Idaho Trip: Veronica Blog Takeover
Veronica here with a little blog takeover!! Unfortunately, Justin couldn't be with me, but this past weekend I was in Boise, Idaho for a wedding and decided to check out some of the local beer scene! In addition, I've brought some beer from my town of Las Vegas!
One of my favorite breweries from Las Vegas is Crafthaus. This brewery was opened by Wyndee and Dave Forrest in 2012 with the intention of bringing quality brews to the people of Las Vegas. Since then, they have not only exploded in the Vegas market, but have worked to change the brewing laws in Vegas to be more brewery and craft beer friendly. One of the coolest things about Crafthaus is how much they experiment with their base beers. They frequently add peppers, fruits, or try different hop varietals to enhance their already perfected beers.
One of these experiments is the Shiny New Toy series, which is a single hop extra pale ale with rotating hop variations with every release. This version I have chosen uses Idaho 7 hops, hence bringing this goodness with me to the hops birthplace. Idaho 7 hops were originally an experimental hop variety from Jackson Hop Farm in Wilder, Idaho. This hop variety was originally released in 2015. This hop gives off serious tropical fruit notes of grapefruit, oranges, and papaya. This still has the resin and pine flavors consistent with most West Coast style hops. Idaho 7 is primarily used for dry hopping because of its awesome tropical and piney aromas!!
When I first arrived in Boise, I stopped at Cloud 9, which is a nano pub with 12 taps of varying craft beer. The inside was small but very rustic with tap handles with brass angel winged nines. There was a bar with 10 seats and a few tables with a cute patio. This nano brewery was a little oasis from the strip mall it was located in. While jamming to the sweet sounds of Fleetwood Mac and James Taylor, my friends and I ordered some tasters for only $1.25 a piece! We tried their Honey Basil Ale, Mosaic IPA, Maibock, 9 Grain Porter, Salted Caramel Stout, and their Breakfast Stout. Our bartender suggested the Breakfast Stout and the 9 Grain Porter. The Breakfast Stout had notes of coffee and chocolate, and the porter had a toasted bread-like flavor. Personally, Mosaic hops are my favorite so I was all about trying that IPA. This IPA definitely had the berry and fruit forward flavor with a floral bitter finish. The best part of this whole experience was they had food too! I had a fantastic grilled chicken with prosciutto sandwich on ciabatta bread. Such awesomeness all in one spot.
On Friday, I spent the day coordinating my friend Tim's wedding. Just a little side note about that, their location in Nampa, Idaho was gorgeous at Stillwater Hollow. I was the person in charge of making sure everything went smoothly from the decorations, to the ceremony, to the reception and cleanup. It was a whirlwind of fun and craziness but definitely something I will do again!
Luckily, on the way out of town in the airport, there was a mini Crossgrain Brewpub. Of course, airport pubs have a selection of your Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Deschutes Brewery. But in addition, they had a local IPA on draft! This was the Sockeye Dagger Falls IPA. Despite being on the western side of the country, this IPA had a bit of malt character more closely related to an East Coast style IPA. This paired perfectly with the tangy flavor of my spiced chicken Caesar wrap. This airport pub was the perfect end to a quick trip to escape that Vegas heat!
All in all, Boise was gorgeous, with some cute restaurants, rural beauty, and tasty brews. Clocking at an hour and a half flight from Vegas, definitely a nice getaway for the summer. I give Boise, Idaho an R for Rad location.
Blog Beer:
Crafthaus Shiny New Toy
Idaho 7 Hops
ABV :5.5
IBU: 45
One of my favorite breweries from Las Vegas is Crafthaus. This brewery was opened by Wyndee and Dave Forrest in 2012 with the intention of bringing quality brews to the people of Las Vegas. Since then, they have not only exploded in the Vegas market, but have worked to change the brewing laws in Vegas to be more brewery and craft beer friendly. One of the coolest things about Crafthaus is how much they experiment with their base beers. They frequently add peppers, fruits, or try different hop varietals to enhance their already perfected beers.
One of these experiments is the Shiny New Toy series, which is a single hop extra pale ale with rotating hop variations with every release. This version I have chosen uses Idaho 7 hops, hence bringing this goodness with me to the hops birthplace. Idaho 7 hops were originally an experimental hop variety from Jackson Hop Farm in Wilder, Idaho. This hop variety was originally released in 2015. This hop gives off serious tropical fruit notes of grapefruit, oranges, and papaya. This still has the resin and pine flavors consistent with most West Coast style hops. Idaho 7 is primarily used for dry hopping because of its awesome tropical and piney aromas!!
When I first arrived in Boise, I stopped at Cloud 9, which is a nano pub with 12 taps of varying craft beer. The inside was small but very rustic with tap handles with brass angel winged nines. There was a bar with 10 seats and a few tables with a cute patio. This nano brewery was a little oasis from the strip mall it was located in. While jamming to the sweet sounds of Fleetwood Mac and James Taylor, my friends and I ordered some tasters for only $1.25 a piece! We tried their Honey Basil Ale, Mosaic IPA, Maibock, 9 Grain Porter, Salted Caramel Stout, and their Breakfast Stout. Our bartender suggested the Breakfast Stout and the 9 Grain Porter. The Breakfast Stout had notes of coffee and chocolate, and the porter had a toasted bread-like flavor. Personally, Mosaic hops are my favorite so I was all about trying that IPA. This IPA definitely had the berry and fruit forward flavor with a floral bitter finish. The best part of this whole experience was they had food too! I had a fantastic grilled chicken with prosciutto sandwich on ciabatta bread. Such awesomeness all in one spot.
On Friday, I spent the day coordinating my friend Tim's wedding. Just a little side note about that, their location in Nampa, Idaho was gorgeous at Stillwater Hollow. I was the person in charge of making sure everything went smoothly from the decorations, to the ceremony, to the reception and cleanup. It was a whirlwind of fun and craziness but definitely something I will do again!
Luckily, on the way out of town in the airport, there was a mini Crossgrain Brewpub. Of course, airport pubs have a selection of your Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Deschutes Brewery. But in addition, they had a local IPA on draft! This was the Sockeye Dagger Falls IPA. Despite being on the western side of the country, this IPA had a bit of malt character more closely related to an East Coast style IPA. This paired perfectly with the tangy flavor of my spiced chicken Caesar wrap. This airport pub was the perfect end to a quick trip to escape that Vegas heat!
Blog Beer:
Crafthaus Shiny New Toy
Idaho 7 Hops
ABV :5.5
IBU: 45
Love it! Good times, great beer.
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