Bayern Brewing

Last updated
Bayern Brewing, Inc.
Bayern Brewing Logo.jpg
Location1507 Montana St., Missoula, Montana, United States Missoula, Montana
Opened1987
Annual production volume10,000
Owned byJürgen Knöller
Website https://www.bayernbrewery.com/
Active beers
NameType
Bayern Amber Lager
Bayern Pilsner Lager
Montana Lager Lager
Dragon's Breath Lager
Inconceivable Lager
Seasonal beers
NameType
St. Wilbur Weizen Lager
Oktoberfest Lager
Killarney Lager
Maibock Lager
Groomer Lager
Face Plant Lager
Dump Truck Lager
Dump Truck Citra Charged Lager
Doppelbock Lager
Dancing Trout Lager
Inactive beers
NameType
30th Anniversary Celebration Pilsner Lager

Bayern Brewing, Inc. is located in Missoula, Montana, United States, and is the oldest brewery in the state. It was founded in 1987 by Trudy, Reinhard Schultz, and Donald Gamer. It is named after Bayern, the state located in the southeastern half of Germany. The brewery is focused on German food and beer and tries to implement environmentally friendly policies. [1]

Contents

History

Founding 1987-2002

Trudy Schulte, one of the original owners, came from a brewing dynasty in Bavaria and grew up in German brewing culture. The Schultes immigrated to Missoula from Bavaria and opened their bar, restaurant, and brewery on leased property soon after. Ironically, despite being in the same building and separated by a single door, Bayern was forced to go through a distributor to transport their beer from the brewery to their bar and restaurant combo due to Montana state law at the time. According to Montana state law, the brewery could also not be an official brewpub, as those were not legal to operate within the state at the time. During the first several years of operation, supplies, especially yeast, were difficult to come by. However, the euro was at a lower value than the dollar, making German equipment more accessible and cheaper than American machinery, despite its high quality. Then, in 1991, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the Schultes decided to sell their American dream and move back to their homeland, investing instead in former Soviet-occupied East Germany. [2] At this point, Jürgen Knöller, a fellow Bavarian and the Master Brewer of Bayern Brewing, stepped in and purchased the brewery.

Knöller has been the primary owner of Bayern Brewing since he purchased Bayern Brewing in 1991. His interest in brewing began when he was a teenager in Bavaria, Germany. Since the original owners and Knöller were raised in Bavaria, Germany, the brewery's name stems from their home, as Germans call Bavaria Bayern. Knöller graduated from Doemens' Masterschool for Brewing and Soft Drink Technology in Munich, after nine years of professional training. After he graduated in 1987, he was hired as the Master Brewer in the newly founded Bayern Brewing in Missoula, Montana. Knöller bought out the original owners in 1991 and has been running and operating Bayern Brewing ever since. [1] Bayern practices “Reinheitsgebot” or “the Bavarian Purity Law” which states that only water, hops, grain, and yeast may be used to brew beer and additives like fruits are to be left out. [3]

Expansion

Knöller went on and hired the current master brewer, Thorsten Geuer. In 2002, after his years as an apprentice at the Hasbro Früh brewery in Cologne, Germany, his internship at Bayern, and finally his formal study at Berlin's brewing college, VLB Berlin, where Thorsten received his bachelor's degree.

Bayern Brewing has been situated in three distinct locations across Missoula, Montana throughout its history, and has moved twice to better accommodate its growing business. Initially, the brewery was located near the train depot in downtown Missoula, specifically on N. Higgins. Subsequently, Bayern Brewing developed a plant on 2600 S. Third St. W., and later expanded further to its current location at 1507 Montana St.

Previously, Montana state law capped craft brewery production at 10,000 barrels. Bayern had to continue growing without producing more than the 10,000 barrel limit. However, with the passing of House Bill 541 in 2017, production limits were raised to 60,000 barrels, giving Bayern room to expand further. [4] House Bill 541 was officially passed and signed in the Edelweiss Bistro by Governor Steve Bullock. [4] In 2017, Bayern began canning their beer for the first time and introduced a 32-ounce “crowler” can. [5]

Throughout its history, Bayern has remained committed to being a community-oriented business, commissioning local artist Monte Dolack to design some of its labels that include depictions of local wildlife and landscapes. [6] Dolack is responsible for designing most of the labels and advertisements for the beers produced and served at Bayern Brewing. He has designed the labels of some of the breweries' most notable brands: Doppel Bock, Pilsner, Dancing Trout, Maibock, and Oktoberfest.

