Destination Beer 2026, put on by Idaho Brewers United, and sponsored in large part by Idaho Hopgrowers Commision was this past weekend in McCall, ID. On a cool, clear Saturday afternoon, 25 or so Idaho brewers were represented “under the big-top” in the parking lot just East of the McCall Hotel.

Following 12+ years of steady guidance from OG director Sheila Francis, Idaho Brewers United (IBU), our state’s craft beer industry nonprofit trade organization, has a new executive director. Mindi Ridgeway assumed the mantle in the spring of 2025. During a recent sit-down after an industry social event, we discussed the challenges and opportunities that Idaho beer confronts in 2026. The first topic though, was Destination:Beer.

The 26th International Beer & Cider Awards from the North American Brewers Association took place June 2, 2023 in Idaho Falls, ID and Idaho breweries were awarded 38 medals!