Boise, Idaho is a place for urban adventurers and those who seek deliciously distinctive craft breweries. While the city is relatively small, with a population of only about 200,000 people there is much to do outdoors, no matter what the season. And when you’re finished hanging out at one of the many beautiful state parks, skiing down the slopes of famous Bogus Basin, or enjoying one of the many other actives Idaho does best, there are many options for kicking back and enjoying a cold local beer. These 7 breweries reflect Boise’s finest. They are paramount for the area, and leave no pallet disappointed.

1. Payette Brewing Company

Payette Brewing was established in 2010 by Mike Francis after he chose to leave a corporate job at Boeing and start his own brewery. It has since become one of Idaho’s most reputable and recognizable craft beer brands. Idahoans can find cans of Payette’s North Fork Lager or Rustler IPA at just about any store in the valley and surrounding states.

Thier tasting room, located just outside of Boise in Garden City, is largely inviting and comfortable. It accurately creates a Northwestern vibe, unleashing everyone’s inner Cowboy or Cowgirl!

2. Boise Brewing

First named Bogus Brewing after the nearby ski resort, Boise Brewing is one of the valley's newest breweries. The building used to thrive as an all ages music venue but has seen a brewery facelift in the last few years. Boise Brewing features a tasting room with a clear cut view of the brewing process. It also has a contemporary lounge upstairs.

Boise Brewing used crowdfunding to help startup, and raised $30,993 through a Kickstarter campaign before ever opening their doors.

"A big reason I wanted to do Kickstarter is it's an easy test of the community. Is this is a good idea, or should I not be doing it?" Collin Rudeen, owner of Boise Brewing, told Boise Weekly.

"Kickstarter was a great way to get some operating expenses to get to the point where I can go to a bank and get some private investors," Rudeen continues. "There's things people can get behind like organic or local, but it's easy to get excited about beer."

3. Cloud 9 Nanopub

The North End of Boise is a charming, comfortable community. Cloud 9 Nanopub is the humble go-to spot for any North-ender and is walking distance for most people since it’s located near the heart of the North End.

Owners Maggie and Jake Lake also had measurable levels of success with a Kickstarter campaign also raising over $30k when starting up. Crowdfunding has proven to be a successful funding alternative for helping jumpstart breweries in Boise. Cloud 9 and Boise Brewing are both local success stories when it comes to this groundbreaking approach to starting a brewery.

What makes Cloud 9 incredible is their extensive rotating beers on tap. They use all organic ingredients for their brews and go local whenever possible. The Espresso Stout and Fallen Double IPA stand out to me as a few of my personal favorites.Their food also stands out as much as their beer. Expect a twist on a typical brewery menu with a grassroots, ‘all from scratch’ approach which also sources organic and local ingredients.

4. Sockeye Grill & Brewery

Sockeye Brewing began nestled in the heart of Idaho, near the Sawtooth Mountain Range. It’s in this region that Idaho’s iconic fish, the Sockeye Salmon, begins and ends its epic life journey through thousands of miles of rigirous swimming. Sockeye was founded in 1996 by an Idaho river guide turned brewmaster.

Since then, Sockeye Brewing has evolved into a top brewery in Idaho. There are currently two locations in Boise, which house a plethora of delicious regular and seasonal brews. If you’re looking for a brewery to take the whole family to, this is your place! The food is awesome and there is plenty of space inside and outside. I’ve spent many summer days on the patio, soaking up the sun rays and drinking well through happy hour.

5. Crooked Fence Barrelhouse

With a brewery located in Eagle, Idaho and the Barrel House Brew Pub situated near the Western Idaho Fairgrounds in Boise, Crooked Fence Brewing is a one-of-a-kind brewery, restaurant, and special events venue.

Their motto is as follows: "We love beer. We love to drink beer, and we love to make beer.

Our goal is to always have something interesting to offer, whether it's the selection of seasonal beers we brew, or the artwork for our products. We don't expect to change the world with what we do. We just want to make some good beer and have fun doing it."

6. Powderhaus Brewing Company

Powderhaus Brewing Company is the brainchild of business partners Tyson Cardon and Tyler Schmidt. Their vision is to create beers inspired by the wilderness and adventures spirit that surrounds Idaho. Powderhaus beers stay true to tradition while simultaneously innovating.

I tasted the Powderhaus First Turns IPA a few months ago, and I have to say it’s hands down the best local IPA I’ve tried. It’s perfectly balanced, with a rich aftertaste that’s has slightly less bite than most 6.5% Imperial Pale Ales.

7. Highland Hollow Brewhouse

Started in Highland Hollow Brewhouse is Boise’s oldest brewery. The microbrewery has been going strong since 1992. It’s located at the bottom of Bogus Basin Road, the path to skiing and snowboarding glory!

When walking into Highland Hollow, you’ll instantly be filled with atmospheric charm. The service is always fantastic and friendly, and the food is always fresh! While I’ve personally only been here once, my friends and family who are regulars, always have the best things to say about Highland Hollow. On that note, I know where I’m going out to eat this weekend!

These are just a few of my favorite craft breweries around Boise. What are yours?