There’s a ‘Ruckus’ happening in Garden city

The area’s latest addition in our community of craft breweries and taprooms opened its doors this weekend. Ruckus Brewing is officially open and if the turnout on its grand opening is any indication, it will be a real player.

Located at 4340 W Chinden Blvd, Ruckus is in the space formerly occupied by breweries, Loose Screw, Bella and Haff. After quite a bit of remodeling, including an amazing new custom copper bar top, Kyle and Makenna Durham have turned the space into their own.  Looks like the brewing system stayed, and was thus inherited as part of the space.  The previous occupant, Loose Screw Brewing is nearing the completion of its own expansion including a new, much larger system.  I will be posting something about that later. Ruckus has six taps online for its starting lineup including three lagers.  This was maybe a bit bold, but there is a space for it, in the immediate local market. The two IPAs on tap however were the number 1 and 2 sellers opening weekend.  No shock there, I suppose.

Myself, along with many of the regular crew of Boise area craft beer aficionados, were there this past Saturday for their grand opening.  Apparently sufficient word had gotten out beforehand as the place was completely packed.  A couple friends and family were hastily recruited to help out behind the counter to help try to keep up. Kyle was splitting his time much of the afternoon between schmoozing with customers who want to meet the man behind it all and washing glasses in the back as fast as he could.  The local Boise beer community can really get the word out.  They showed up in force that day, lining up out the door at times.

In the taproom, there are just a couple of TVs so you can keep an eye on the game, but they are not the focus.  The great beer and even better times are.  Seating about 25 at several small tables and another 6-8 at the bar, it is a cozy spot.

Currently 10 faucets are on the wall behind the till, suggesting a longer taplist before too long. Summer is officially over and some fall seasonals will likely be coming on, before long.  I talked with Kyle and he’s not concerned about running out of been in the short run.  Rest assured, there are plenty of full kegs in the back.  He’d like to increase his offerings soon and there are thoughts of stouts and ambers on the “to make” list. The focus late this summer was just “getting the doors open” and this they have done.

Open Thursday – Sunday currently, but with a little more help minding the shop, Kyle is hoping to be open a bit more.  Continued regular traffic from good beer lovers like myself and many of my friends will, I’m sure help to convince him that would be a good thing.

Kyle and Makenna are friendly, laid back folks making good beer and trying to carve out a part of the American dream here in Garden City, ID.  Stop by for a pint sometime and say hi.

-Cheers