With its longer days and sometimes warmer evenings, April is the perfect month to relax on the patio of your local brewpub and ponder the science, craftsmanship and ingredients that went into that lager, stout or IPA. No wonder April is Idaho Craft Beer Month! (Yep, it's a real thing, since 2017.)
Sheila Francis, executive director of Idaho Brewers United says about Idaho Craft Beer Month, "The goal of the celebration is to shine a light on the amazing craft beer made in our state and encourage folks to support their local breweries. We also want to highlight Idaho's importance for the beer industry at large because, as I like to say, beer grows in Idaho!" According to Francis, Idaho is the top producer of barley in the United States, and the Gem State ranks second in producing hops — both key ingredients in making beer. "Craft brewers across the country actively seek out Idaho ingredients because of their quality, and Idaho breweries have the good fortune to be in close proximity," Francis says.
Idaho Public Television and other PBS stations around the country are doing our part to celebrate the history, science and downright deliciousness of this ancient libation. In the links below, take a look at Idaho's hops and barley farms, visit some local breweries, accompany Rick Steves on a discovery of Belgian beer, and consider a few beer-infused recipes. Sláinte, salud, santé and prost!
