List of breweries in Montana
Breweries in Montana produce a wide range of beers in different styles that are marketed locally, regionally, and nationally. Montana has an abundance of small, local breweries. In 2023, they ranked third in the number of craft breweries per capita of adults over 21. They have ranked third for over a decade.[1][2][3] In addition to craft beer, Montana has several small batch distilleries, wineries, and ciderhouses. They also produce mead, kombucha, and seltzers.
In 2019, excluding the two largest breweries, the remaining 90 breweries produced an average of 1,650 barrels per year.[4] In 2022, there was a total of 196,941 barrels of craft beer produced.[3]
In 2012 Montana's 38 brewing establishments (including breweries, brewpubs, importers, and company-owned packagers and wholesalers) employed 220 people directly, and more than 4,700 others in related jobs such as wholesaling and retailing.[5] In August 2016, there were 68 breweries in operation in the state of Montana.[6] In November 2023, the Montana Brewers Association reported 97 breweries with 4 more known to be in planning.[2]
Including people directly employed in brewing, as well as those who supply Montana's breweries with everything from ingredients to machinery, the total business and personal tax revenue generated by Montana's breweries and related industries was more than $98 million in 2012.[5] Consumer purchases of Montana's brewery products generated more than $21 million extra in tax revenue.[7] The Brewers Association reported that Montana breweries had a $488 million impact in 2022.[3]
History
[edit]
- 1863 - "Gilbert Brewery" was founded by Henry Gilbert, Christian Ritcher, and William Smith, making it one of the Montana Territory's first breweries, though it was not the first.[9] Originally called "Thorn-Smith Brewery" and then "Virginia Brewery", the brewery continued until Montana Prohibition laws went into effect around 1916–1918. The brewery re-opened in 1934 but closed for good in 1974.[10]
- 1926 - Montana became the first state to repeal Prohibition enforcement. The petition to lift the ban stated its purpose was "to restore constitutional rights and liberty in the state of Montana by repealing all laws relative to prohibition except those relating to minors."[11] Efforts to reinstate the law two years later in 1928 failed.[12]
- 1997 - The cabaret license was created as a reaction to the fast-rising prices of regular liquor licenses. Cabaret licenses are more affordable and allowed restaurant owners to sell wine and beer.[13]
List
[edit]2 Basset Brewery
[edit]This brewery in White Sulphur Springs is owned by Barry Hedrich.[14] He opened the brewery in February 2016.[15] They produce a variety of beer as well as seltzer. Their Woofta won the 2024 silver award for Strong Lagers from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
406 Brewing Company
[edit]406 Brewing Company is a microbrewery and tasting room in Manhattan. The owner is Matt Muth, a home brewer since college. The brewery opened in 2011, as the second brewery within Bozeman's city limits.[17][18] In 2024, the brewery moved to a larger location in Manhattan.[19]
At the 2016 North American Beer Awards, their Belgian pale took gold in the Belgian-Style Pale Ale category.[20] In 2018, their Run-off Brown won silver at the North American Beer Awards in the English-Style Brown Ale category.[21]
Angry Hank's Microbrewery
[edit]Angry Hank's Brewing was opened in 2006 by Tim Mohr, who had worked as a brewer at Red Lodge Ales for five years.[22] The brewery was originally housed in an old gas station. In 2012, a second location was opened eight blocks away in an old carriage house.[23] The brewery moved all operations to the carriage house in 2014.[24] They also began canning their signature Street Fight and Anger Management.[23]
The Angry Hank from which the brewery gets its name is not part of the organization, but instead a friend of the family who always seemed angry. The idea for the name came when someone, in an attempt to console Hank said to him, "Don't be angry Hank," just as Mohr and his family were having troubles deciding on a name for the then-proposed establishment.[25]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frost killer | Scottish-Style Export | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Münchner Helles | Münchner-Style Helles | Gold | 2011 | Great American Beer Festival |
Annie's Tap House
[edit]Annie's Tap House is a brewery in downtown Great Falls.[27] It was opened in 2022 by brothers Dan and Steve Morano as well as Kevin Younkin. The name is from the brothers' great-grandmother.
Backslope Brewing
[edit]
Backslope is a brewery in Columbia Falls that opened in 2016.[28] It is owned by Darin and Carla Fisher, with Darin as the brewer. They won the 2024 Small Brewery of the Year award from Montana Brewers Association.[16] Their beers also took awards that year. Distant Neighbor won gold for Belgian and French Style Ales and Opulence took gold for Fruit,Vegetable, and Spiced Beer.[16]
Bar 3 Brewing
[edit]Bar 3 is a brewery in Belgrade. Their Wee Heavy won the 2024 bronze award in Scottish Style Ales from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Bayern Brewing
[edit]Bayern Brewery was opened in 1987 as the "only German brewery in the Rockies," and today is the oldest operating brewery in Montana. Brewers Thorsten Geuera and Jürgen Knöller are both from Germany and use all German equipment and recipes.[29] They have 7 year round beers and distribute through 5 states.
Beaver Creek Brewery
[edit]The brewery was set up in Wibaux's historic old business district with equipment salvaged from the former Milestown Brewing Company in a former grocery store that had been closed since 1986.[30] It was established in 2008 by Jim Devine and Sandon Stinnett.[31] In 2021, Devine left the business.
Located at the edge of Eastern Montana, Beaver Creek Brewery describes itself as "an oasis in a desert of no microbreweries".The first year they were brewing at capacity of about 200 barrels a year. Despite low production, they have a distribution area spanning hundreds of miles because of the low population density of the region.[32] As of 2024, they offer six standard beers as well as seasonals.
Beaverhead Brewing Company
[edit]Beaverhead Brewing opened in Dillon in 2014.[33] Owner Brett Maki worked at Pyramid Brewing then Georgetown Brewing Company before deciding to open his own brewery. The business takes its name from the original brewery in Dillon which closed at the beginning of Prohibition.
Bias Brewing
[edit]Bias Brewering was opened in 2018 in Kalispell. It is owned by Gabe Mariman and Adam Roberston.[34] In 2022, Bias moved into the former Kalispell Brewing Company building on Main Street.[35] In 2022, the brewery had 15 beers on tap.
Big Sky Brewing Co.
[edit]Big Sky Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Missoula, founded in 1995 by Neal Leathers, Bjorn Nabozney, and Brad Robinson.[36] Their beer is sold throughout the western United States. Popular beers are Moose Drool and Space Goat.
Big Spring Brewing Company
[edit]The brewery in Lewistown is owned by Rob Lehrkind, who also owns Julius Lehrkind in Bozeman. It has a partnership with its neighbor Central Feed Grilling Company.[37] They have 5 main beers and a variety of rotators.
