E-Malt.com News article: USA, ID: Magic Valley Brewing seeks to open doors in Downtown Buhl

Richard White has been brewing beer since the 1990s. Now he wants to serve his varieties of beer such as the Blue Heart Blonde Ale and the Basalt Stout in downtown Buhl, Twin Falls Times-News reported on September 12.

But first, White has to plead his case at a hearing on September 16 with the Buhl Planning and Zoning Department. Idaho law says no license shall be issued in an area that is predominantly residential or within 300 feet of any public school, church or any other place of worship, except with the approval of the governing body of the municipality.

White said the proposed location of Magic Valley Brewing, 208 Broadway in Buhl, is near three churches. The building is a former barbershop. He posted on Magic Valley Brewing’s Facebook page seeking support.

“We were told that the more support that we can show, the better our chances are for them to decide in our favour,” White said. “That’s the reason we put it on Facebook. It’s been really cool and we were hoping for support.”

White worked as a brewer at White Water Brewing Company in Rio Vista, Calif., for five years. He’s been a home brewer for more than 20 years and grew up in Buhl and Twin Falls. He plans to open Magic Valley Brewing with his wife, Judy White.

The business will feature the brewery and pub-style food. Other beers will include El Diablo Corral JPA, named for the Devils Corral inlet on the Snake River and has a jalapeno pepper flavour. There will be a revolving tap and an investor’s tap, where home brewers can come in and brew. And if their beer tastes good, it goes on tap.

“We are going to talk with businesses around us,” White said. “Anyone who shows up will be a huge support. It would be awesome.”

If the brewery location is approved, White said he will start a crowd-funding campaign to help renovate the inside of the building.

“Depending on how quickly we can get the remodel done, we are going to get the doors open as soon as possible,” White said.


16 September, 2015