Snake River Jenny Lake Lager – Wyoming's Amber Tribute to Alpine Adventures

Wyoming's Craft Beer Heritage

In the shadow of the Teton Range, where mountain peaks pierce azure skies and wilderness defines daily life, Snake River Jenny Lake Lager embodies the pioneering spirit that built Wyoming's craft beer scene. Since 1994, Snake River Brewing has quenched the thirst of adventurers, locals, and visitors who seek authentic flavors that match the grandeur of their surroundings.

Wyoming's beer culture emerged from a unique confluence of factors: pristine mountain water sources, a community of outdoor enthusiasts demanding quality refreshment after mountain adventures, and entrepreneurial spirits willing to challenge the dominance of mass-produced beers. The state's harsh winters and remote location meant that early craft brewers had to be resilient, innovative, and deeply connected to their communities.

The transformation of Wyoming from a beer desert to a craft brewing destination parallels the broader American craft beer revolution, but with distinctly Western characteristics. Here, breweries don't just make beer; they create gathering places where ski patrol members share tables with ranchers, where river guides plan tomorrow's adventures, and where the beer in your glass tells a story of place as compelling as any mountain vista.

The Vienna Lager Tradition

To understand what makes Snake River Jenny Lake Lager exceptional, we must journey to 19th century Austria, where Anton Dreher revolutionized brewing with the Vienna lager style. This amber-hued beer emerged during a golden age of European brewing innovation, when new malting techniques allowed brewers to create beers with rich, caramel flavors without the heaviness of darker ales.

Vienna lagers occupy a sweet spot in the beer spectrum: more flavorful than pilsners, yet lighter than bocks or dunkels. The style demands precision in brewing, as its clean fermentation profile leaves nowhere for flaws to hide. This technical challenge appeals to skilled brewmasters who appreciate the elegance of restraint and the beauty of balance.

Interestingly, while Vienna lagers faded from popularity in their Austrian homeland, they found new life in Mexico and, eventually, in American craft breweries. Snake River Brewing's interpretation honors this international journey while adding distinctly Wyoming touches that make it uniquely suited to the mountain lifestyle.

Jenny Lake: From Glacial Wonder to Glass

The rebranding from Snake River Lager to Snake River Jenny Lake Lager represents more than a marketing refresh—it's a deeper connection to the landscape that defines Jackson Hole. Jenny Lake, carved by glaciers over millennia, sits like a sapphire jewel at the base of the Tetons, offering some of the park's most spectacular scenery and beloved hiking trails.

The lake's crystal-clear waters, fed by mountain snowmelt, mirror the purity and clarity that Snake River Brewing seeks in their flagship lager. Just as hikers find refreshment and renewal at Jenny Lake after ascending to Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point, this beer offers its own form of restoration after a day exploring Wyoming's wild places.

The decision to rename the beer came organically from brewery staff who recognized that "Jenny Lake Lager" simply rolled off the tongue better than the original name. This linguistic flow mirrors the smooth, approachable character of the beer itself—easy to order, easier to enjoy, and memorable enough to request again.

German Precision Meets Mountain Craftsmanship

Creating Snake River Jenny Lake Lager requires a delicate balance of traditional techniques and modern brewing science. The foundation begins with imported German malts, specifically selected for their ability to impart the characteristic caramel sweetness that defines the Vienna style. These malts undergo careful kilning to develop complex flavors without excessive roastiness.

The brewing process employs an authentic German lager yeast strain, chosen for its clean fermentation profile and ability to highlight malt character without producing unwanted esters or phenols. This yeast works slowly at cold temperatures, requiring patience and precise temperature control throughout fermentation and conditioning.

Continental hop varieties provide subtle balance, contributing just 20 IBUs of bitterness—enough to prevent cloying sweetness but restrained enough to let the malt shine. The hopping schedule focuses on early additions for bittering rather than late additions for aroma, maintaining the traditional Vienna lager profile where malt remains the star.

Water chemistry plays a crucial role in replicating the soft water profiles of Vienna. Jackson Hole's naturally pristine water requires minimal adjustment, though brewers carefully monitor mineral content to ensure optimal pH levels and enzyme activity during mashing.

Tasting Notes: Alpine Amber Excellence

Pour a glass of Snake River Jenny Lake Lager and you're immediately greeted by its inviting amber hue, reminiscent of autumn aspens against evergreen forests. The beer forms a creamy, off-white head that dissipates gradually, leaving delicate lacing on the glass—a sign of quality ingredients and proper conditioning.

The aroma presents a bouquet of fresh bread, caramel, and subtle toasted notes. There's a hint of noble hop character in the background, but it plays a supporting role to the malt-forward nose. As the beer warms slightly, additional notes of biscuit and light toffee emerge.

On the palate, Snake River Jenny Lake Lager delivers on its aromatic promises. The initial sweetness of caramel malt gives way to a clean, crisp finish that invites another sip. Medium carbonation provides a pleasant effervescence without overwhelming the subtle flavors. The 4.8% ABV keeps it sessionable while providing enough body to satisfy.