Bitter Root Brewing
[edit]Bitter Root, in Hamilton, became a brewery in 1998. Owner and brewer Tim Bozik converted dairy equipment for his first brewing tanks. The brewery takes its name from Montana's state flower, the bitterroot. The brewery regularly assists local non-profits through fundraisers and partnerships.[38][39][40] They also have partnerships with local farms and businesses to provide ingredients. They always have 11 beers on tap. Adding the rotators, they serve up to 40 styles per year.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barley Ridge Nut Brown Ale | English Brown Ale | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| English Brown Ale | Silver | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| English Brown Ale | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[43] | |
| English-Style Brown Ale | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] | |
| English-Style Brown Ale | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Bitterroot Pale | (Special) Best Bitter | Silver | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Blown Out Brown | English-Style Brown Ale | Gold | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Cellar Series – Imperial Bourbon Porter | Smoke and Wood Flavored Beer | Silver | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] |
| Collaboration Porter | Wood Flavored Beer | Silver | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Huckleberry Honey Ale | Honey Beer | Silver | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Imperial Citra Ale | American-Style Strong Ale | Bronze | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Munich Helles Bock | Helles Bock/Malbock | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Oktoberfest | Mazen-Oktoberfest | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Sawtooth Ale | English-Style Summer Ale | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Light Ales/Hybrid | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Scottish Heart | Scotch Ale (Wee Heavy) | Silver | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Wee Heavy | Scotch Ale (Wee Heavy) | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
Black Eagle Brewery
[edit]Black Eagle Brewery began in the town of Black Eagle in 2015. It is owned by Christa Heisler.[48] Jason Lehman is the head brewer.[49] They initially had a 15 barrel-capacity.
Blackfoot River Brewing
[edit]Blackfoot River Brewing is a microbrewery in Helena, opened in 1998 by Brian Smith, Greg Wermers, and Brad Simshaw.[50] In 2008, they built a new facility on the parking lot next door.
In 2010, Tim Chisman became a brewer. In 2014, Chisman and Bethany Flint became the owners.[51]
Beer is produced in 15-barrel batches.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackfoot Helambic | Lambic | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Blue Collar Bitter | (Extra Special) Strong Bitter ESB | Bronze | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Strong Bitter ESB (Extra Special) | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Double Black Diamond Extreme Stout | Foreign-Style Stout | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Milk Stout | Sweet Stout | Silver | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Montambic | American-Style Wild or Sour Ale | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
Blacksmith Brewing Company
[edit]
Blacksmith Brewing Company, in Stevensville, opened in 2008 by Eric Hayes.[52] The building was a blacksmith shop and continues the theme, such as flights on anvil-shaped platters.[53]
In 2022, it fell under new ownership.
At the 2022 North American Beer Awards, Pulaski Porter won silver in Brown Porter, Ravalli Red won bronze in Irish-Style Red Ale, Hop Water won bronze in Hop Water.[54]> Their Rink Rat Red Lager won the 2024 bronze award for Amber and Dark Lagers from the Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Blue Ridge Brewing
[edit]Blue Ridge Brewery is located in Malta. It is owned by Bryan and Brianna Shores and started in 2018.[55] Bryan is the brewmaster. The brewery takes its name from a local landmark.
Bonsai Brewing Project
[edit]Bonsai Brewing Project began in Whitefish in 2014.[56] It is owned by Graham Hart and Keela Smith.[57] Hart is the head brewer. Initially located in a strip mall, they moved a year later. They produce batches in 7 barrels.
Bozeman Brewing Company
[edit]Bozeman Brewing Company, in Bozeman, opened by Todd Scott in 2001.
[58]
Flagship Beer: Bozone Select.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Brewery of the Year | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | ||
| Axolager Mexican-Style Lager | European Light Lager | Bronze | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Bozone Amber Ale | Altbier | Silver | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Bozone Malbock | Helles Bock/ Malbock | Bronze | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Bozone Vienna Lager | Vienna Lager | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Funky Virtue | American Style Wild or Sour Ales | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Gallagator Doppelbock | Doppelbock | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Gallagher Doppel Bock | Doppelbock | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| The Great One Double Red | Double Imperial Red Ale | Bronze | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Metamorphic Flanders Style Red Ale | Mixed-Culture and Wild Fruit Beers | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Montana Common Beer | California Common | Gold | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Pinhead Pilsner | Bohemian-Style Pilsner | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Plum Street Porter | Robust Porter | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Robust Porter | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Robust Porter | Gold | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Robust Porter | Gold | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| Robust Porter | Gold | 2022 | World Beer Cup.[60] | |
| Ridge Pils | North American Light Lager | Bronze | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Solar Power Super Bock | Helles Bock/Malbock | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Taurus Imperial Stout | Imperial Stout | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Stout | Bronze | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| Vieux Bois Gueuze Inspired 3 Year Blend #3 | Sour Ales/Wild Ales | Silver | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Vieux Bois Gueuze Inspired Blend #3 | Lambic, Fruit Lambic and Gueuze Lambic | Gold | 2023 | World Beer Cup[61] |
| Vieux Bois Lambic Insprired w/Apricot | Fruit Lambic and Gueuze Lambic | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Fruit Lambic and Gueuze Lambic | Bronze | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| Vieux Bois Lambic Inspired w/Blackberry | Lambic, Fruit Lambic and Gueuze Lambic | Bronze | 2023 | [45] |
| Vieux Bois Lambic Inspired Ale w/ Cranberry & Raspberry | Belgian Fruit Beer | Silver | 2023 | World Beer Cup[61] |
| Vieux Bois Lambic Inspired Wild Ale | Lambic, Fruit Lambic and Gueuze Lambic | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Watershed Pale Ale | American-Style Pale Ale | Bronze | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
Branding Iron Brewing
[edit]Branding Iron Brewing is located in Eureka.
Bridger Brewing Company
[edit]Bridger Brewing Company opened in 2013 in Bozeman. In 2019, they announced plans to open a second, larger location in Three Forks.[62] At that time they were the largest brewery in Bozeman by sales and volume, as well as one of the largest in the state. The location was eventually opened in 2022.[63] In 2023 the Three Forks location grew to hosting a Summer Concert Series.[64]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat Brown Ale | English-Style Brown Ale | Gold | 2019 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Ghost Town Coffee Stout | Coffee Beers | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Higher Haze | Hazy Pale Ales | Bronze | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Lee Metcalf | Pale Ale | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
Brigand Brewing
[edit]Brigand Brewing is located in Darby.
Bunkhouse Brewery
[edit]Bunkhouse Brewery, in Bozeman, was opened in 2015 by Andy and Beth Stohlmann.[66] At the time, seven other breweries were already open.[67] In 2018, the Ding Dong Stout won silver at the North American Beer Awards in the Chocolate/Cocoa Beers category.[21] In 2022, a second location was opened at Four Corners. The original location was closed in 2023.
Burnt Tree Brewing
[edit]Burnt Tree Brewing, named after a local fishing access, is located in Ennis. It was opened in 2019 by Scott and Amy Kelley, with Dave McAdoo as head brewer. Their Dunkle Rauchbier won the 2024 gold award for Smoke and Wood Flavored Beer from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Busted Knuckle Brewery
[edit]Busted Knuckle Brewery, located in Glasgow, opened in June 2016.[68] It is owned by Ben Boreson.[55][69] In 2016, they won the Family Business Day award from Montana State University in the new business category.[70]
Butte Brewing Company
[edit]
Butte Brewing Company has a history in Butte since 1875. Eventually closing in 1965, it was reopened in 2015.[71] It is owned by Tony Olson.
