Melvin Brewing Taproom: Award-Winning Hop-Forward IPAs & Craft Beers

Melvin Brewing's "Mothership" production facility and taproom is on the shore of the Palisades Reservoir near Alpine, Wyoming, with views over Star Valley. Founded in 2010 as a small operation in the back of a Jackson Thai restaurant, Melvin built a reputation for hop-forward IPAs and bold lagers and has expanded to a destination brewery with a full taproom and pub menu. The right fit is craft-beer travelers willing to drive 45 minutes south of Jackson for the brewery experience, locals on a Star Valley itinerary, and groups looking for a brewery-day destination. The wrong fit is travelers wanting a downtown Jackson tap; for that, route to Roadhouse Brewing or Snake River Brewing.

Discover Melvin Brewing’s Award-Winning IPAs & Scenic Taproom

A working production brewery and destination taproom. Beers across the lineup include IPAs (their flagship, with multiple variations), lagers, sours, and seasonal small-batch releases. Pub food menu in the taproom (burgers, wings, shareable plates, and elevated bar fare) for travelers wanting a meal alongside the beer. Outdoor patio with reservoir-and-Star-Valley views, weather permitting. Brewery tours on a posted schedule. Open Wednesday through Sunday with seasonal hours.

Why people drive here

Three reasons. First, beer quality. Melvin's IPAs in particular have national craft-beer-circuit recognition; the freshest pour comes from the Mothership. Second, the location. Palisades Reservoir-side taproom with mountain views is a different setting than any downtown brewery; the drive is the journey, especially if you pair with fishing on the Greys or Snake. Third, the production-brewery experience. Tours and bigger-format beer flights work better at the source than at retail.

How to plan a visit

Plan around taproom hours (Wednesday through Sunday). Confirm specific hours seasonally. The drive from Jackson is roughly 45 minutes south on US-89 to Alpine, then off Highway 89 onto County Road 101. Pair with stops at Broulim's or Flying Saddle if you want a full Alpine-area afternoon. Designate a driver or plan rideshare if you intend to drink seriously; Wyoming roads and limited late-night transport make this important.

A few tradeoffs

Three honest tradeoffs. First, the drive. 45 minutes one way is a real commitment. Second, taproom hours are limited (closed Monday and Tuesday). Third, you'll need transportation; rideshare back to Jackson at night is not always available.

One thing to keep in mind

For craft-beer travelers, build a Star Valley day around a Melvin Mothership lunch and tour, plus a fishing or paddling stop on the Greys or Salt River, plus a return stop at Flying Saddle Resort for dinner if you want to stretch the day. The pattern works as a full Saturday and is more memorable than a single brewery visit.

Bottom line

For Melvin's hop-forward IPAs and lagers at the source, with reservoir-side taproom views and pub food, the Mothership in Alpine is the brewery-destination call south of Jackson. Plan around taproom hours, the drive, and transport home.

FAQ

Is the brewery open every day?

No. Wednesday through Sunday, with seasonal hours.

Are tours offered?

Yes, on a posted schedule.

Is there food?

Yes. Pub menu in the taproom.

How far from Jackson?

About 45 minutes south on US-89 to Alpine.