Discovering local brewery gems
By Damen Rodriguez | Photo courtesy of No-Li Brewhouse
Embark on a delectably delightful journey through the Inland Northwest and immerse yourself in its vibrant craft beer scene. From the picturesque landscapes of North Idaho to the bustling city of Spokane, this region offers an array of unique flavors and experiences for beer enthusiasts and those looking to expand their palates. Join us as we explore some of the local breweries that make this area a haven for brewing excellence and uncover the specialties that set them apart.
Spokane, Washington
Spokane, known for its thriving beer culture, is home to several exceptional breweries. Let's dive into the highlights of the city's beer scene.
Iron Goat Brewing Co. captures the essence of Spokane's brewing culture. With a commitment to crafting high-quality beers, Iron Goat offers a diverse range of brews that cater to every palate. Their flagship beer, the Head Butt IPA, is an award-winning brew known for its balanced bitterness and citrusy aroma. Other popular offerings include the Goatmeal Stout, a rich and smooth dark beer, and the Trashy Blonde, a hoppy ale with tropical fruit notes. The inviting ambiance of their taproom, inspired by Spokane's rich history, sets the stage for an enjoyable beer-tasting experience.
Lumberbeard Brewing stands out with its rustic, lumberjack-inspired atmosphere. Their handcrafted beers are renowned for their bold flavors and experimental brewing techniques. Lumberbeard Brewing takes pride in pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles. They offer unique creations like the Flannel Mouth, an Imperial Red Ale infused with bourbon-soaked oak spirals, and the Hop Beard, a hop-forward IPA bursting with tropical fruit flavors. Step into their cozy taproom and let your taste buds explore the distinct and adventurous brews that make Lumberbeard Brewing a must-visit for beer enthusiasts seeking new experiences.
No-Li Brewhouse is a beloved destination for beer lovers in Spokane. Their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients shines through in their beers. No-Li highlights their popular Born & Raised IPA, a beer crafted with regionally grown hops that deliver a piney and citrusy punch. Another flagship offering is the Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout, a rich and robust beer brewed with Washington-grown barley. No-Li Brewhouse also pays homage to Spokane's vibrant community by collaborating with local artists to create eye-catching beer labels. Their wide range of styles, including refreshing ales and rich porters, ensures there's something to suit every beer drinker's preference.
North Idaho
Venture into the charming towns of North Idaho and discover the hidden gems that contribute to the region's brewing excellence. This panhandle region offers bountiful beautiful scenery and beloved breweries galore.
Kootenai River Brewing Company in Bonners Ferry is a family owned and operated brewery that takes pride in crafting exceptional beers. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality and sustainability, emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients and pristine water from the Kootenai River. Their diverse lineup includes the award-winning Scotch Ale, a malty and caramel-forward beer with a smooth finish, and the refreshing Summer Haze, a wheat beer infused with orange and coriander. At Kootenai River Brewing, you can expect to savor a range of well-crafted brews that reflect their dedication to excellence and the flavors of the region.
Matchwood Brewing Company is known for its finely crafted beers made with passion and creativity, with meticulous attention to detail and dedication to unique flavor profiles. Ingredients are carefully selected to create their distinct brews, ensuring each beer tells a story. Visitors to their cozy taproom can indulge in a variety of offerings, such as the Campfire Stout, a rich and smoky beer reminiscent of sitting by a crackling fire, and the Hop Shrapnel IPA, a hop-forward brew bursting with tropical and citrus notes. Whether you're seeking classic styles or innovative creations, Matchwood Brewing promises a memorable and flavor-packed experience.
Paragon Brewing in Coeur d'Alene has established itself as a beloved community hub, greeting guests with its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Paragon Brewing not only prides itself on brewing exceptional beers but also on creating a space where locals and visitors can come together to enjoy handcrafted beers and engage in lively conversations. Their beer lineup reflects their commitment to quality and variety, with offerings like the Paragon Pale Ale, a balanced and approachable beer with floral and citrus notes, and the Blazing Trails Amber Ale, a malt-forward brew with hints of caramel and toffee.
Post Falls Brewing Company seamlessly blends traditional brewing techniques with innovative twists while showcasing their passion for crafting unique and constantly evolving beers. With an ever-changing menu, each visit to Post Falls Brewing promises a dynamic beer-tasting experience. Flagship beers include the Post Flannel Amber Ale, a smooth and malty brew with a touch of hops, and the Roadhouse IPA, a hop-forward beer with pine and citrus flavors. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Post Falls Brewing invites beer enthusiasts to indulge in their inventive creations.
Since 2009, Wallace Brewing Company has been creating a unique brand of beers that pay homage to the town's notorious past. Mining and bordellos are the name of the game, like the 1910 Black Lager and RedLight Irish Red Ale. For these warmer months, try a pint of their newest beer, Higher Elevation Huckleberry Lager.
As you sip your way through the Inland Northwest, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavors and stories behind each brewery. From Spokane's bustling beer culture to North Idaho's hidden gems, this region offers an abundance of delightful brews that showcase the craftsmanship and dedication of local brewers. So grab a pint, savor the flavors, and let the libation led adventures unfold with every sip. Spokane, WA Iron Goat Brewing Co. 1302 W. 2nd Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 509.474.0722 IronGoatBrewing.com/brewery
Lumberbeard Brewing 25 E. 3rd Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 509.381.5142 LumberbeardBrewing.com
No-Li Brewhouse 1003 E. Trent Ave. #170 Spokane, WA 99202 509.242.2739 NoLiBrewhouse.com North Idaho Kootenai River Brewing Company 6424 Riverside St. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 208.267.4677 KootenaiBrewing.com
Matchwood Brewing Company 513 Oak St. Sandpoint, ID 83864 208.718.2739 MatchwoodBrewing.com Paragon Brewing 5785 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 208.772.9292 ParagonBrewing.com
Post Falls Brewing Company 112 N. Spokane St. Post Falls, ID 83854 208.773.7301 PostFallsBrewing.com Wallace Brewing 610 Bank St. Wallace, ID 83873 208.556.5600 WallaceBrewing.com