By All Means
[edit]By All Means, located in Billings, was started by Mark Hastings, Chad Broderius and Paul Morup of Uberbrew, along with Travis Zeilstra.[72] Hastings is the Director of Brewing[73] and Zeilstra is head brewer.[74]
They won silver at the 2022 North American Beer Awards for the IPA 006 in the Hazy or Juicy Imperial or Double India Pale Ale.[54] The same year they won gold at the US Open Beer Championship with their IPA-016 in Australian-Style Pale Ale as well as bronze in Vienna with Exklusiv.[75]
Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company
[edit]Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company, in Libby, opened in 2014. It is owned by Sarah Sorensen and Kristin Smith.[76][77] The Head Brewer is Gary Beach, who started in 2023. In 2018, Ross Creek Red won gold at the North American Beer Awards in the American-Style Amber Ale.[21]
Canyon Creek Brewing
[edit]Canyon Creek Brewing opened in Billings in 2013. Ron Kalvig is the owner and head brewer.[78]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Creek Scottish | Scottish-Style Export | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Irish-Style Red Ale | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Copper | Scottish-Style Heavy | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Scottish-Style Heavy | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Scottish-Style Light, Heavy, and Export | Silver | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Scottish-Style Heavy | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] | |
| Scottish Style Export | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| MinPin Pilsner | Dortmunder/Export | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Dortmunder/Export | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Dortmunder Export | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| One Night Stand | Golden or Blonde Ale | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Rabbit Head Red | Irish-Style Red Ale | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Irish-Style Red Ale | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Irish-Style Red Ale | Silver | 2022 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| CCB German Alt | German-Style Altbier | Bronze | 2023 | World Beer Cup[61] |
Canyon Ferry Brewing
[edit]Canyon Ferry Brewing in Townsend is owned by Kelli Gibbs and Tadd Fuhrman. It was opened in 2019 on the site of the town's original saloon[79]
Carter's Brewing
[edit]Carter's Brewing Company, in Billings, opened in 2007 by Michael, Becky, and Carter Uhrich.[80] Michael Uhrich is the head brewer. He previously worked at Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. as a brewer.[81] Starting with brewing 7 or 8 beers, Carter's was brewing 25 in 2023.[82]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biere de Mars | Biere de Garde | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Blackened CDA | American-Style Black Ale | Silver | 2011 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Caldera Root Beer | Non-Alcoholic Soft Drinks (Soda) | Silver | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] |
| Contemplation | American-Style Strong Ale | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Double Truck | Double/Imperial Irish Red Ale | Bronze | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Eau Tableau | Belgian-Style Pale Ale | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Belgian-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] | |
| Eldorado ESB | English-Style Pale Ale | Bronze | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Farmhouse Saison Locale | Saison | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| The Keeper | Biere de Garde | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| MJ's Framboise | American-Style Wild or Sour Ale | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Rob Moore Abbey Ale | Dubbel | Silver | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Rob Moore Grand Cru | Dubbel | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Saison de Carter | Saison | Bronze | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Smokehouse Lager | German-Style Rauchbier | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Sweet tooth Bock | Traditional Bock | Silver | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Switchyard Scottish Ale | Scottish-Style Export | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
Conflux Brewing
[edit]Conflux Brewing, in Missoula, is owned by Skip and Martha Yates, and their son Hugh Yates. Their head brewer is Jason Courtney, who won the 2002 Brewmaster of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival.[83] They use a carbon dioxide recovery system to recapture and reuse greenhouse gas.[84]
Copper Furrow Brewing
[edit]Copper Furrow Brewing, in Helena, is owned by David McKeever, Nick Diehl and Mick Mondloch. Diehl is the head brewer.[85] The brewery opened in 2018. Originally named Crooked Furrow, after a way of planting seeds, the name was changed in 2019 due to a trademark dispute.[86] Copper is in reference to Butte, one of the owners hometown's.
At the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, Tmavé won silver for the International Dark Lager category.[87] And the English Brown won bronze in the English-Style Brown Ale at the North American Beer Awards.[45] Their Winter Warmer won the 2024 gold award in Strong Ales from the Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Cranky Sam Brewing
[edit]Cranky Sam Brewing, in Missoula, is located next to Cranky Sam Taproom. It is owned by Jennifer and Jed Heggen. The building is located in what was once the red-light district in the early 1900s. The name refers to an outlaw who operated an opium den, among other activities, in the neighborhood.[88] The renovation of the building prior to opening unearthed several treasures.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranky's Cabin | Old Ale | Bronze | 2021 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[89] |
| Hefeweizen Dunkel | Dunkelweizen/Weizen Bock | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] |
| German Wheat | Bronze | 2023 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[90] | |
| Inisfail | Dry Stout | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Instigator Doppelbock | Doppelbock Eisbock | Bronze | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Dopple/Strong Bock | Silver | 2022 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[75] | |
| Tropical Blonde | English Summer Ale | Gold | 2021 | U.S. Open Beer Championship |
| English Summer Ale | Silver | 2022 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[75] | |
| English Summer Ale | Bronze | 2023 | U.S. Open Beer Championship | |
| Noble Pilsner | European Light Lagers | Silver | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association [16] |
Crazy Peak Brewing Company
[edit]Crazy Peak Brewing Company, in Big Timber, is a family-owned business. It opened in 2019.[91] Nathan Eggebrecht is the master brewer. One of their most popular beers is the P.O.G., standing for pineapple, orange, guava.
Cross Country Brewing
[edit]Cross Country Brewing, in Glendive, opened in March 2017.[92] It is owned by Lonnie and Justin Cross. John and Elliot Cross are the master brewers.
Cut Bank Creek Brewery
[edit]
Cut Bank Creek Brewery, in Cut Bank, is owned by Louis and Kim Stoltz.[55] It was opened in 2017.[93] Penguin Piss is the signature beer.
Diamond X Beer Company
[edit]Diamond X Beer Company opened in Billings in 2021.[94] Sean Graves, who also owns Montana Brewing Company, is a co-owner.[95] Connor Cranston is the brewmaster. A nearby disc golf course inspired the name.
