USA, ID: New brewery opens, another brewery closes in Garden City

Kilted Dragon Brewing has closed. The brewery celebrated its second anniversary Dec. 13, but announced on Facebook that the party would mark its final day of business: “We have had a good run, made some great beer, made even better friends, but unfortunately we will have to close our doors”, idahostatesman.com reported on December, 18

The demise of Kilted Dragon doesn’t come as a shocker. Earlier this year, Kilted Dragon relocated its tap room to New York Richie’s sandwich shop. About six months later, it abandoned that joint venture and reopened its original tap room.

In happier news, Haff Brewing overcame a last-minute personnel challenge to celebrate its grand opening Dec. 13 in Garden City.

Last month, head brewer Derek Anderson unexpectedly stepped down to resume a full-time job with Nikobrew.

Edge Brewing head brewer Kerry Caldwell and assistant brewer Tyler Evans came over to offer advice at Haff: "They were a big help," owner Brian Haff says.

Rahn Thomas, who has former experience with Ram, Laurelwood and Dick's breweries, has taken on head brewing duties at Haff Brewing.

Sargent Haff IPA, McCallywood Porter, Wrighteous Rye Pale and Watermelon Wheat have made their way to taps around Boise, and Haff has plenty of creative ideas for the future. But for now the brewery will focus on three core beers: its IPA, porter and rye pale ale.

26 December, 2014