Proud To Serve
Veteran Owned & Operated
At Bear Island Brewing, we believe in Crafting Community…one pint at a time. It only takes one pint to start a conversation, to make a friend, to encourage someone who needs it, or to celebrate an occasion. We understand a life of service requires hard work, which is why our authentic, family and Veteran-owned business has been diligently at work since 2014. Proud to have served our Country and now be home serving our Community!
We Don't Cut Corners
We never compromise quality because our beers get extra love and attention. We are dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients that meet the highest standards of excellence as often as possible.
Crafting Community
As an authentic, family-owned business (no out-of-state investors or corporations!), we are honored to give back to our community by focusing our attention on worthy causes. More specifically, we have a desire to support those people who bravely support our community, such as military veterans, first responders, and true patriots that show love to their neighbors. We also take tremendous pride in partnering with local businesses and utilizing high-quality local ingredients whenever possible.
Meet the Team
Founder, CEO/CBO/COO, Boise Native, Veteran Navy EOD
Beth Bechtel (Westover)
Beth is our original founder! She visited home from her East Coast Station (VA) just before her first deployment. While excited to taste northwest craft beer again, it greatly disappointed her that there was a lack of local options in Boise on draft or in the store at the time. Thus she declared to her friends and family that her ultimate post Navy service goal would be to start a brewery in Boise. She proudly served for 6 years and then returned home with her husband and her folks to launch Bear Island Brewing Company in 2014. As the Chief Everything Officer, you will see her running around often! Ask her about her adventures including her boxing career before the US Navy.
Brewer in Charge/Fermentation Wizard (Head of Operations)
'Alex' Alexander
Alex has a multitude of beverage knowledge. She began her career in wine at the age of just 17! She worked for local Cinder Winery for 10 years including working a harvest season in New Zealand. Even though she has an extensive knowledge and love for wine, beer won her over. She transitioned into the brewing scene by humbly working as an assistant brewer for 2 years before joining Bear Island to take over brewing operations in 2023. Her dedication to quality is evident in all that she does. Ask her about not just beer but foraging, birding, and bugs! (She brews and knows things!)
Transporter/Keg Ninja, Barkeep
Mike Barrett
Mike B is our longest standing team member! He has served over 6 years at Bear Island originally as our delivery driver aka ‘Transporter.’ He currently still gets our brews around town but you will often find him behind the bar at our taproom. Ask him about baseball…he knows a thing or two!
Barkeep
Mindi Ridgeway
Mindi originally volunteered for us many times at offsite events. She demonstrated a true passion for craft beer and specifically our brand. It was an easy transition to have her join us in our taproom and still help out at events. Ask her about her travels and good places to hike around Boise.
Barkeep
Mason Muilendburg
Mason is the newest addition to our team! Starting at the end of Feb 2025, he has many awesome skill to bring onboard. You will find him behind the bar for now but watch to see what other areas he will be taking on soon! Ask him about his favorite hobby, disc golf.
The Founders
Mike
Miriam
Beth
Steve