This Saturday (November 12th) marks a momentous occasion for Mad Bomber Brewing Co. in Hayden, Idaho. Not only is it the day of their swanky 3rd Anniversary party (starting at 11am and lasting til midnight) BUT it is the one day release for their very special Black Hand Anniversary Ale. Aged in Honey Bourbon barrels from Up North Distillery in Post Falls, this 11% Imperial Porter makes an appearance just once a year (like Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day but way tastier). It should be enough of an incentive for anyone to head to the brewery on North Government Way and partake of the anniversary festivities. If it isn’t enough (for some bizarre reason), the lure of raffle prizes, barbecue from Blue Smoke, and hanging out with some of the coolest bartenders, brewers, and business owners in Idaho should do the trick.
Not familiar enough with Mad Bomber Brewing Co. to want to trek out to Hayden for the party? We should remedy that! This isn’t just another neighborhood bar, and we’ve got 3×3 (that’s nine, for all our bad-at-math peeps) facts to prove it!
Where did they get that fun hip name of theirs?
Mad Bomber is not just a random, clever name they came up with. The founders of this brewery were Explosive Ordnance Disposal soldiers (that’s the Bomb Squad, folks) who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What’s up with the cool vintage comic posters?
Created by the photography teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School, there are currently ten of these great posters up in the brewery (one for each month since February 2016). Obviously inspired by vintage comic books, each poster has it’s own theme, and each one is on sale (in limited amounts) with part of the proceeds going to local charities.
Just how much beer do they make every year?
The first year they were in business, they produced around 48,000 pints (or 5,800 gallons) of beer. This year (their third, in case you missed it), they’ve produced around 150,000 pints (or 18,750 gallons, according to the conversion app on the computer). That is a heckuvalotta beer. They regularly have eight beers on tap – including six flagships and two rotating seasonals. All of their original beers (except for one) are still in rotation, so it’s well worth it to visit on a regular basis so you don’t miss any of the new or old beers on tap.
Do they have sweet merch to go with their great beer?
Why yes, they do! In fact, they’ve released thirteen glass designs, eleven growler designs, and three hoodie designs, as well as a hat. Their first growler included a vinyl sticker of the Mad Bomber logo, and so few of them were released that they’ve become a sought-after collectible item.
Are there deals going on to celebrate the anniversary BEFORE the anniversary?
Yep yep! Throughout the week leading up to the party, beers (pints and growlers) will be half price. That puts pints at just $2.75! Last year’s special Black Hand Ale (you know, that beer we mentioned earlier that would only be released one day, so if you missed this at the two-year anniversary you are gonna wanna try it now) will also be available, but no sweet deal on the pricing for that special brew.
Does it seem like their name comes up at a lot of events happening around the area?
It totally does, because these guys love to support the community. Beside the dozens of events they hold on their own (parties, costume contests, fundraisers, poker games, and more), they like to get out and show off their beer and their love for the customers and the area that have made them successful. They pop up at benefits, concerts, Meet the Brewer nights, Large Batch Release nights, and more. You can keep up with some of their events and appearances through their Facebook page, but to really keep up with these social butterflies you should ask in person where they’re gonna pop up next.
Have you heard about the crazy fun Polar Plunge they do for charity?
Speaking of their crazy calendar of events, the Punks for a Princess Idaho Punk Rock Plunge is a biggie. Taking place on January 1st (cause what better way to celebrate a new year than jumping in a frozen lake), the team from Mad Bomber Brewing Co. raises money to support a special family or child by jumping in Hayden Lake and then throwing the biggest, loudest party of the new year. Beer flows, punk bands play, prizes are given out, and support is given to truly deserving individuals.
Did you hear Mad Bomber Brewing Co. is moving locations next year?
While the brewery right now is awesome, and full of custom made furniture and equipment made from friends and craftsmen in the area, it’s a bit to small for the growing business’s needs. They want to be able to offer a full menu of food items, and provide more indoor and outdoor areas for customers to congregate in (currently they have no outdoor area at all). Their new location will provide all of this and more.
So just where is this swanky cool brewery located and when can you visit it?
Mad Bomber Brewing Co. is located at 9265 N Government Way, Hayden ID 83835. They’re open from 2-10pm Monday through Thursday, 11am-midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11am-9pm on Sunday.
