a homebrew kit for my then boyfriend. now husband Bob. This kit ignited his love for beer and the quest to drink local whether at home sipping one of his own experiments or out in the world sampling those of others.
My appreciation for beer has been a much slower go. In fact, it was not until my pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in October, 2018 that this liquid libation quenched my thirst and unlocked my desire to explore more; however like most things, my pallet is particular.
Inspired by a t-shirt found at Escape Outdoors in Coeur d’Alene coupled with the quest to create unique Christmas gifts built around a local theme, I decided to explore the five craft brew pubs featured on the shirt. The conclusion, each establishment offered not only a unique, artisanal line-up of brew but also interesting food options to accompany rounding out the experience. There was something for everyone, even for particular moi! Following are my favorite new discoveries and some of the beers I selected for inclusion in my Christmas beer buckets.
Daft Badger – Citra Smash Blood Orange 6% ABV | 55 IBU – Citrusy, this orange IPA bomb’s recipe includes a generous amount of citra, simcoe, and cascade hops blended with the pulpy bitterness from blood orange puree. Coeur d’Alene’s first brewpub, this hidden neighborhood gem specializes in NW style beers and handcrafted food. Come for the Beer…Stay for the Bacon! Love Daft, Drink Craft!
Trails End – Right as Rain 4.2% ABV | 20 IBU – This unfiltered classic golden ale is brewed to the German purity standards, made with 2-row pale malt and Galena hops. This brewery specializes in brick oven pizzas with house-made sauces and dough. LOVE the outdoors, maps, craft beer, and brick oven pizza? Visit the Trails End – N 47° 42′ 41.2″ W 116° 47′ 26″ – to meet family and friends!
Paragon Brewing – Going Rogge 5.1% ABV | 17 IBU – Perfect for an Octoberfest celebration, this seasonal German rye ale has notes of banana and clove, and finishes soft and dry. Enjoy a glass while it lasts sitting at the bar, or at one of the high-top tables while enjoying classic pub dishes with a Northwest influence.
Post Falls Brewing Company – Cheap Prick Lager 4.5% ABV | 19 IBU – Brewed with Sazz hops, this light-bodied lager pairs deliciously with PI-DAHO artisan pizza that is made-to-order in the parking lot food trailer. The handmade sourdough crust and fresh ingredients are baked in an 800°F fire and stone oven. Great taste, good times!
Radio Brewing – Idaho Sexy Huckleberry Wheat 5.0% ABV | 18 IBU – Crisp and refreshing, this easy drinker has hints of Idaho’s state fruit, the Huckleberry. Nestled in the Silver Valley at the base of Silver Mountain Resort, Radio Brewing is Kellogue’s first micro brew and is named after the golden age of radio. The cozy taproom lite with white lights at night, is a great place to enjoy a beer and typical (and atypical) bar bites.
Wherever the road takes you, may it be near or far. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, bike, or by car. Search out the local in your country or state. The world is your oyster, eating and drinking new things will be great. Certainly the experiences will be one of a kind, the rule of thumb however is to keep an open mind. Broaden your horizons exploring craft beers and welcome the new adventures and experiences year after year.
Asante!
