Originally posted on November 9, 2023
Boise, for a long time, had been home to 3 or 4 breweries/Brewpubs and in the mid 2000s, everything craft beer sort of took off. Garden City seemed to be the epicenter of that explosion, partly due to the favorable utility rates offered to commercial tenants. Payette, Crooked Fence, Kilted Dragon, and Barbarian were the early ones. A bit later, County Line, Powderhaus, Western Collective, Twisted District, and most recently, Ida Wild, and Brown Beard came in. All setting up shop on the 3-mile stretch of Chinden, from I-184 to just past Glenwood.
A few of those establishments, sadly, are no longer with us, but this year a couple more have popped up. The newest, “Bert’s Brewing” on Brown st near the Orchard down ramp, is poised to open its doors. Its public opening is set for next week, but myself and a few other “family and friends” were there this evening to check out the place. I have to say it will likely be one of my favorites going forward.
A modern but comfortable facility, plenty of natural light, small tables, and comfy chairs for a couple of dozen. Room for 8 or so at the bar. Garage doors for sunny days and/or warm evenings, and an outdoor patio. All tucked in up against the mini-connector carrying commuters down Orchard to Chinden from Fairview above. At first, I thought that the hustle and the bustle of the nearby commute traffic would be a bit “present,” but it actually feels like you are up under most of it. The natural landscaping and geography sort of shield you from it all, and you somehow feel not so near.
I immediately ordered a flight of their current offerings and thought all their beers were well done. Clean, light, and tasty, and just “professional”. I thought the West Coast IPA was fresh, hoppy, though not particularly aggressive. Balanced, fresh, and easy to get along with. The Porter I had was smooth, lightly roasty, and just a very nice pint. They are staggering their prices with the light Mexican lager a meer 5$. Up to a couple of dollars more are charged for the bigger, hoppier beers. Definitely a welcome price point, especially for a new venue in these times and this area.
I got to chat with Sidney, one of the owners, and she told me their story. It could not have been more charming. A young couple, each with several years of beer industry experience. Robert on the production and packaging side and recently completed brewing training in Chicago and Germany. Sidney, more so on the restaurant and commercial side, managing restaurants and tending bar. They met at a brewpub in Orange, CA, and must have quickly sensed that the universe was speaking to them. In short order, they agreed, the best plan was to get married, combine their experience, move to Boise, and open a brewery. Now, a year or two later, I for one am glad they did.
The tradition of Garden City’s “Brewer’s Row” has thus increased its craft beer presence, and in a very good way. Westbound commuters on Chinden will typically pass no fewer than 8 or 9 craft beer establishments on their way home. Ill be one of them, and will be stopping by Bert’s regularly.
-Cheers
