Tapping into North Idaho’s Craft Breweries
If you haven’t experienced North Idaho’s beer scene in a while, it’s time to pick up a pint and take a fresh look at what more than 30 North Idaho and Western Washington breweries have to offer. It may sound like quite a task, but there is now a tool that makes finding North Idaho beer simple and enjoyable.
The Inland NW Craft Brewers created the Inland NW Ale Trail map in 2013, identifying breweries from West Spokane to Pullman to Wallace to Sandpoint, and everywhere in between. “We want to appeal to locals and tourists alike, to people who love beer and who are just starting to get into beer,” says Brittany Dern, representative for the Ale Trail. In its first year, the Trail featured 16 breweries. Now, it’s over 30.
Here’s how it works:
Pick up an Ale Trail map at one of the unique Inland NW breweries, a participating local business or a local hotel, or access the map online at the Ale Trail website. Collect a minimum of 10 stamps from breweries along the trail and, at your 10th stop, receive an Inland NW Ale Trail grunt (slang for a 32-ounce glass growler, also called a growlette or a half growler) filled with your favorite beer to take home and enjoy with friends and family. Designate a driver or, if you are going for a cluster of breweries, hop on a bike with some friends.
“We’ve definitely seen the benefits of the Ale Trail,” says No-Li Brewhouse, one of the oldest and most influential breweries in Spokane. “We have a lot of new guests stop in year-round, pull out their maps, and enjoy a beer. Even locals are joining in on the fun.”
Jason Wing, co-owner of Slate Creek Brewing in Coeur d’Alene has also seen the advantages. “Other than social media, [the Ale Trail] has been the most impactful marketing for us. We have gotten so much traffic from the Spokane area, from people who may not have found out about us for years.” Although Slate Creek Brewing is a fairly new brewery (opened March 2013), the relaxed atmosphere, the popular Norse Nectar Juniper Pale Ale, and support of outdoor pursuits draws enthusiastic beer drinkers and local cyclists to the taproom.
The presence of more breweries on the map showcases the diversity of drafts available in North Idaho. At Kootenai River Brewing in Bonners Ferry, Brewmaster Joe DeVita is passionate about flavorful brews and German-style beer. Just south in Pend d’Oreille, prominent Laughing Dog Brewery has recently begun canning their award-winning suds and Sandpoint neighbor MickDuff’s Brewing, a long-time local favorite, now has their hearty beers all over the Northwest. Selkirk Abbey Brewing in Post Falls and Ramblin’ Road Craft Brewery (now closed) in Spokane offer Belgian libations for die-hard brew dogs, while Wallace Brewing in the Silver Valley is heating up the mountains at the annual Wallace Blues Festival.
As the craft beer culture continues to develop, refine and grow, the Ale Trail will continue to facilitate the enjoyment of exceptional northwest beer. “One of the main goals of the Trail,” says Dern, “is to bring awareness of our beer culture to visitors and validate that craft beer is an important part of our region.”
Inland NW Ale Trail | @inwaletrail
No-Li Brewhouse | @nolibrewhouse
Slate Creek Brewing | @slatecreekbrewing
Kootenai River Brewing | @kootbrew
Laughing Dog Brewery
MickDuff’s Brewing | @mickduffs
Selkirk Abbey Brewing | @selkirkabbey
Wallace Brewing | @wallacebrewing
Wallace Blues Festival
