Bear Island Brewing

Bear Island Brewing is a veteran-owned and family-operated craft brewery based in Boise, Idaho, founded in 2014 by Beth Bechtel (Westover), a Navy EOD veteran. The company was born from a desire to fill a gap in locally available craft beer options in Boise, and has since grown into a community-centered taproom business committed to quality, local sourcing, and genuine connection. The brewery operates a taproom at 1620 N Liberty St in Boise, open five days a week, where patrons can enjoy a rotating selection of house-crafted beers on draft. Bear Island Brewing takes pride in its independent ownership structure, explicitly operating without out-of-state investors or corporate backing, positioning itself as an authentic local small business. The brewing program is led by Head Brewer 'Alex' Alexander, who brings extensive beverage industry experience spanning both wine and beer, including a harvest season in New Zealand and two years as an assistant brewer before joining Bear Island in 2023. The brewery places a strong emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients that meet high quality standards whenever possible, and the team describes their beers as receiving extra care and attention throughout the brewing process. Community engagement is a central pillar of the business. Bear Island Brewing actively supports military veterans, first responders, and local organizations, and partners with local businesses to reinforce its commitment to the Boise community. The company also fields a small but dedicated taproom staff, including a long-tenured keg delivery and bartending team member with over six years of service. The taproom model is central to their go-to-market approach, with the space serving as a gathering point for locals and a platform for charitable and community-oriented events. Bear Island Brewing's identity is rooted in service — both the military service of its founders and an ongoing commitment to serving the Boise community through quality craft beer and genuine hospitality.