Melvin Mix – The Ultimate Wyoming Craft Beer Experience

Updated → August 2025

Experience Wyoming's rebellious spirit in a 12-pack with Melvin Mix, featuring four bold craft beers from Jackson Hole's award-winning Melvin Brewing—where Wu-Tang meets wilderness in every sip.

The Melvin Phenomenon

In the heart of Wyoming's rugged landscape, where the Tetons pierce the sky and adventure flows as freely as the Snake River, a brewing revolution has taken hold. Melvin Mix represents more than just a variety pack—it's a liquid manifesto of Wyoming's untamed spirit, packaged in twelve ounces of pure mountain mayhem.

The craft beer scene has exploded across America, but few breweries capture the essence of their homeland quite like Melvin Brewing. Born in a Thai restaurant in downtown Jackson, this maverick operation has grown from a rebellious experiment to a nationally recognized powerhouse, collecting awards and accolades while maintaining its wild-west ethos. The Melvin Mix variety pack encapsulates this journey, offering beer enthusiasts a chance to explore the full spectrum of Melvin's creative genius.

What's Inside the Mix Pack

The Melvin Mix arrives as a curated collection of Melvin Brewing's most beloved creations. This 12-pack features four distinct brews, each telling its own story while contributing to the larger narrative of Wyoming craft beer excellence. The lineup includes Hubert, Pilsgnar, Killer Bees, and Star Valley—a quartet that showcases the brewery's versatility and commitment to quality.

Each beer in this collection represents hours of experimentation, refinement, and a deep understanding of how ingredients interact at high altitude. The variety pack format allows beer lovers to experience the full range of Melvin's capabilities without committing to a single style, making it perfect for those who appreciate diversity in their drinking experience or those looking to discover their next favorite brew.

The Craft Beer Revolution in Wyoming

Wyoming might be known for its cowboys and vast open spaces, but the state has quietly become a hotbed for craft beer innovation. The altitude, pure water sources, and pioneering spirit create ideal conditions for brewing excellence. Melvin Mix stands at the forefront of this movement, representing a new generation of Western brewers who respect tradition while pushing boundaries.

The Jackson Hole area, with its unique confluence of outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and locals, has created a sophisticated beer culture that demands quality and authenticity. Breweries here don't just make beer; they craft experiences that complement the lifestyle of those who choose to live and play in one of America's most spectacular landscapes. The Melvin Mix embodies this ethos, offering beers that are as bold and unpredictable as the terrain that surrounds them.

The Melvin Brewing Story

The tale of Melvin Brewing reads like a modern American dream with a punk rock soundtrack. Starting in the back of Thai Me Up restaurant in downtown Jackson, founders Jeremy Tofte and Kirk McHale began their brewing journey with little more than passion and a rebellious streak. What started as an experiment in combining Thai food with craft beer evolved into something much larger—a brewing philosophy that marries Wu-Tang Clan attitude with world-class beer making.

Today, Melvin operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Alpine, Wyoming, overlooking the scenic Palisades Reservoir. The 20,000 square-foot brewhouse represents a massive leap from their humble beginnings, yet the spirit remains unchanged. The brewery continues to push boundaries, winning prestigious awards including multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival, while maintaining the irreverent humor and uncompromising quality that made them famous.

The Melvin Mix variety pack serves as a perfect introduction to this unique brewing philosophy, offering newcomers and devoted fans alike a chance to experience the full range of what makes Melvin special.

Beer Profiles Breakdown

Hubert Pale Ale

Hubert stands as Melvin's gateway beer—approachable yet complex, familiar yet surprising. This American Pale Ale strikes a perfect balance between hop-forward characteristics and malt backbone, making it an ideal starting point for those new to craft beer while offering enough depth to satisfy seasoned enthusiasts. The beer pours a beautiful golden amber, releasing aromas of citrus and pine that immediately transport you to Wyoming's wilderness.

Pilsgnar Pilsner

In a world dominated by aggressive IPAs, Pilsgnar proves that subtlety can be revolutionary. This crisp, clean pilsner showcases Melvin's technical prowess, demonstrating that making a simple beer exceptionally well requires true mastery. The use of traditional German hops provides a delicate floral character, while the Wyoming water creates a mineral profile that enhances drinkability. It's the perfect beer for those long summer days on the Snake River or après-ski sessions at the base of the mountain.

Killer Bees Honey Ale

Killer Bees represents Melvin's connection to Wyoming's natural bounty. Incorporating local honey into the brewing process, this ale achieves a delicate sweetness that never overwhelms. The honey adds body and a subtle floral character that complements the light hop profile, creating a beer that's both refreshing and contemplative. It's a favorite among those who appreciate nuance and a perfect example of how local ingredients can elevate a brew from good to extraordinary.

Star Valley Session

Rounding out the Melvin Mix, Star Valley delivers sessionability without sacrificing flavor. This lower-alcohol offering proves that "session" doesn't mean "boring," packing surprising hop character and complexity into a package you can enjoy throughout an entire afternoon without regret. Named after the stunning valley southeast of Jackson, this beer captures the essence of Wyoming's wide-open spaces—refreshing, inspiring, and endlessly enjoyable.

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

The beauty of the Melvin Mix lies in its versatility. Each beer offers unique pairing opportunities that enhance both food and experience. Hubert's balanced profile makes it a natural companion to grilled meats and hearty mountain fare, while Pilsgnar's crisp character cuts through rich dishes and refreshes the palate between bites of spicy cuisine.

Killer Bees finds its perfect match with cheese boards, particularly those featuring local Wyoming varieties, where the honey notes complement aged cheddars and creamy blues. Star Valley, with its sessionable nature, becomes the ideal companion for extended outdoor adventures—whether you're floating the river, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue with friends.