At the 2022 North American Beer Awards, BEE-town won silver in Honey Beer and Caber Tosser won bronze in Scottish-Style Ale Scottish-Style Export.[54] In the 2023 World Beer Cup, their Caber Tosser took bronze in the Scottish-Style Ale category.[61]
Draught Works Brewery
[edit]Draught Works Brewery is a microbrewery and tasting room in Missoula. It was opened by Paul Marshall and Jeff Grant in 2011. Both studied brewing at the Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy in Chicago. The brewery has six flagship beers.[96] In 2022, the head brewer was Kyle Sillars.[97] Their best-seller is the West Coast Scepter IPA.[98]
In 2014 they won Very Small Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival.[99]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobs your uncle | Ordinary Bitter Best Bitter (ESB) | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Cali-bunga Common | California Common | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Citrus Cowboy | Low Carb/Low Calorie Hard Seltzers | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Daywalker | American-Style Amber Ale | Silver | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Gwin Du | Dry Stout | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Lemon Meringue Sour | American-Style Wild or Sour Ale | Silver | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| My Ruca | Australian-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2020 | U.S. Open Beer Championships[100] |
| American-Style Pale Ale | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| American-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Nine Circles | Cream Ale | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Pickle Power Sour | Vegetable, Pumpkin, or Field Beers | Bronze | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] |
| Scepter Head | American-Style Strong Pale Ale | Gold | 2014 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Shadow Caster Amber Ale | Ordinary Bitter | Bronze | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| That's What She Said | Cream Ale | Bronze | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Cream Ale | Gold | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| White Witing | Belgian-Style Wit (White) | Silver | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] |
| Tropical Express | Low Carb/Low Calorie Hard Seltzers | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] |
Flathead Lake Brewing Company
[edit]Flathead Lake Brewing Company was opened in 2004 by Greg Johnston and Terry Leonard.[101][102] It has locations in Woods Bay and Bigfork. In 2018, they won the inaugural Montana Sustainabrew Award.[103]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel 14 Sour | Flanders-Style Red or Brown Ale | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards.[26] |
| Mendocino Oud Bruin | Flanders-Style Red or Brown Ale | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards.[20] |
| Montucky Sour Cherry Brown | Flanders-Style Red or Brown Ale | 2012 | North American Beer Awards.[46] | |
| Flanders-Style Red or Brown Ale | Bronze | 2015 | North American Beer Awards.[26] | |
| Mutiny | American-Style Stout | Silver | 2006 | World Beer Cup[104] |
| Peg Leg | Robust Porter | Bronze | 2006 | World Beer Cup[104] |
Freefall Brewery
[edit]Freefall Brewery is a family-owned brewery in Bozeman.
Gally's Brewing Company
[edit]Gally's Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery in Harlowton.[91] Some of their most popular beers are the Hopley Creek pale ale and Collateral Damage IPA.
Gild Brewing
[edit]Gild Brewing is located in the former Crystal Theater in Missoula. They choose to have a rotating selection with no mainstays.
Glacier Brewing Company
[edit]Glacier Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Polson, opened in 2002 by Dave Ayers.[105] It was purchased December 5, 2019 by Ron May and then by Jeff Carter April 5, 2023.[106] In 2023, they won People's Choice Award for Best Beer for its Snowpack Limoncello Seltzer at the Bigfork Brewfest.[107] The manager in 2023 said seltzers make up to 30% of the brewery's production.[108]
Golden Triangle Brew Company
[edit]Golden Triangle Brew Company, in Bigfork, is owned by Brandon Roberts and Stacia Fuzesy.[109] It opened in 2017 in Fort Benton, moving to Big Fork in 2023. Their most popular beer is the Jalapeño Honey Hefe, which won Bell of the Ball at the 2021 Bigfork Brewfest. The company is named after a region in Montana known for production of barley, wheat, and other grains.
Great Burn Brewing Company
[edit]Great Burn Brewing Company in Missoula is named in homage to the Great Fire of 1910. It was opened in 2013. Michael Howard is the brew master.
Harvest Moon Brewing Company
[edit]Harvest Moon Brewing Company, in Belt, opened in 1996 by Stan Guedesse. [110] Their flagship beer is the Beltian White Ale. In 2016 it made up about 60% of sales.[111]
Highlander Beer - Missoula Brewing Company
[edit]Highlander Beer has a location in Missoula and Salmon, Idaho. Hannah Talbott is the president of the company.[112] They are known for hazy IPAs.[98] At the 2016 Great American Beer Festival, their Highlander Devil's Hump Red Ale took gold in the Irish-Style Red Ale category.[65] Their Tangerine Squeezer won the 2024 silver award for Fruit, Vegetable, and Spiced Beers from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Higherground Brewing Company
[edit]
Higherground Brewing Company, in Hamilton, is owned by Jasper Miller and Fenn Nelson.[113] Miller is the head brewer. In the 2018 World Beer Cup, their Hop Tamer Session IPA won silver in the Session India Pale Ale category.[114]
High Plains Brewing
[edit]High Plains Brewing is located in Laurel.[115] It is owned by Dave Bequette.
Imagine Nation Brewing Company
[edit]Imagine Nation Brewing Company is in Missoula. They have a vision to "fuel social change", supporting the community and local nonprofits. As of 2023, they have hosted over 3,500 community events and donated 25% of profits to over 500 community groups.[98] Head brewer is Sean Nevins and Toby Benjamin also brews. Tim Graham is the owner.[116] In January 2024 they introduced Lupujus ZERO, Montana's first craft brewed non-alcoholic beer.[117]
Their Eras beer won the 2024 silver award for North American Light Lagers from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company
[edit]Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company is named for the owner, Jeremiah Johnson. Johnson and his wife, Katie, purchased the assets of The Front Brewing Company in 2018, after managing that brewery since the beginning of 2017.[118] They have a production facility capable of brewing 15,000 BBLS annually in Great Falls as well as smaller batch brewery in Whitefish capable of brewing about 1,500 BBLS annually. A large % of the beer brewed in Whitefish is sold onsite at their partner brewpub aptly named Blackstar for the landmark building in downtown Whitefish. Jeremiah and Katie also own a brewpub, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.[119]
In 2023 the brewery was named the official craft beer of the Big Sky Conference, an NCAA Division I conference.[120] Their Nightlight won the 2024 bronze award for Belgian and French Style Ales from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
In previous years, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company has garnered various awards for their flagship Mountain Man Scotch Ale, Hazy IPA, Vanilla Porter, Honey Weizen and Blonde Ale(s).
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company has a partnership with MacKenzie River Pizza and produces their proprietary, Driftboat Amber Ale, for all of their locations within the United States.
In 2024, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company has begun to sell beer internationally in Taiwan.
Julius Lehrkind Brewing
[edit]Julius Lehrkind Brewing originally was in Bozeman from 1895 to 1919, named Julius Lehrkind's Genuine Lager Brewery. It closed with the federal prohibition.[121] In 2018 the family opened another brewery. The Lehrkind family also owns the area Coca-Cola distribution facility, Mountain Country Distributing, and Big Spring Water.
Katabatic Brewing Company
[edit]Katabatic Brewing Company is in Livingston. Katabatic wind makes Livingston one of the windiest places in the country.[122] It is owned by Shawn Markman and the head brewer is Ben Ward. Markman acquired the business in 2020.[123]
At the 2015 North American Beer Awards, the Anabatic Amber won gold in the American-Style Amber Ale category.[26] The Alternative Polka won bronze at the 2016 North American Beer Awards in the Altbier category.[20] Their Katabatic Scotch Ale won the 2024 gold award in Scottish Style Ales from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
KettleHouse Brewing Company
[edit]KettleHouse Brewing Company was established in 1996 by Tim O'Leary and Suzy Rizza. There is a taproom in Missoula and a taproom and brewery/cannery in Bonner. They distribute to 5 states as of 2024.
