As part of our EPIC post-bar road trip we stayed just west of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and stopped by Victor, Idaho where Grand Teton Brewing Company is located. If you're near Grand Teton National Park chances are you'll be going through Jackson, Wyoming but the brewery is deceptively a half hour west in Idaho. They're probably in Idaho because Jackson is a town where the billionaires are pushing out the millionaires.
I promised my wife that she could guest blog an intro to this blog entry, so here goes:
"I go to most, if not all, of the brewery's with James, and he kindly lets me test each beer he tastes. Not being a beer connoisseur myself, I find that I only like the light, hef-like beers, particularly the fruity ones. And a lot of the brewery's tend to have somewhat similar characteristics, as far as personality and atmosphere. However, this brewery blew me away. It was just really homey. We pulled up to this big warehouse looking building with an amazing view of the mountains in the background, off some dirt road in my tiny Honda that barely makes it over the potholes. You REALLY have to know where this place is, or be adventurous in wandering around until you find it."
"You walk onto the boardwalk into the brewery and it's pretty simple... a few picnic tables strewn about outside with kids, dogs, and even a cat roaming around. Inside there's a bartender who cracks jokes with everyone and all they offer to eat is popcorn, but the company was good and the bartender entertaining."
"I guess they had "theology on tap" going on outside, much to the chagrin of the bartender and the locals, but everyone seemed to get along well. The cat, minus half a tail, wandered around and curled up with anyone who would give him attention, and so as the cat lovers we are, we gathered him up and gave him some love."
"Overall, I didn't think the beer was particularly all that great, but it was probably my favorite experience beer tasting simply for the local environment and the homey feeling. Not to mention, you can't beat the views. Having never been to Idaho in my life, I was absolutely blown away by how gorgeous the sunset was and the view of the hills was totally worth the drive. This brewery was definitely in my top 5 for atmosphere and environment, and definitely the top 3 for the views."
As you can see Grand Teton Brewing has a pretty nice view, probably one of the most scenic brewery views in the country.
Summer Release of Cellar Reserve -- like a pale ale, but lighter in color
Lost Continent Double IPA -- note of citrus fruits, lots of flavor but lighter in body
Howling Wolf Weisse Bier -- unfiltered wheat ale, clouded golden color, fruity banana flavor
Sweetgrass APA -- American Pale Ale, its hoppy but lighter in flavor, not much linger or body
Old Faithful Golden Ale -- light and malty, sweet with no bitter after taste, Kiki likes
Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red -- hoppy nose, malty aftertaste, hoppier than a typical red
Teton Ale Amber Ale -- copper color, very malty, short aftertaste, light body, Kiki sipped it x 3
Bitch Creek ESB -- Grand Teton's signature beer for a reason because its their best one, its like a cross between a Moose Drool and a Newcastle, it has a full body, is sweet and slightly nutty
Opportunities for tourists abound in the areas around Yellowstone and the Tetons, and there are plenty of places happy to take your money, but the Grand Teton Brewing Co. is truly a nice place to relax and soak up the beautiful scenery while enjoing a brew.
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