About Utara Brewing Company
Brewing Great Beer. Building Community.
Utara Brewing Company was founded by David Kosiba and Christina Stecher, two entrepreneurs who shared a passion for creating something meaningful in the community they call home.
Christina grew up in an entrepreneurial family that owned a small chain of grocery stores. She earned her degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado before completing an internship as a Guest Relations Officer at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, India.
David was also raised in an entrepreneurial family, working in his family's wholesale business before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from one of the nation's leading art schools. His passion for brewing eventually led him into the craft beer industry, where years of professional brewing experience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality became the foundation for Utara Brewing Company.
David and Christina met in Missoula, Montana, in 2006 and chose to make Sandpoint their home the following year. Inspired by the character of North Idaho and the opportunity to contribute something unique to the community, they set out to build a business centered around craftsmanship, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Today, Utara Brewing Company is an award-winning craft brewery proudly brewing every beer in small batches on its seven-barrel brewhouse in Sandpoint, Idaho. With two locations serving locals and visitors alike, Utara continues to pursue the same goal it began with—creating exceptional beer while helping make Sandpoint a vibrant place to gather.
Utara Brewing Company was founded by David Kosiba and Christina Stecher, two entrepreneurs who shared a passion for creating something meaningful in the community they call home.
Christina grew up in an entrepreneurial family that owned a small chain of grocery stores. She earned her degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado before completing an internship as a Guest Relations Officer at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, India.
David was also raised in an entrepreneurial family, working in his family's wholesale business before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from one of the nation's leading art schools. His passion for brewing eventually led him into the craft beer industry, where years of professional brewing experience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality became the foundation for Utara Brewing Company.
David and Christina met in Missoula, Montana, in 2006 and chose to make Sandpoint their home the following year. Inspired by the character of North Idaho and the opportunity to contribute something unique to the community, they set out to build a business centered around craftsmanship, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Today, Utara Brewing Company is an award-winning craft brewery proudly brewing every beer in small batches on its seven-barrel brewhouse in Sandpoint, Idaho. With two locations serving locals and visitors alike, Utara continues to pursue the same goal it began with—creating exceptional beer while helping make Sandpoint a vibrant place to gather.
Our Brewing Philosophy
Great beer doesn't happen by accident.
Every recipe at Utara is the result of curiosity, discipline, and an ongoing commitment to improvement. From carefully selected ingredients and balanced water chemistry to precise fermentation control and thoughtful recipe development, every detail matters.
While brewing is both an art and a science, we believe neither should ever overshadow the simple goal of creating beer people genuinely enjoy drinking. Whether it's a crisp Czech Lager, a hop-forward West Coast IPA, or a rich seasonal stout, every pint reflects our belief that quality comes from doing the small things exceptionally well.
We don't chase trends or brew beer simply to be different. We brew styles we love, refine them continuously, and strive to make each batch better than the last.
Every recipe at Utara is the result of curiosity, discipline, and an ongoing commitment to improvement. From carefully selected ingredients and balanced water chemistry to precise fermentation control and thoughtful recipe development, every detail matters.
While brewing is both an art and a science, we believe neither should ever overshadow the simple goal of creating beer people genuinely enjoy drinking. Whether it's a crisp Czech Lager, a hop-forward West Coast IPA, or a rich seasonal stout, every pint reflects our belief that quality comes from doing the small things exceptionally well.
We don't chase trends or brew beer simply to be different. We brew styles we love, refine them continuously, and strive to make each batch better than the last.
Meet the Founders
David Kosiba
David has been passionate about brewing for more than two decades. Before founding Utara Brewing Company, he served as Head Brewer at Laughing Dog Brewing, helping produce and distribute award-winning craft beer throughout the western United States.
Today, David continues to oversee every aspect of brewing at Utara—from recipe development and water chemistry to fermentation management and quality control. As a BJCP beer judge and lifelong student of brewing science, he believes there is always something new to learn and another opportunity to improve.
Christina Stecher
Christina brings the entrepreneurial spirit and hospitality that help define the Utara experience. Her background in business management and guest relations has shaped the welcoming atmosphere that guests enjoy at both the Brewery on Boyer and the Pub on Pine.
Together, David and Christina have built more than a brewery—they've created a place where friends gather, conversations begin, and great beer brings people together.
Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to sharing a pint with you.