All-Idaho HausBrau Wrap-Up

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
So it went on Saturday, May 22nd, @ the Ram’s Stonehouse for the conclusion of the 3rd Annual Organic Homebrew Contest.  300+ brave souls endured lines and unseasonably cold weather to gather in support of our [...]

Of Lambics and Chocolate Stouts

What seem to be the apples and oranges of the beer world find perfect harmony this time of year.  The bubbly and bright character of Lindeman’s fruited Lambics complements the rich and robust chocolate stout, be it Young’s Double Chocolate or the Bison Organic.   Each begs for dessert:  Chocolate Torte, NY Cheesecake, Creme Brulee – [...]

Ring in the New Year with APA!

Welcome, readers, to 2010 – a Year of Beer! Each month we will explore a classic beer style, beginning in January with American Pale Ale (APA).

If you’ve enjoyed a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or a pint of Deschutes Mirror Pond, you’re likely familiar with this style. The American Pale Ale distinguishes itself from its British [...]

Boise Urban Garden School annual harvest dinner fundraiser! Get your tickets now!

For more information, visit the BUGS homepage at www.boiseurbangardenschool.org

Global Beer Network Products Now Available @ the Co-op!

Belgian Beer Aficionados have reason to celebrate as the Global Beer Network portfolio is now available at the Boise Co-op.   With such selections as Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour, poperings hommel ale, and World Beer Cup Award Winner, Brugse Zot, Global Beer Network imports some of Belgium’s finest beers.  Having had a number of these beers during my travels throughout the [...]

2009 NABA Award Winners Announced

Last week, the North American Brewers’ Association Awards for Excellence in Brewing were determined in Idaho Falls.  The Boise Co-op would like to congratulate all winners, especially our Treasure Valley neighbors.  Boise’s Sockeye Grill and Brewery took Gold for their Precocious Imperial Pale Ale; The Ram Restaurant and Brewerytook home two medals: Bronze for their Dubbel Barrel Belgian [...]

Sierra Sinks Competitors’ Battleships

With the release of Torpedo Extra IPA, Sierra Nevada has fired the opening shot across the bows of its competition.  Due to increasing consumer demand for a greater hop profile, Sierra has developed not only a new dry-hopping technique but also a new hop varietal.  Both the method (Torpedo) and the hop (Citra) find expression [...]

SBS Imports now in the Boise market

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Alan Shapiro, founder of SBS Imports and specialty beer industry veteran, the past two summers at the Seattle International Beer Festival.  We’ve discussed the possibility of Boise distribution for his portfolio of specialty ales and ciders.  BRJ Wine Cellars has successfully realized this possibility, and we’ve launched with selections [...]

Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien

Craft brewing remains at the forefront of innovation, even if that requires borrowing from the past. Barrel aging beers has once again become vogue, and any number of styles take well to barrel influences. Check out this post from the New York Times and these notes from the importer, B. United International. [...]

Explore the Abyss

One of the most highly anticipated releases of the year has finally arrived.  The 2008 vintage of Deschutes Abyss rolled into town recently to the delight of many a craft beer lover.  With its deep, rich, roasty notes and subtle barrel nuances, the Abyss makes for a perfect dessert beer and pairs well with chocolate.  [...]