TAYLOR S. CALDER
Idaho State Journal
A new brewery has opened in Historic Downtown Pocatello, giving local residents another venue to enjoy delicious craft beer in a laid back and comfortable environment.
The Martlet is the creation of Pocatello resident Billy Chaddock, who is also a co-owner of fellow downtown business Glean Coffee Roasters. Chaddock previously ran a small brewery in California and recently came upon an opportunity to own and operate a Gate City brewery thanks to his relationship with Chris White, the owner of Star Route, a brewery that closed last year.
The Martlet now resides at Star Route’s former home, 218 N. Main St.
“I picked the name The Martlet, because it’s a mythical bird that doesn’t have any legs or feet, so it’s in continuous flight and it never lands until it dies,” Chaddock said. “That’s how I feel about my life in general. I feel like it’s pretty descriptive of what I got going on. I like moving. I like giving things to the community. I enjoy doing different projects and starting new things and watching them become fruitful. I like watching people enjoy them. Me and my family stay busy, so (the name) just fit.”
Chaddock has been involved in the brewery game for the last nine years with help from his brother-in-law, who was the head brewer at the business he previously owned in California. Chaddock is using some of the equipment that was installed and available from Star Route but with the addition of new equipment and upgrades.
Since the brewery has just opened, they are starting with just a few of their beers on tap and focusing on putting out a quality product.
“We’ll only have a handful, because we’re just getting going, getting our feet under us, starting slow, starting small,” Chaddock said. “We’re trying to focus on putting out good beer, rather than putting out a ton of it. We’re American ale generally focused. So, blondes, IPAs, stouts, porters, we want to get into doing some scotch ale, some maibock, some doppelbock, those types of things. Those take a little bit longer because of the fermentation process. You could expect on day one more of an American ale influence, a West Coast style influence when you walk in. We’re trying to keep it classy and also keep it fun.”
Interested patrons can experience the smooth and refreshing Big Break blonde ale, the Bubbles IPA, a Martlet Brewery pale ale along with a beer called Good Morning that uses a Norwegian yeast, which has a natural fruity tinge to it. The Good Morning also has the essence of a northeastern or hazy IPA but doesn’t officially fall into that category. A maple latte brown ale was also set to debut. Other drinks will come out in the following weeks, but Chaddock is keeping those currently under wraps.
For guests that like to indulge in alcoholic beverages outside of beer there will be a few ciders, hard seltzers, red and white wines and even non-alcoholic beer to enjoy. A few guest beers will also be planned in the future, likely curated from the local area.
Chaddock and the team at The Martlet are also fully utilizing the space by rolling out craft pizzas in the coming weeks that may use organic flour from a mill in Logan, Utah, along with a variety of quality ingredients to use in the creation of the food.
The quality that The Martlet is trying to curate can also be felt in its purposeful aesthetic, pulling from the classical influences of institutions like Oxford University and prolific writer C.S. Lewis. The dark navy tones and wood paneling further reflect the atmosphere Chaddock is trying to cultivate. The Martlet is also trying to blend a modern aesthetic, adding fun activities like board games to play along with a video game setup in one corner.
Chaddock attributes the creation of The Martlet to all the friends and family members that have helped him along the way. From the interior painting, custom tap handles and the metal cut for the logo, to the simple advice and brewing assistance he received, The Martlet is a culmination of everyone helping out in a variety of ways.
“There’re a couple things I’m looking to start to help bring some more life into Old Town Pocatello,” Chaddock said. “This is another investment into Old Town. I want our community to get behind that so we can watch Old Town, which should be our restaurant and bar district, come to life a little bit more. I want people to walk in here and have fun and be excited and see something lively.”
Chaddock continued, “I want people to come here with their friends and family. We’re kid friendly. We’ve got some Legos and K’NEX and card games for the kids to be able to play. I want (everyone) to walk out feeling excited, invigorated about their city and what’s happening and hopefully spur some action with anybody who’s on the fence of wanting to start something on their own. That’s what The Martlet is. It’s encouraging this continuous flight and never stopping, never giving up. That’s what I want for Pocatello.”
The Martlet is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 3 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 10:30 p.m.