Koocanusa Brewery
[edit]Koocanusa Brewery is in Eureka. Owner Barry Roose opened the brewery in 2020.[124]
Last Best Place Brewing Company
[edit]Last Best Place Brewing Company was opened by Colin Ruh-Kirk in 2021.[125]
Lazy I Beerworks
[edit]Lazy I Beerworks is in Wolf Creek. It is owned by Erick Iverson and Ashley Puerzer.[126] Iverson is the brewer.
Lewis and Clark Brewing Company
[edit]Lewis and Clark Brewing Company is in Helena. It was opened in 2005 by Max Pigman.[127]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Country Scottish Ale | Scottish-Style Ale | Silver | 2014 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| English-Style Brown Ale | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Scottish-Style Ale | Gold | 2020 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Ordinary Bitter Best Bitter Scottish-Style Ale | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Brown and Black Ales | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Halo Huckleberry Hefeweizen | Fruit Beer | Bronze | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] |
| Mexican Lager | North American Light Lagers | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Miner's Gold Hefeweizen | American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Silver | 2012 | World Beer Cup[128] |
| Silver | 2017 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | ||
| American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Gold | 2018 | World Beer Cup[114] | |
| Gold | 2018 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | ||
| American-Style Hefeweizen | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] | |
| American-Style Hefeweizen | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| American Wheat Beer | Bronze | 2021 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| American-Style Hefeweizen Dark Hefeweizen | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| American Wheat Beer | Bronze | 2023 | World Beer Cup[61] | |
| American-Style Hefeweizen Dark Hefeweizen | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Pompey's Pilsner | Bohemian-Style Pilsener | Silver | 2018 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Bohemian Style Pilsner | Silver | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Prickly Pear Pale Ale | Classic English-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2018 | World Beer Cup[114] |
| Bronze | 2018 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | ||
| English-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| English Ale | Silver | 2023 | World Beer Cup[61] | |
| English Ale | Bronze | 2023 | Great American Beer Festival[87] | |
| English-Style Pale Ale | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Ordinary Bitter Best Bitter Scottish-Style Ale | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Tropical Fusion Hard Seltzer | Alternative Products | Bronze | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Tumbleweed IPA | English-Style India Pale Ale | Bronze | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| English-Style India Pale Ale | Silver | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| Yellowstone Golden Ale | Light Ale | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
Limberlost Brewing Company
[edit]Limberlost Brewing Company is in Thompson Falls. It is named for a campground in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon.
Lolo Peak Brewing Company
[edit]
Lolo Peak Brewing Company is in Lolo. They were the first brewery in Montana to use a system to capture and reuse carbon dioxide.[129] In 2014, it was owned by Al Zepeda and Pat Offen.[130]
Madison River Brewing Company
[edit]Madison River Brewing Company is in Belgrade. Howard McMurry established the brewery in 2005. Their beer is distributed to multiple states.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 Schilling | Scottish-Style Light, Heavy and Export | 2012 | Silver | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Black Ghost Oatmeal Stout | Oatmeal Stout | 2021 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[59] |
| Copper John | Scottish Ales | 2010 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Scottish Export | 2011 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| Scottish-Style Light, Heavy and Export | 2012 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[46] | |
| Scottish-Style Ale | 2015 | Gold | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Scottish-Style Export | 2016 | Silver | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Scottish-Style Light, Heavy, and Export | 2017 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Scottish-Style Export | 2019 | Silver | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Scottish-Style Export | 2021 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| Scottish-Style Ale | 2021 | Silver | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Scottish-Style Ale | 2024 | Silver | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Frostbite Barley Wine | American Barley Wines | 2010 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| American Barley Wine | 2011 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| American-Style Barley Wine | 2021 | Silver | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| American Barley Wine | 2022 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| American Barley Wine | 2023 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Strong Ales | 2024 | Silver | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Frostbite Barley Wine 09 | American Barley Wines | 2012 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Golden Willie Ale | Cream Ale | 2016 | Bronze | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Irresistible Amber Ale | Kentucky Common or Fresh Hop Beers | 2023 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[45] |
| Salmon Fly Honey Rye | Rye Beer | 2011 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Session Beer | 2017 | Gold | North American Beer Awards[47] |
MAP Brewing Company
[edit]MAP Brewing Company is located in Bozeman. It is owned by Patrick Kainz and the head brewer is Doug Child.
Beginning in 2018, they began an annual collaboration brew called the Fempire Strikes Back, a New England Style IPA. The beer is part of a worldwide brew day benefiting the Pink Boots Society.[131]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 South | Pale Ales | Bronze | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| 80 Chain Oatmeal Stout | Oatmeal Stout | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Oatmeal Stout | Gold | 2019 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Asphyxiation | Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale | Bronze | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Catalina Whine Mixer | Sour Ales/Wild Ales | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Ginjo Sake Lager | Specialty, Historical and Experimental Beers | Silver | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Great Wave Sake Lager | Experimental Beer | Bronze | 2022 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Luke SkyLager | German-Style Pilsner | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Party | International-Style Pilsener | Bronze | 2019 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Ridge Hippie | Kolsch | Silver | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
| Speedy G | Wood and Barrel-aged Sour Beer | Bronze | 2023 | Great American Beer Festival[87] |
| Speedy GonGose | Flavored Gose | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Speedy G Tequila Gose | Flavored Gose | Silver | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Steep Terrain | Double/Imperial India Pale Ale | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
Meadowlark Brewing Company
[edit]Meadowlark Brewing Company has locations in both Sidney and Billings. It is owned by Travis Peterson.[91] At the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, Fungus Shui took gold in the Experimental Beer category and Mob Barley won bronze in the Aged Beer category.[65]
Mighty Mo Brewing Company
[edit]Mighty Mo Brewing Company is in Great Falls. Casey Kingsland and Seth Swingley opened the business in 2013.[132] They partner with Jeremiah Johnson Brewing to use facilities for brewing and packaging.[118] Their Whiplash won the 2024 bronze award for Brown and Black Ales from the Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Missouri River Brewing Company
[edit]Missouri River Brewing Company is in East Helena. It was opened by Adam Hutchinson, Jaramia Bunker, Scott Hansing and Tim Moran.[133] It is owned by Hutchinson, Bunker and Hansing.[134]
Montana Brewing Company
