Idaho Craft Beer Month Returns April 2018: Statewide Celebration Includes New Beer Festival

Idaho Craft Beer Month returns April 2018 for a second year to honor and celebrate Idaho's craft beer industry. Supported by Idaho Brewers United and Idaho Tourism, there will be events statewide featuring Idaho-brewed craft beer to toast this burgeoning industry. Two flagship events will anchor the opening and closing of the month, and brewers and partners will host unique events throughout.

Idaho Craft Beer Month 2018 kicks off with Pints Up Idaho on April 5. Craft beer lovers can visit participating breweries, restaurants, and organizations during this statewide pint day to collect a commemorative 2018 Idaho Craft Beer Month glass with purchase of an Idaho craft beer. This year's celebration is also introducing the first Idaho Craft Beer Month Festival, wrapping up the month on April 28 in downtown Boise with 20+ breweries expected to pour their best fermented brews. The first-time festival will bring together breweries from across Idaho to offer guests an opportunity to enjoy beers that may be unavailable in their area.

"Idaho has seen a continued growth in craft breweries and we're making a name for our self in the industry," said Sheila Francis, Idaho Brewers United executive director. "Despite being in the bottom quarter of states based on population, Idaho is ranked tenth in breweries per capita. Our breweries continue to thrive in a competitive market and pull people in to see what's happening in Idaho."

Idaho's robust agricultural industry has directly contributed to the expanding craft beer movement. For the first time, Idaho overtook Oregon in 2017 as the second highest producer of hops in the U.S. This, in combination with Idaho's position as top producer of barley in the U.S. and commitment to clean water, allows the Gem State access to some of the best ingredients for creating premium craft beer.

Craft beer is also an influential economic contributor in Idaho. The latest data from the Brewers Association shows that craft beer produced $366 million in economic impact and breweries and brewpubs contributed an estimated 1,111 jobs into the community.

"Idaho's growing craft beer scene is one more reason for people to visit our beautiful state," said Diane Norton, Idaho Tourism manager. "In nearly every region of Idaho, you can plan a packed weekend with outdoor adventures and brewery stops along the way. We are fortunate to have such exciting and diverse opportunities here, and we want to continue to give a platform and support to this industry and what it brings to Idaho."

To learn more about Idaho Craft Beer Month and find events near you, visit http://www.idahocraftbeermonth.com/.

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About Idaho Brewers United:
Idaho Brewers United (IBU) is a non-profit trade association that promotes and protects Idaho's craft brewery industry. With a majority of Idaho breweries as members, IBU is a resource for policymakers, beer lovers and affiliated industries. http://www.idbrewers.org

About Idaho Tourism:
Idaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 18 ski areas, and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Visit http://www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

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