The inaugural North Idaho Brewers Cup wrapped up Monday evening with a crowded tasting event and competitive spirit that brought together nine regional breweries across Kootenai County. Bryan Johnson, owner of Westwood Brewing Co., claimed the inaugural trophy when his team’s entry “Dark as Helles”—a dark beer crafted in collaboration with Kaniksu Brewing—earned the most votes from 113 participants who sampled entries throughout the competition.
Community-Driven Competition Takes Shape
Kris Herambourg, owner of Kaniksu Brewing and organizer of the event, designed the competition as a celebration of North Idaho’s brewing community rather than cutthroat rivalry. Herambourg brings two decades of beer-making experience to the region and is based in nearby Newman Lake, Washington. The competition paired breweries into teams, each responsible for brewing a beer and making it available for public tasting and voting.
The final tasting event was held at Capone’s Pub and Grill in Coeur d’Alene’s Midtown district, drawing a substantial crowd of beer enthusiasts eager to weigh in on the entries. The afternoon included a broader tastebud tour covering 10 breweries across the Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls area, giving residents a chance to sample offerings beyond the competition itself.
Nine Breweries Compete for First Title
The breweries participating in the inaugural event represent a diverse cross-section of North Idaho’s craft beer landscape. Alongside winning teams Westwood Brewing Co. and Kaniksu Brewing, the competition included Outpost Brewing, Brewscape Beer Co., Chalice Brewing, Trails End Brewery, Bombastic Brewing, Vantage Point Brewing, and Knucklehead Brewery. Johnson emphasized the collaborative spirit that defined the inaugural event. “I’m really glad to be a part of the start of all of this,” he said. “I love the community aspect of the competition.”
That sentiment resonated with Herambourg, who framed the competition as rooted in mutual respect rather than animosity. “That’s what it’s really all about,” Herambourg noted. “We’re all friends. We’re all brothers and sisters.” The philosophy shaped how teams were assembled and how the event was promoted throughout Kootenai County and the broader Panhandle region.
Plans for Expansion and Growth
Herambourg has already committed to making the North Idaho Brewers Cup a biannual event, signaling confidence in the competition’s appeal to both breweries and the local drinking public. Looking ahead, the organizer plans to expand the event’s geographic reach to include breweries from Sandpoint, Wallace, and St. Maries—communities that would broaden participation while maintaining the friendly, community-oriented character that defined the inaugural competition.
The timing of the event reflects strong consumer interest in craft beer across North Idaho. According to a Gallup Poll cited in industry discussions, 54 percent of U.S. adults consume alcohol—the lowest percentage recorded over a 90-year tracking period, suggesting that those who do engage with beer culture tend to do so with enthusiasm and intentionality. Craft beer communities, in particular, have become gathering spaces for residents seeking to connect with neighbors and local entrepreneurs.
What Comes Next
The success of the inaugural North Idaho Brewers Cup sets the stage for the event to become an established fixture on the Kootenai County community calendar. With Herambourg’s experience and commitment to a biannual schedule, residents can expect the competition to return within the coming year. The planned expansion to include Sandpoint, Wallace, and St. Maries breweries will give the event a more robust regional footprint while keeping its focus on camaraderie and shared passion for craft beer.
For now, Johnson and his Kaniksu Brewing partner hold bragging rights as the inaugural winners of an event that celebrates what makes North Idaho’s brewery scene distinctive: a willingness to compete while maintaining friendships, and a focus on quality products over profit maximization. Local beer enthusiasts interested in upcoming events or brewery information can connect with participating breweries directly or watch for announcements through community channels as Herambourg finalizes dates and logistics for the next edition.