The growth and renovation of Sandpoint’s Granary Arts District over the past few years was largely amplified by the addition of Matchwood Brewing in October, 2018. Owners Kennden Culp and Andrea Marcoccio have been brewing for six years and aim to foster community connection, create a family-friendly atmosphere, and serve approachable English and American handcrafted ales.
Their beers are certainly approachable, with a little something for every palate within a modest 6-tap selection. The Sparkling Ale is clean, balanced, and easy to drink on a hot or cold day. On the other side of the spectrum, the Seasonal English Winter Beer is lusciously malty and toasty, perfect for an evening around a winter bonfire. Everything in between is solid with a Matchwood signature edge to it, which means delightful and easy to drink. Enjoy a pint, fill a growler, or grab a crowler for the hill.
In the corner of the spacious, timber and metal-crusted taproom sits Matchwood’s Eatery. The menu features fresh salads made with regionally-sourced ingredients, burgers, sandwiches, mac and cheese bites, and one of the best soft pretzels I’ve had in a long time—and I’m not really a pretzel person. Warning: the house-made stone mustard will clear your sinuses! But the best thing on the menu is the pasty. These savory hand pies are buttery pillows of pastry dough filled with decadent goodness, like browned skirt steak, root vegetables and gravy, or sage pork sausage bangers and mashed potatoes. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. (S. Michal Bennett)