[edit]Montana Brewing Company, in Billings, opened in 1994 by CSKT Inc. [135] It is owned by Sean Graves, also the owner of Diamond X Brewery.[95]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American-Style Pale Ale | Bronze | 1999 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Billings Blonde Ale | Belgian-Style Pale (Golden) Strong Al | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Custer's Last Stout | Foreign (Export)-Style Stout | Gold | 2004 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Foreign (Export)-Style Stout | Silver | 2007 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Foreign Stout | Bronze | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] | |
| Oatmeal Stout | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| Oatmeal Stout | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] | |
| Oatmeal Stout | Silver | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] | |
| Oatmeal Stout | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Oatmeal Stout | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| Doreen's Downtown Ale | English Brown Ale | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Brown Porter | Silver | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| Fat Belly Amber | English Mild Ale | Silver | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Happy Hour Hero Ale | Ordinary Bitter | Bronze | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Ordinary Bitter | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] | |
| Ordinary or Special Bitter | Silver | 2012 | World Beer Cup[128] | |
| Hooligan's Irish Red Ale | Irish-Style Red Ale | Bronze | 2015 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| American Amber Ale | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| American-Style Amber Ale | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] | |
| Irish-Style Red Ale | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] | |
| Irish-Style Red Ale | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Juice-Head Gorilla Imperial IPA | Double/Imperial India Pale Ale | Silver | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| MBC Amber | English-Style Mild Ale | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| MBC Golden Ale | English-Style Summer Ale | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Golden or Blonde Ale | Bronze | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] | |
| MBC Pale Ale | American-Style Pale Ale | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| MBC Wheat | Hefeweizen, Dark Hefeweizen | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Prohibition Pilsner | American-Style Standard or Premium Lager | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Red Sorrel Holiday Ale | Herbed/Spiced | Gold | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Sandbagger Gold | English-Style Summer Ale | Silver | 2005 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| English-Style Summer Ale | Gold | 2006 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| English-Style Summer Ale | Gold | 2007 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| English-Style Summer Ale | Bronze | 2008 | World Beer Cup[136] | |
| English-Style Summer Ale | Bronze | 2010 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| English-Style Summer Ale | Bronze | 2010 | World Beer Cup[137] | |
| Cream Ale | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Cream Ale | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Cream Ale | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| Light Ales/Hybrid | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Scottish Woodruff Ale | Herbed/Spiced | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Sharptail Pale Ale | American-Style Pale Ale | Gold | 1998 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| American-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2008 | World Beer Cup[136] | |
| American-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2010 | World Beer Cup[137] | |
| American Pale Ale | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| Stillwater Rye | French-Belgian Style Saison | Bronze | 2005 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Herb and Spice Beer | Bronze | 2008 | World Beer Cup[136] | |
| Herb and Spice or Chocolate Beer | Gold | 2009 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Herbed/Spiced | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] | |
| Herb and Spice Beer | Bronze | 2010 | World Beer Cup[137] | |
| Herbed/Spiced | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| "That Dame" ESB | Strong Bitter ESB (Extra Special) | Gold | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Two Moon Saison | Strong Belgian Ales | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Saison | Silver | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] | |
| White Eagle Baltic Porter | Baltic-Style Porter | Silver | 2011 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Baltic-Style Porter | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] | |
| Whitetail Wheat | American-Style Hefeweizen | Gold | 2007 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| American-Style Hefeweizen | Bronze | 2008 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| American Hefeweizen | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] | |
| American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Bronze | 2010 | World Beer Cup[138] | |
| American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Gold | 2014 | World Beer Cup[128] | |
| Wheat Ale | American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Gold | 2012 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
Mountains Walking Brewery
[edit]Mountains Walking Brewery is located in Bozeman. The head brewer is Eric White.[108] They typically have 20 to 25 beers on tap.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grazing Clouds | Hazy or New England-Style India Pale Ale | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] |
| Damsel Fly | International Pale Ale | Bronze | 2022 | World Beer Cup[60] |
| Pale Ales | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Daruma IPA | India Pale Ales | Bronze | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Digger Bee | Honey Beer | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Lychee Kozo | Alternative Products | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Sky Flowers IPA | Experimental India Pale Ale | Silver | 2023 | World Beer Cup[61] |
MT Ascension Brewing Company
[edit]MT Ascension Brewing Company, in Helena, is named for a popular local trail. It opened in 2022[139] with head brewer Bex Peppelman.[140]
Neptune's Brewery
[edit]Neptune's Brewery is in Livingston. The head brewer is Cody Phillips and the owner is Jon Berens.[141] They won the 2024 Medium Brewery of the Year award from Montana Brewers Association.[16] Their Dan Bailey's won gold in Amber Ales/Hybrid and Anchor's Away took bronze.[16]
New Ventures Brewing
[edit]New Ventures Brewing is located in the Four Corners between Belgrade and Bozeman. It is owned by Amy Henkle.[142]
Old Bull Brewing
[edit]Old Bull Brewing is located in Frenchtown. Nic Pestel is head brewer. Pestel owns Old Bull along with his wife Theresa.[143] Their Buffalo Jump won gold at the 2021 North American Beer Awards in American-Style Brown Ale.[59] In 2022, Exit 89 won gold at the North American Beer Awards in the Golden or Blonde Ale category.[54] Their Kind of a Big Dill won the 2024 gold award in Experimental Beers from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
OddPitch Brewing Company
[edit]
OddPitch Brewing Company, in Missoula, opened in 2021.[144] It is owned by Gabe Stinchfield and the head brewer is Jacob Principe. Their Oakilly Dokilly won the 2024 bronze award for Sour Ales/Wild Ales from the Montana Brewers Association.[16] Black Fire won bronze in the Fruit, Vegetable, and Spiced Beer category.
Otium Brewing
[edit]Otium Brewing is in Miles City. Otium is a Latin word for leisure time for "self-realization activities". It is owned by Dustin and Hannah Strong.[145]
Outlaw Brewing
[edit]Outlaw Brewing, formally Sheriff Henry Plummer's Outlaw Brewing, is in Bozeman. Plummer was a sheriff in the Montana Territory who some said was crooked and others thought was framed. Todd Hough is the brewer.[146]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Capone | Oatmeal Stout | Silver | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Oatmeal Stout | Silver | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Hop Contusion | Hazy or Juicy India Pale Ale | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Snow Crest | American-Style Pale Ale | Silver | 2023 | Great American Beer Festival[87] |
Palladium Draughthaus
[edit]Palladium Draughthaus is in Columbus. It is owned by Joe Morse I, Mina Morse, and Joseph Morse III. The name is in reference to Stillwater Mining Company, the only palladium producer in the U.S., whose smelter is located in Columbus.
