Jackson Wyoming Brewery: Where Mountain Tradition Meets Craft Beer Innovation

Nestled in the rugged heart of Wyoming, Jackson Wyoming Brewery stands as a defining pillar of the region’s cultural and economic renaissance—crafting award-winning beers rooted in local terroir while championing sustainability and community. Founded in 2010 by a group of passionate brewers and outdoor enthusiasts, this mountain village microbrewery has grown from a small craft operation into a cornerstone of Jackson’s thriving food and beverage scene. Today, it serves as both a celebration of Western frontier spirit and a forward-looking hub for innovation in the craft beer industry.

The brewery emerged during a pivotal moment in Jackson’s evolution—when tourism boomed, travelers sought authentic local experiences, and craft beer became a gateway to regional identity. As co-founder and head brewer Tyler Miller notes, “We wanted Jackson’s story told, one pint at a time. Beer isn’t just about flavor—it’s about place, pride, and preserving the soul of a mountain community.” This philosophy permeates every aspect of the brewery, from ingredient sourcing to stickles on packaging.

Central to Jackson Wyoming Brewery’s identity is its deep commitment to local sourcing. The brewery prioritizes ingredients grown within a 100-mile radius, working with nearby ranches, orchards, and hop farms to ensure both quality and environmental stewardship. “Using local hops grown at Red Desert Hops, for example, means our beers carry authentic flavors shaped by the same soil and climate that define the Tetons,” explains Miller.

This approach not only reduces carbon footprint but strengthens connections across the regional agricultural network. The brewing process itself reflects a fusion of tradition and precision. While honoring time-honored techniques, the team integrates modern systems for consistency and energy efficiency—critical in a high-altitude environment where climate control demands advanced engineering.

The brewery uses water drawn from the Snake River, filtered naturally through granite, which imparts a crisp, clean finish to its signature ales. Fermentation stages are closely monitored, with artisan yeast strains selected for their unique aromatic profiles, ranging from bold citrus notes in sour sours to malty depth in amber lagers.

Jackson Wyoming Brewery’s 10,000-barrel annual capacity supports more than production—it fuels economic growth and community engagement.

The facility employs over 50 full-time staff and seasons during peak tourism months, injecting vitality into local businesses year-round. Its taproom, designed with reclaimed timber and mountain views, draws both locals and visitors, boasting rotating tap lines that feature limited editions, barrel-aged specials, and seasonal collaborations. “We wanted our space to feel like home—welcoming, authentic, and deeply tied to the land,” says Miller.

That ethos has cemented its role as a cultural landmark and social hub. Environmental responsibility is not an afterthought but a core operational principle. The brewery operates a state-of-the-art water recycling system, reducing consumption by over 40%.

Spent grain—once a waste byproduct—is repurposed into locally distributed animal feed, closing the loop in a way that resonates with Wyoming’s ranching heritage. Solar panels power parts of the facility, and waste heat from brewing is reintegrated into on-site greenhouses growing hops and greens used in hospitality and food ventures nearby.

The brewery’s impact extends into the craft beer landscape through innovation and collaboration.

Jackson Wyoming Brewery frequently partners with national and regional brewers on exclusive releases, such as its popular “Rocky Peak Imperial Stout,” a bold, coffee-distracted stout aged in Tennessee whiskey barrels. These collaborations not only raise the bar for flavor complexity but reinforce the brewpub’s status as a breeding ground for creativity within the industry. “Craft beer thrives on connection—between places, people, and stories,” Miller reflects.

“We’re proud to be part of a larger movement that values quality, craftsmanship, and community.” Despite its prominence, the brewery remains grounded in its mission: to honor the rugged authenticity of Wyoming while embracing the spirit of progress. Whether crafting a session IPA for weekend hikers or hosting drying ethnobotany workshops on indigenous brewing traditions, Jackson Wyoming Brewery embodies the balance between heritage and innovation. It’s not just a place to drink beer—it’s a testament to how a small brewery can shape a community, preserve a legacy, and set a standard for sustainable, place-based craft in the modern era.