How It Compares to Other Variety Packs

In the crowded landscape of craft beer variety packs, Melvin Mix distinguishes itself through thoughtful curation and uncompromising quality. Unlike many variety packs that feel like an afterthought—a way to move slower-selling beers—Melvin's selection represents their core lineup, the beers that built their reputation and continue to win awards.

Compared to national brands, Melvin offers authenticity and place-based character that mass-produced beers simply cannot replicate. The high-altitude brewing conditions, local water sources, and Wyoming terroir create flavor profiles unique to the region. When stacked against other craft variety packs, Melvin's offering showcases superior balance—you're not getting four variations of the same hoppy theme, but rather a genuine exploration of different beer styles, each executed at the highest level.

Brewing Process and Philosophy

Melvin's approach to brewing combines technical excellence with creative freedom. The Alpine facility features state-of-the-art equipment that allows precise temperature control and consistency, crucial when brewing at elevation. The brewers pay meticulous attention to water chemistry, adjusting mineral content to complement each beer style while respecting the natural purity of Wyoming's water sources.

The philosophy extends beyond technical prowess to ingredient selection. Melvin sources hops at their peak freshness, often experimenting with new varieties to push flavor boundaries. Their grain bills reflect a deep understanding of how different malts interact, creating complexity through careful selection rather than kitchen-sink approaches. This attention to detail shines through in every beer within the Melvin Mix.

Seasonal Availability and Distribution

While Melvin has expanded distribution significantly from its Jackson Hole roots, the Melvin Mix maintains elements of exclusivity that make it special. The variety pack typically sees consistent availability throughout the year, though demand often spikes during peak tourist seasons when visitors seek to take a piece of Wyoming home with them.

Distribution has expanded across the Mountain West and beyond, but there's something special about purchasing these beers in their homeland. The connection to place—drinking a Melvin beer while watching the sunset over the Tetons or after a day of powder skiing—adds an intangible element to the experience that can't be replicated elsewhere.

Tasting Notes and Guide

To fully appreciate the Melvin Mix, proper tasting technique enhances the experience. Start with the lighter beers—Pilsgnar or Star Valley—before moving to the more robust flavors of Hubert and Killer Bees. Pour each beer into a clean glass to release aromatics and observe the color and clarity that speak to Melvin's attention to quality.

Take time to appreciate the aroma before tasting. Melvin's beers often reveal layers of complexity in their scent profiles—from the bright citrus notes of American hops to the subtle sweetness of honey. When tasting, let the beer warm slightly on your palate to unlock fuller flavors. Notice how each beer's carbonation level complements its style, from Pilsgnar's effervescent bite to Killer Bees' smoother texture.

Local Culture and Impact

Melvin Brewing has become inseparable from Jackson Hole's identity, representing the evolution of Western culture from cowboys to craft beer connoisseurs. The brewery employs local residents, sources ingredients regionally when possible, and contributes to the community through events and partnerships. The Melvin Mix serves as an ambassador for the region, introducing people worldwide to Wyoming's brewing excellence.

The brewery's irreverent marketing and Wu-Tang-inspired aesthetic might seem at odds with traditional Western imagery, but this fusion represents modern Wyoming perfectly—a place where tradition and innovation coexist, where ranchers and tech entrepreneurs share bar stools, and where world-class recreation meets world-class beer.

Storage and Serving Tips

To maintain the quality of your Melvin Mix, proper storage is essential. Keep the beers in a cool, dark place—ideally between 45-55°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations that can accelerate aging and compromise flavor. While these beers are packaged for stability, fresher is generally better, especially for the hop-forward varieties.

Serving temperature varies by style. Pilsgnar shines when served cold (38-45°F), while Hubert and Killer Bees reveal more complexity at cellar temperature (45-50°F). Always pour with purpose—a proper pour with a finger or two of foam helps release aromatics and provides the full sensory experience the brewers intended.

Where to Buy in Jackson Hole

For those seeking the Melvin Mix in Jackson Hole, The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole stands as the premier destination. Located at 115 Buffalo Way, this locally-owned establishment offers the area's largest selection of craft beer, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through Melvin's offerings and suggest complementary local products.

Beyond the convenience of one-stop shopping, purchasing from The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole ensures you're getting properly stored, fresh product. Their commitment to the local beer scene means they maintain close relationships with regional breweries, often featuring limited releases and exclusive offerings that you won't find elsewhere.

The Melvin Community

Drinking Melvin Mix connects you to a larger community of beer enthusiasts who appreciate quality, creativity, and a bit of rebellious spirit. The brewery has cultivated a loyal following through their "Melvin Madness"—a combination of excellent beer, irreverent marketing, and genuine passion for the craft. Social media buzzes with photos of Melvin beers in spectacular settings, from mountain peaks to riverside camps.

The brewery's taproom in Alpine serves as a pilgrimage site for beer lovers, offering exclusive releases and the chance to experience Melvin culture firsthand. Even if you can't make the journey, cracking open a Melvin Mix at home connects you to this community and the wild spirit of Wyoming brewing.

Final Verdict

The Melvin Mix represents more than just a convenient way to sample different beers—it's a journey through modern American craft brewing at its finest. Each can tells a story of innovation, quality, and the untamed spirit that defines Wyoming. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado or someone just beginning to explore beyond mainstream lagers, this variety pack offers something special.

From the approachable balance of Hubert to the surprising complexity of Star Valley, these beers showcase why Melvin Brewing has garnered national acclaim while maintaining its local soul. The Melvin Mix invites you to join the madness, to taste the Rocky Mountains in liquid form, and to understand why sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places. In a world of corporate brewing consolidation, Melvin stands as a beacon of independence, quality, and pure brewing joy.