The finish is remarkably clean, with just enough hop bitterness to cleanse the palate. This balance makes it equally suitable as a standalone refreshment or as a companion to food, particularly the hearty mountain fare that dominates Jackson Hole menus.

Snake River Brewing's Award-Winning Legacy

Snake River Brewing's journey from a converted cinder block building to America's most award-winning small brewery reads like a classic American success story. Founded in 1994 by Albert and Joni Upsher, the brewery emerged when craft beer was still fighting for shelf space and consumer acceptance.

Albert Upsher's path to brewing began unusually—as a New York stockbroker who headed west in search of a different life. After owning a Budweiser distributorship in Oregon, he witnessed the early craft beer movement and recognized an opportunity to bring quality beer to Jackson Hole. The Upshers transformed a nondescript building into Wyoming's first brewpub, creating a community gathering place that would define Jackson Hole's social landscape.

Today, under the ownership of Ted Staryk and his family, Snake River Brewing continues its tradition of excellence. The brewery's trophy case overflows with medals from the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, proving that world-class beer can emerge from a town better known for ski slopes than brewing kettles.

Seasonal Availability and Distribution

Unlike many seasonal releases that disappear when the weather changes, Snake River Jenny Lake Lager maintains year-round availability, reflecting its status as the brewery's most popular offering. This consistency allows both locals and visitors to enjoy their favorite amber lager regardless of season, though consumption patterns certainly shift with Jackson Hole's dramatic seasonal changes.

Distribution primarily focuses on Wyoming and surrounding mountain states, with limited availability in select markets where Jackson Hole expatriates have demanded their hometown beer. The brewery packages Snake River Jenny Lake Lager in both six-pack cans for retail and kegs for draft service, ensuring freshness through careful cold-chain management.

Local availability remains strongest, with nearly every bar, restaurant, and retailer in Jackson Hole stocking this hometown favorite. Visitors often discover it on tap at après-ski venues, where its approachable character and moderate alcohol content make it ideal for social sessions after a day on the slopes.

Perfect Pairings: From Pizza to Prime Rib

The malt-forward profile of Snake River Jenny Lake Lager creates numerous pairing opportunities that enhance both food and beer. At Snake River Brewing's own restaurant, the beer shines alongside their wood-fired pizzas, where the caramel notes complement charred crusts and the clean finish cuts through rich cheese and toppings.

Red meat pairings prove particularly successful. The beer's subtle sweetness balances the savory umami of grilled steaks and burgers, while its carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites of fatty cuts. Game meats, prevalent in Wyoming cuisine, find an ideal partner in this lager's approachable yet flavorful profile.

Beyond traditional pairings, Snake River Jenny Lake Lager works surprisingly well with Mexican cuisine, echoing the Vienna lager's history in Mexico. The beer's malt sweetness tempers spicy salsas while complementing the corn and bean elements common in Mexican dishes.

For cheese pairings, consider aged cheddars and alpine-style cheeses that echo the beer's mountain origins. The lager's clean finish prevents palate fatigue when sampling multiple cheeses, making it an excellent choice for tasting parties.

Sustainability in Every Sip

Snake River Brewing's commitment to environmental stewardship extends far beyond token gestures. The brewery harnesses solar power to reduce its carbon footprint, recognizing that protecting Wyoming's pristine environment ensures future generations can enjoy both the landscape and the beers it inspires.

The decision to package Snake River Jenny Lake Lager in aluminum cans reflects practical environmental considerations. Cans offer superior recyclability compared to bottles, weigh less for transportation, and prove more practical for outdoor adventures where glass might be prohibited or dangerous.

Water conservation remains paramount in the brewing process. Despite Wyoming's abundant water resources, the brewery implements closed-loop systems and efficient cleaning protocols that minimize water usage. Spent grain finds new life as livestock feed at local ranches, creating a circular economy that benefits the broader community.

Perhaps most significantly, the brewery's partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation transforms every pint of Snake River Jenny Lake Lager into a contribution toward preserving the landscape that inspired it. A portion of proceeds supports the Inspiring Journeys campaign, funding vital restoration work around Jenny Lake itself.

How Jenny Lake Stands Among Vienna Lagers

In the craft beer landscape, Vienna lagers occupy a unique position—respected by brewers for their technical demands yet sometimes overlooked by consumers seeking extreme flavors. Snake River Jenny Lake Lager succeeds by executing the style flawlessly while adding subtle regional character that distinguishes it from competitors.

Compared to mass-market Vienna-style lagers like Dos Equis Amber or Negra Modelo, Jenny Lake offers superior malt complexity and a cleaner fermentation profile. The use of authentic German ingredients elevates it above beers that cut corners with adjuncts or rushed fermentation schedules.

Among craft interpretations, Snake River Jenny Lake Lager holds its own against renowned examples like Great Lakes Eliot Ness or Devils Backbone Vienna Lager. What sets it apart is its sense of place—this tastes like a beer born in the mountains, with a crispness that evokes high-altitude air and a warmth that welcomes you in from the cold.

The beer's moderate 4.8% ABV positions it perfectly for the sessionable lager category, strong enough to provide flavor and body but light enough for multiple rounds during long mountain evenings.