Patriotic American Brewery
[edit]Patriotic American Brewery opened in Evergreen in 2023. It is owned by Josie and Matt Hegstad.[147][148] The Patriot won the 2024 bronze award for Wheat Ales from the Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Philipsburg Brewing Company
[edit]Philipsburg Brewing Company, in Philipsburg, opened in August 2012.[149] Their brewery, as well as a taproom, is located downtown. A second location is also in Philipsburg in the historic Kroger Brewery. It is owned by Cathy and Nolan Smith. Mike Elliott is the head brewer.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Impact Award | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | ||
| 5 Phantoms Pumpkin Spiced Barleywine | Pumpkin or Pumpkin Spiced Beer | Gold | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Pumpkin Beer | Bronze | 2016 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Pumpkin Beer | Bronze | 2017 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Pumpkin or Pumpkin Spiced Beers, Herbed/Spiced | Gold | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Pumpkin Beer | Bronze | 2018 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Pumpkin Beer | Gold | 2018 | World Beer Cup[114] | |
| Pumpkin Beer | Gold | 2018 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[150] | |
| Pumpkin Beer | Gold | 2022 | World Beer Cup[60] | |
| Pumpkin Beer | Silver | 2022 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| 5 Phantoms 2018 | Pumpkin Beer | Silver | 2019 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[151] |
| Pumpkin Beer | Silver | 2020 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Chardonnay Barrel Aged Saison | Barrel-Aged Beer | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| False Idols | European Light Lagers | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Flint Creek Common | California Common | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| California Common | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Haybag Hefeweizen | Hefeweizen | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Silver | 2016 | World Beer Cup[152] | |
| Hefeweizen | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| American Specialty Wheat | Bronze | 2019 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[151] | |
| Hygge Baltic Porter | Baltic-Style Porter | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Baltic-Style Porter | Gold | 2019 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[151] | |
| Otter Water Summer Pale Ale | Light Ale | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Light Ale | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Light Ale | Gold | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Light Ale | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Light Ales/Hybrid | Silver | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Robe Swing Saison | Saison | Gold | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] |
Pleasant Prairie Brewing
[edit]
Pleasant Prairie Brewing opened in Scobey in 2022. It is owned by Ben and Kara Fosland.[153]
Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company
[edit]Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company, in Red Lodge, opened in 1998. It is owned by Sam Hoffmann.
The brewery produced nearly 8,000 barrels in 2014, boasts the largest solar thermal array in the state, and distributes to multiple states.[154]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bent Nail IPA | American-Style Strong Pale Ale | Bronze | 2007 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Czechmate Pilsner | Bohemian-Style Pilsner | Gold | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Bohemain-Style Pilsner | Bronze | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Dos Goatees Doppelbock | Doppelbock | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] |
| Doppelbock | Gold | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Glacier Ale | Altbier | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Altbier | Bronze | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] | |
| Altbier | Bronze | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] | |
| Altbier | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| German-Style Altbier | Gold | 2017 | Great American Beer Awards[65] | |
| Altbier | Gold | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| Altbier | Gold | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Helio Hefeweizen | Hefeweizen, Dark Hefeweizen | Silver | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| American-Style Wheat Beer with yeast | Bronze | 2013 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Hefeweizen | Gold | 2015 | North American Beer Awards[26] | |
| American-Style Hefeweizen | Bronze | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] | |
| Jack's Scottish Ale | Scottish-Style Export | Bronze | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Johnston Ale | American-Style Dark Hefeweizen | Gold | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] |
| Liver Eatin' Ale | Dark Hefeweizen | Bronze | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| American-Style Hefeweizen, Dark Hefeweizen | Silver | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| American-Style Dark Wheat Ale | Gold | 2018 | North American Beer Awards[21] | |
| Red Lodge Hefeweizen | American Wheat Beers | Gold | 2010 | North American Beer Awards[41] |
| Red Lodge Porter | Robust Porter | Gold | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| Robust Porter | Silver | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] | |
| Robust Porter | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] | |
| Red Lodge Reserve | German-Style Kolsch/Koln-Style Kolsch | Bronze | 1999 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Reserve Ale | Kolsch | Gold | 2012 | North American Beer Awards[46] |
| Resurrection Doppel Bock | Doppel Bock | Silver | 2011 | North American Beer Awards[42] |
| German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock | Bronze | 2012 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock | Bronze | 2013 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Summer Daze | Weizen Bock | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Dunkelweizen/Weizen Bock | Gold | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Dunkelweizen/Weizen Bock | Silver | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| Dunkelweizen/Weizen Bock | Silver | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] |
Ronan Cooperative Brewery
[edit]The Ronan Cooperative Brewery, in Ronan, opened in 2017.[155] As a cooperative, there are multiple owners.[156] Their Schwartz Lake Schwarzbier won the 2024 gold award for Amber and Dark Lagers from the Montana Brewers Association.[16] Mud Lake Dunkles Bock won the bronze award in Strong Lagers.[16]
Ruby Valley Brew
[edit]Ruby Valley Brew is located in Sheridan. It is owned by Amanda LaYacona.[157]
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
[edit]Sacred Waters Brewing Company is in Kalispell. It is owned by Jordan and Kirk Gentry.[158] The head brewer is Seth Orr.
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lil Salmon Fire | Chili Beer | Gold | 2021 | North American Beer Awards[59] |
| Chili Beer | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] | |
| Meadow Creek Amber | Irish-Style Red Ale | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| The Bob IPA | India Pale Ales | Gold | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
Sawdust & Steel Brewing
[edit]Sawdust & Steel Brewing, in Three Forks, is owned by Cody and Kari Ham.[159] The brewery opened in 2023. Their American Dunkel won the 2024 silver award for Wheat Ales from Montana Brewers Association.[16] Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Beer took bronze in the Experimental Beers category.
Smelter City Brewing Company
[edit]Smelter City Brewing Company is located in Anaconda. It is owned by Luke Carlson and was opened in 2017.[160] Their Table Farmhouse won the 2024 silver award for Belgian and French Style Ales from the Montana Brewers Association.[16] Just Hipster Enough also won silver in the Experimental Beers category.
Speakeasy 41 Brewing Company
[edit]Speakeasy 41 Brewing Company, in Helena, is owned by Adam Hutchinson, Jaramia Bunker, and Scott Hansing. They also own Missouri River Brewing in East Helena.[134][161]
SunRift Beer Company
[edit]SunRift Beer Company has two locations, Kalispell and Whitefish. The original location in Kalispell opened in 2018.[162] It is owned by husband and wife Craig and Megan Koontz, and brothers Jerry and Dave Stevens.[163] Justin Olson is the head brewer. The brewery is named after Sunrift Gorge in Glacier National Park.
Tamarack Brewing
[edit]
Tamarack Brewing Company, in Lakeside, opened in 2007.[164] A Missoula brewpub opened in 2011.
Ten Mile Creek Brewery
[edit]Ten Mile Creek Brewery is in Helena. It is owned by Jordan Keltz, Ethan Kohoutek, and Riley Tubbs. The brewery opened in 2015.[165] Their Fanny Pack Amber Lager won the 2024 silver award for Amber and Dark Lagers from the Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Thirsty Street Brewing Company
[edit]Thirsty Street Brewing Company is located in Billings. Once with two locations in Billings, as of 2024 they operate only at "The Garage".
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bison | Stout | Silver | 2022 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Foreign-Style Stout | Bronze | 2023 | North American Beer Awards[45] | |
| Brown and Black Ales | Silver | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] | |
| Hopster Doofus | Hazy Pale Ales | Silver | 2024 | Montana Brewers Association[16] |
| Melba Sour Ale | Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour or Brett Beer | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
| Shining Mountain | Golden or Blonde Ale | Bronze | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
Tilt Würks
[edit]Tilt Würks is in Miles City.
