Left to right: Bunchgrass Rye IPA, Red Angus Scotch Ale, Goodale’s Cutoff Pale Ale, and Pointing Dog Porter

Bunchgrass Rye IPA (6.5% ABV, 59 IBU)
You’ll remember this beer if you like IPAs. It’s loaded with hops, but so are other IPAs. This one distinguishes itself with the spicy richness of rye malt (about 15% of the grain bill). Simcoe, Centennial, Chinook, Amarillo, and Columbus hops, and a high-attenuation yeast give this an exciting mouthfeel that leaves you wanting more. I think I’ll go have one now.

Red Angus Scotch Ale (5.0% ABV, 17.5 IBU)
The desired breed of cow in these parts inspired the name (but not the brew). Like Red Angus, this ale is smart, hardy, and slightly smoky (Red Angus beef is delicious smoked!). Maris Otter British malt forms its base, with a smattering of other adjuncts (caramel, honey, Munich, chocolate) and a wee bit of peat-smoked malt. British hops contribute mild bitterness, and a traditional Scottish Ale yeast round out this nicely-balanced, all-night, all-day, beer.

Goodale’s Cutoff Pale Ale (4.1% ABV, 17 IBU)
This beer is the one for summer, and its namesake is the western migration “shortcut” along the Oregon Trail that crosses Idaho. Unlike the trail, this beer is extremely simple (Maris Otter and 60L crystal malt, Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops, water, and a traditional British ale yeast), clean, and goes down easily.

Pointing Dog Porter (6.7% ABV, 39 IBU)
Big, dirty, resilient, and charming, the Pointing Dog Porter salutes traditional robust porters with just enough Intermountain West style to keep it real. Maris Otter base malt, with a bit of white wheat, crystal, and chocolate malt, Magnum, Cascade, and Hallertauer hops, and a traditional British yeast make this a round and full mouthful with an unusually balanced finish for a higher-gravity beer. Everyone loves this one.

Black Angus IPA (6.2% ABV, 94 IBU)
Hop-heavy front to back, but malty and a hint of chocolate, and a super clean finish. Columbus, Centennial, and Cascade hops, Northwest Pale Malt. It’s so good I’m basically speechless about it. Probably the best all-around beer in the lineup.

Salubrious IPA (6.2% ABV, 99 IBU)
Slightly bigger-bodied than the Black Angus, but just as bitter and hoppy. Salubrious is an adjective meaning “well-being” and “healthful”; it’s also the name of the valley we live in and the name of the former town (Salubria), which disappeared after the railroad came through these parts. This IPA will make you want to stay put and have another.

Kleinschmidt Pilsener (4.3% ABV, 45 IBU)
Named after the hair-raising road plummeting from the rim of Hells Canyon to the river, this pilsener will soothe any fright with its clean, crisp, and flavorfulness (lots of Saaz hops and 2-row pilsener malt).