New documentary tells ‘The Story of Beer in Boise.’ (Sorta.) Here’s how to see it free.
If you’re a hardcore fan of Boise beer, you might lap up a new film about the city’s brewing culture.
If you’re not — but you are an Amazon Prime member and proud Idahoan?
Consider cracking a can, anyway, and watching “Untapped: The Story of Beer in Boise.” Free for Prime members to stream (otherwise $2.99 to rent), the short documentary is a feel-good exercise highlighting sudsy slices of life in the Gem State.
Part profile, part marketing video, the 24-minute journey doesn’t really tell the story of beer in Boise. That would include the city’s two largest breweries, Sockeye and Payette, among other considerations. Instead, director David di Donato follows three passionate Idaho brewers with different backgrounds: Shawn Kelso of 10 Barrel Brewing Co., which is owned by multinational company Anheuser-Busch InBev (and consequently spurned by many beer purists, a topic never broached); Lance Chavez of Boise Brewing, a community-supported operation; and home brewer Josh Ray.
Filmed beginning in 2017, “Untapped” runs on the fuel that drove explosive craft brewery proliferation a few short years ago. “I think Boise’s just a huge fit to be the next big beer town,” exclaims Kelso, whose wide-eyed enthusiasm leaps off the screen.
“Untapped” attempts to walk a line between explaining beer concepts to beginners and offering backstage passes to experienced drinkers. It’s insider-focused and celebratory. Viewers learn the basics of brewing. They hop in with Kelso for a ride to the pungent hop fields of Gooding Farms in Parma. They accompany Chavez to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and share in his World Beer Cup award. They duck into Ray’s garage to see his home-brewing setup.
Along the way, there’s plenty of stylized, slow-motion footage of beer being poured and consumed. And repetitive backing music. (That infernal whistling tune will drive anyone to drink.)
By the time this pony kegger is over — and we’re being informed that “beer’s not only about accolades and awards” — you’ll be ready to open another cold one. Don’t be surprised if you crave something local.
This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 2:34 PM.