Triple Dog Brewing Company
[edit]Triple Dog Brewing Company opened in Havre in 2014.[55][166] It is owned by Erin and Michael Garrity. Their Watermelon Lime won the 2024 silver award for Alternative Products from Montana Brewers Association.[16]
Überbrew
[edit]Überbrew is in Billings. Mark Hastings is the head brewer.[73]
Awards
[edit]| Beer | Category | Medal | Year | Bestower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Force | Bronze | 2016 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Alpha Force Double Tap | Cascadian Style Dark Ale | Gold | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| American-Style Black Ale | Gold | 2018 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| American-Style Black Ale | Gold | 2019 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Alt 0220 | Altbier | Silver | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Average at Best | Double Red Ale | Silver | 2016 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Black Hops Tactical IPA | American-Style Black Ale | Silver | 2014 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| The Bruce | Scotch Ale | Silver | 2020 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Canu | American Cream Ale | Bronze | 2017 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[167] |
| Cream Ale | Gold | 2017 | North American Beer Awards[47] | |
| American-Style Cream Ale | Silver | 2017 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Cream Ale | Bronze | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] | |
| Double/Imperial India Pale Ale | Silver | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] | |
| Dirty Little Sticke | Altbier | Bronze | 2015 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[168] |
| Grandmaster SMaSH Chinook | Session Beer IPA | Gold | 2016 | North American Beer Awards[20] |
| Humulus Insani | Imperial India Pale Ale | Gold | 2016 | Great American Beer Festival[65] |
| Let'r Buck | English Mild Ale | Bronze | 2022 | U.S. Open Beer Championship[75] |
| Limited Release Brown | English-Style Mild Ale | Gold | 2022 | North American Beer Awards[54] |
| Wampa | Hybrid Style Beer | Gold | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| White Noise | Hefeweizen | Gold | 2013 | North American Beer Awards[43] |
| Gold | 2016 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | ||
| American Wheat Beer | Silver | 2021 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| American Wheat Beer | Gold | 2022 | Great American Beer Festival[65] | |
| Uberspezial | Vienna-Style Lager | Silver | 2019 | North American Beer Awards[44] |
Wildwood Brewing
[edit]Wildwood Brewing Company opened in Stevensville in 2012.[170] It is owned by Jim and Pannha Lueders.
Yellowstone Beer Company
[edit]Yellowstone Beer Company is located in West Yellowstone. They opened in 2023.
Defunct
[edit]Though Montana had a robust early brewery history, many notable companies were severely weakened by Prohibition and others finished off by the expansion of national breweries.
Anaconda
[edit]- Anaconda Brewing Company - 1900–1958[171]
Butte
[edit]- Tivoli Brewery[172]
Helena
[edit]- Kessler Brewing Company - 1865–1958; 1984–2000[173]
Kalispell
[edit]- Kalispell Malting and Brewing Company - 1893–1955[174]
Whitefish
[edit]- Great Northern Brewing Company - 1995–2020
Montana Brewers Association (MBA)
[edit]The Montana Brewers Association was founded in 2008.[175]
Its previous name was the Montana State Brewers Association, established in 1997.
Its purpose is the promotion of the production and sales of the freshest and highest quality Montana-made beers through education, public awareness and support for local breweries' products, profession, and histories, while documenting their economic impact and legal responsibilities throughout the state.[176]
In 2024, the MBA implemented the Montana Beer Awards.[177] Montana breweries could win gold, silver and bronze medals in 19 categories. There were 365 beers entered from 55 breweries.
A Drink in Every Hand
[edit]A Drink in Every Hand uses personal experience, knowledge, and relationships with breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries, and other locations across Montana to serve up the most current information.[178] This website provides a map plus lists of craft alcohol creators.
Legal information
[edit]Definitions
According to the Montana Code Annotated 2009, section 16-1-106:[179]
(5) (a) "Beer" means:
- (i) a malt beverage containing not more than 8.75% of alcohol by volume; or
- (ii) an alcoholic beverage containing not more than 14% alcohol by volume:
- (A) that is made by the alcoholic fermentation of an infusion or decoction, or a combination of both, in potable brewing water, of malted cereal grain; and
- (B) in which the sugars used for fermentation of the alcoholic beverage are at least 75% derived from malted cereal grain measured as a percentage of the total dry weight of the fermentable ingredients.
(b) The term does not include a caffeinated or stimulant-enhanced malt beverage.
and section 16-3-213, Brewers or beer importers not to retail beer—small brewery exceptions:[180]
(2) (a) For the purposes of this section, a "small brewery" is a brewery that has an annual nationwide production of not less than 100 barrels or more than 10,000 barrels. (b) A small brewery may, at one location for each brewery license, provide samples of beer that were brewed and fermented on the premises in a sample room located on the licensed premises. The samples may be provided with or without charge between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. No more than 48 ounces of malt beverage may be sold or given to each individual customer during a business day.
Licensing
The roots of Montana's liquor licensing system date back to 1933, when Prohibition ended and taverns sprung up throughout the state. In 1947, the state enacted a quota system, allowing one tavern for every 1,500 residents of a city. However, the taverns in existence at the time were grandfathered in, and what the state considers to be an excess of liquor licenses now exists in Montana cities.[181]
See also
[edit]
References
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- ^ a b "About us". Montana Brewers Association. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
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- ^ "Montana Breweries & Craft Beer". Travel Montana. January 4, 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b "The Economic Impact of the Beer Industry--State Legislative & Congressional District Data, Montana". The Beer Institute. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ Finder, Montana Beer. "Montana Beer Finder: Breweries". www.montanabeerfinder.com. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- ^ "The Economic Impact of the Beer Industry--2012 Data, Montana". The Beer Institute. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ Craft Brewing Industry Statistics Archived 2006-05-05 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Montana Beer: A Guide to Breweries in Big Sky Country". www.montanabeerbook.com. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- ^ Gilbert's Brewery
- ^ "Montana would limit Prohibition" Spokane Daily Chronicle - Jan 19, 1926
- ^ Kyvig, David "Chapter 7, Hard Times, Hopeful Times" Repealing National Prohibition (1979).
- ^ Beer and Wine License Laws in Montana | News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana | Local Top Stories
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av "2024 Montana Beer Awards Winners". Montana Brewers Association. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
- ^ Bozeman’s newest brews — 406 Brewing Company opens
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- ^ Pint-sized prescription | Up Front | Missoula Independent
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- ^ 1,000,000 Glasses a Day:
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- ^ "About Us". 10 May 2010.
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- ^ "About Us". 19 December 2022.
- ^ Montana Code Annotated 2009, section 16-1-106 Definitions
- ^ Montana Code Annotated 2009, section 16-3-213 Brewers or beer importers not to retail beer -- small brewery exceptions
- ^ New West - "The Strange World of Montana Alcohol Law"
