Following GABF, Mark took a road trip out to the West, and visited Laramie Wyoming and Boise Idaho, and discovered that those cowboys have pretty good breweries and beers! He brings back samples from 4 breweries on this show, and we get a good sampling across the styles.  Guest John Karwoski joins us as we record live from John’s Tavern in Winfield.

First stop in Laramie, is Altitude Brewing, or to give them their full title, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery.  We have a crowler of their Imperial Stout, 7200′ Stout, clocking in at 7%.  Three weeks old, Mark wasn’t sure it would stand up but boy, it sure did!

Next we head to Boise, for the first of three brewery stops.  We sample the opposite end of the beer spectrum, an American lager called North Fork, from Payette Brewing.  This one is a great lager, and probably sells pretty well as a transition craft beer, and a light 4.4%.

Next, the oldest brewery in Boise, we sample Highlands Hollow Brewhouse, and a growler of a mystery beer.  Why mystery?  Mark forgot what he ordered and the cap wasn’t marked! We think it is either the Fiegwild English pale ale, or the Thunder Monkey Best Bitter.  Apologies to brewer Chris Compton, but we liked it a lot.

Finally, 2 cans of brewing goodness from the Sockeye Grill & Brewery, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.  Our first can is Hell-Diver Pale Ale, 5.5%. Lastly, a brown porter called Powerhouse, 6.0%, which proved to be very drinkable and John’s favorite.

Play the show from our player below…