Destination Beer 2026, put on by Idaho Brewers United, and sponsored in large part by Idaho Hopgrowers Commision was this past weekend in McCall, ID. On a cool, clear Saturday afternoon, 25 or so Idaho brewers were represented “under the big-top” in the parking lot just East of the McCall Hotel. Your ticket got you unlimited beer tasters and catered appetizers/snacks from 2 – 6pm. Limited VIP passes got you an early entrance for an additional hour of less crowds and a better chance to visit with some of the brewers. It’s the best beer festival of the season and has been going on since 2017.
Breweries from all over Idaho
There were several Boise/Treasure Valley representatives, Alliteration, Loose Screw, and Payette, among them. Mother Earth and The Bruery were also there as they have an Idaho presence, each with Boise locations. Salmon River, McCall Brewing, and Broken Horn were somewhat of the host brewers as they each had locations here in McCall. Hardware, Vantage Point, Trails End, Outpost, Brewscape and Wallace visited from up north. In addition, Grand Teton, Blue Pit, and The Martlet, came over from the state’s East side. All these and several others made for a nice circuit of beer samples under the tent. The snacks and hors douvers catered by Mountain Morsels kept anyone from drinking on an empty stomach.
I only first attended this festival last year, but weather permitting, it will be a regular event on my beer calendar. I got to talk with several of the visiting brewers about various things. Dan Love, of Mother Earth, about their success since expanding into the Treasure Valley nearly 10 years ago. Chase Sanborn of Wallace Brewing, the famous forest fire that burned most of the town 100 and some years ago. Mike Garcia of Loose Screw.
Mike described to me his recent efforts with Dan Love and others working with the Idaho state legislature. Amending or repealing some archaic post-prohibition era laws regarding Idaho breweries and the number of locations each can serve/sell their beer. This will likely be a separate writing here as I have a few more conversations with Mike and others. Incidentally, Steve Koontz talks about this in his Jan 02 “Idaho Boze Podcast” episode here.
Aftermath
The festival was put on by Idaho Brewers United. A non-profit organization involved with promoting it’s members, education, and giving a unified voice in regulatory and legislative issues for the Idaho craft beer industry. Mindi Ridgeway is IBU’s director, but it was hard to corner her today for a conversation as she was wearing many hats and generally kicking ass during the event.
By 4:00 I was ready to call it after trying most of the offerings there. In retrospect, my big mistake was eating way too much of the catered spread that was there for all of us. Not much room left for beer. I headed over to Broken Horn Brewing, on the other side of the airport, for a little local live music and a Mexican Lager. Just to sit and relax a while. The tent was generally standing room only. Then back to Salmon River Brewing next for dinner and to type this all out. By the way, the Philly CheezeSteak Soup suggested by Stacy, the server running the taproom by herself, was terrific.
The hundred miles or so that is the drive from Boise can be a bit sketchy in mid-winter. With a break in the weather and clear roads, I couldn’t stay away. The reward for it is a great time with great beer and a shot in the arm for Idaho Brewers. Thanks to Mindy and Idaho Brewers United for putting it together. Hope to see you next year.
-Cheers