Optimal Serving and Storage

To fully appreciate Snake River Jenny Lake Lager, proper serving temperature and glassware matter. Ideal serving temperature ranges from 38-45°F (3-7°C), cold enough to be refreshing but not so cold that flavors become muted. Allow the beer to warm slightly in the glass to experience its full aromatic development.

Glassware choices enhance the experience. A traditional pilsner glass showcases the beer's attractive amber color and maintains proper head retention. Alternatively, a nonic pint glass provides durability for outdoor settings while still allowing aromatic compounds to concentrate near the rim.

Store cans and bottles in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. While Snake River Jenny Lake Lager remains stable longer than hop-forward styles, fresher is always better for appreciating the delicate malt character. Check date codes and consume within recommended timeframes for optimal enjoyment.

When pouring, aim for a moderate head of about one inch. This releases aromatic compounds while leaving plenty of room for the liquid gold beneath. A proper pour takes patience—rush it, and excessive foam prevents you from enjoying a full serving.

The Jackson Hole Brewpub Experience

Visiting Snake River Brewing offers more than just beer—it's a window into Jackson Hole's soul. The brewpub serves as the community's living room, where locals gather after powder days and visitors discover what makes this mountain town special. The atmosphere balances rustic Wyoming charm with the energy of a working brewery.

Order a pint of Snake River Jenny Lake Lager at the bar and you might find yourself chatting with ski patrollers recounting the day's rescues, river guides planning tomorrow's float, or cowboys in from nearby ranches. This democratic mixing defines Jackson Hole's character—extreme wealth and working-class grit sharing tables and toasting with the same hometown beer.

The food menu complements the beer selection, featuring elevated pub fare that satisfies mountain appetites. Wood-fired pizzas emerge with perfectly charred crusts, burgers arrive stacked high with local beef, and vegetarian options acknowledge the town's health-conscious contingent. Everything pairs beautifully with Jenny Lake Lager.

During peak seasons, expect crowds and potentially long waits. Locals know to arrive early or late, avoiding the prime dinner rush. The reward for patience: authentic Wyoming hospitality, award-winning beer, and stories that capture the essence of mountain living.

Supporting Grand Teton National Park

The partnership between Snake River Jenny Lake Lager and Grand Teton National Park Foundation represents more than corporate philanthropy—it's a recognition that the brewery's success stems directly from the landscape that surrounds it. Every can and pint sold contributes to preserving the very wilderness that inspired the beer's creation.

The Inspiring Journeys campaign focuses specifically on improvements around Jenny Lake, including trail maintenance, visitor facilities, and ecosystem protection. These efforts ensure that future generations can experience the same awe-inspiring views that have drawn people to the Tetons for centuries.

For consumers, choosing Snake River Jenny Lake Lager becomes an act of conservation. Each purchase directly supports the places they love to explore, creating a virtuous cycle where outdoor recreation supports the beverage industry, which in turn funds wilderness preservation.

This model demonstrates how businesses can integrate environmental stewardship into their core operations rather than treating it as an afterthought. For Snake River Brewing, protecting the Tetons isn't just good business—it's essential to maintaining the quality of life that makes Jackson Hole special.

Bringing Jenny Lake Home

While nothing quite replicates enjoying Snake River Jenny Lake Lager with mountain views as your backdrop, bringing this taste of Wyoming home allows you to extend your Jackson Hole experience. The beer's availability in six-pack cans makes it convenient for stocking your home refrigerator or packing for camping trips.

Create your own Jenny Lake experience by pairing the beer with outdoor activities. Pack cans for tailgating at football games, bring them camping (where cans prove more practical than bottles), or simply enjoy on your deck while planning your next mountain adventure. The beer's moderate alcohol content and refreshing character make it suitable for various occasions.

Consider hosting a Wyoming-themed gathering featuring Snake River Jenny Lake Lager alongside regional foods. Pair it with elk sliders, bison chili, or vegetarian options featuring locally-sourced produce. Share stories of mountain adventures and introduce friends to the flavors that define Jackson Hole.

For gift-giving, a six-pack makes an excellent present for beer enthusiasts or anyone with connections to Wyoming. Include a note about the beer's environmental mission to add meaning beyond the liquid itself.

Where to Find It in Jackson

Locating Snake River Jenny Lake Lager in Jackson Hole proves refreshingly easy given its hometown hero status. The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole, conveniently located at 115 Buffalo Way, maintains consistent stock of both cans and occasionally kegs for special events. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through Snake River Brewing's entire lineup if you want to explore beyond Jenny Lake.

Most grocery stores in Jackson carry the beer, from high-end markets catering to vacation home owners to everyday supermarkets serving locals. Gas stations and convenience stores stock it for last-minute purchases before heading into the backcountry or to evening gatherings.

For the freshest experience, visit Snake River Brewing directly. Located in downtown Jackson, the brewpub offers Snake River Jenny Lake Lager on draft, ensuring optimal carbonation and temperature. They also sell cans to go, often featuring the most recent packaging runs.

During peak tourist seasons, popular varieties might sell out at some locations. Plan ahead for holidays and special events when demand spikes. The brewery's year-round production ensures availability, but specific package formats might temporarily disappear from shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions