SIP IDAHO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIP IDAHO

By Alan Heathcock

In 2018, Governor Butch Otter named July “Idaho Spirits Month,” a proclamation meant to showcase Idaho distilleries and create awareness of the benefits of craft-distilling to the Idaho state economy. Shortly thereafter, Sip Idaho was born. Sip Idaho’s founder and event organizer, Rachelle Kelch, noted that other cities had liquor tasting events and this was an opportunity for Boise to do the same.

“I saw there were events in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and other big cities and thought we should have an event in Boise that would show off the great work of our Idaho distilleries,” Kelch said. “ The idea was to allow consumers to be able to sample a number of products in one day and at one place.”

The first Sip Idaho event took place in 2019, a relatively modest affair with 20 vendors and 100 or so attendees. The event has grown year by year, and in 2024 has gone from one event in Boise to four, with Sip Idaho North (Post Falls), South (Twin Falls), East (Idaho Falls), and Sip Idaho Boise, the flagship event. Sip Idaho Boise will take place on September 21st and 22nd at the Riverside Hotel in Garden City.

Have you ever wanted to impress your house guests with your very own craft cocktail? The “Cocktailing at Home” class will be taught by local mixologist and owner of Libation Education, Austin Baird. Baird will go through the basics of shaking, stirring, mixing, and creating. This will be a hands-on class, with attendees making cocktails along with Baird.

Are single-malt whiskeys your drink of choice? John McKee, owner and founder of Headframe Spirits, the 2024 Montana American Single Malt Distillery of the Year, will lead attendees on a trip around America, tasting a variety of American single-malt whiskeys and highlighting what makes each unique. Mash bills, barrel aging, distillation, and a comprehensive overview will be given for American single-malts, the trendiest spirit in the land.

For those paying attention, tequila has been having a moment. If you’re a fan of this deservedly popular and complex spirit, treat yourself to “A Journey to Mexico: Grand Tequila Dinner Pairing.” This event will feature discussions on tequila making, dissecting what makes each tequila’s profile unique, all while feasting on a curated dinner with pairings of Grand Mayan Tequila from Jalisco, Mexico.

Sip Idaho’s Rachelle Kelch expressed her hope to have a huge turnout in September, as to shine a light on small and medium-sized distilleries crafting amazing spirits in Idaho and beyond.

The Premier Liquor Tasting Event will be on Sunday this year and feature tasting access to all vendors, catered appetizers, and live music from Ashley Rose. Find the full list of vendors, as well as tickets to Sip Idaho Boise and the “Boozy Classes,” at the Sip Idaho website: sipidahoevent.com.