Edelweiss Bistro

In 2015, Bayern Brewing opened Edelweiss Bistro to generate more revenue. The bistro serves a variety of authentic German food, which is fresh and reflective of its Bavarian roots. Customers can choose a large variety of options, including käsespatzle, curry wurst, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. [7] Keeping with their tradition of sustainability, Knöller sources his pork from a local and humane provider, and purchases high-quality food.

Sustainability

Knöller has made efforts to improve the sustainability of Bayern Brewing. The company has been recycling their glass bottles since 2010, and they have developed cardboard “eco-packs” as a way to motivate its customers to return glass bottles to Bayern. If customers bring in their eco-packs, which are reused and recycled, they are given a 5 cent discount on every bottle that they return. The eco-packs have a one-time deposit of 3 dollars, and the customer can keep reusing those eco-packs and receive discounts from Bayern Brewing. There are specific requirements for the bottles that Bayern Brewing can use, but all of the requirements are listed on the eco pack. Knöller invested in a custom-made bottle washing machine for Bayern Brewing in order to make their glass recycling process possible. According to Master Brewer, Geuer, “between 30 and 60 percent” of the glass they use is recycled. Bayern also donates its brewing waste to local farmers to feed cattle and other animals.

In 2007 Bayern began to phase out the name "Trout Slayer" for one of its best-selling beers. For much of the beer's history, it was known simply as "Light Wheat Ale" until it leased the name "Trout Slayer.” Kalispell businessman Brian Beck later trademarked it. Knöller did not want to continue to pay high licensing fees, and he wanted to rename the beer to reflect Bayern's more eco-friendly policies. In 2007, Knöller wanted to name the beer “Dancing Trout” for the beer to reflect Knöller's philosophy of environmental preservation. [8] [9] The new Dancing Trout also became the Official Beer Sponsor of Montana's Trout Unlimited with a portion of its sales' profit donated to help preserve trout and their habitat. [10] A new Trout Slayer Ale with a different recipe was released by Big Sky Brewing Co. later that year. [11]

Products

Knöller imports hops specific to Germany, and many of his beers adhere to the set standards of various German institutions. [12] Bayern produces many different beers specific to Germany, and they are produced in German fashion. They produce a Pilsner, a Doppel Weizen, Hefeweizen, Dark Marzen, and others.

Awards

Dark Doppelbock: [13] German-Style Strong Doppelbock

Doppelbock: German-Style Strong Doppelbock

Dragon's Breath Dark Heff: South German-Style Dunkel Weizen/Weissbier

Dump Truck: German-Style Heller Bock/Maibock

Maibock: German-Style Heller Bock/Maibock

Schwarzbier: German-Style Schwarzbier

See also

Other breweries in Missoula, Montana

Taprooms only

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bock</span> Strong lager

Bock ( is a strong German beer, usually a dark lager.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheat beer</span> Beer brewed in part with wheat

Wheat unfiltered beer is a top-fermented beer which is brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. The two main varieties are German Weizenbier and Belgian witbier; other types include Lambic, Berliner Weisse, and Gose.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schlenkerla</span> Pub in Bamberg, Germany

Schlenkerla is a historic brewpub in Bamberg, Franconia, Germany, renowned for its smoked Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München</span> German brewery

The Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München is a brewery in Munich, Germany, owned by the Bavarian state government. The Hof (court) comes from the brewery's history as a royal brewery in the Kingdom of Bavaria. The brewery owns the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, the Hofbräukeller and one of the largest tents at the Oktoberfest (Hofbräu-Festzelt).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sprecher Brewery</span> Craft brewery in Wisconsin, U.S.

Sprecher Brewery is a brewery in Glendale, Wisconsin, U.S. It was founded in 1985 in Milwaukee by Randal Sprecher, and is Milwaukee's first craft brewery since Prohibition. Sprecher produces an assortment of beers, flavored malt beverages, and craft sodas, and it is famous for its root beer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spoetzl Brewery</span> Craft brewery located in Shiner, Texas

Spoetzl Brewery is a brewery located in Shiner, Texas, United States. It produces a diverse line of Shiner beers, including their flagship Shiner Bock, a dark lager that is now distributed throughout the US. The brewery is owned by the Gambrinus Company, a family-owned company based in San Antonio, which also owns Trumer Brewery in Berkeley, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Löwenbräu Brewery</span> German brewery

Löwenbräu is a brewery in Munich. Its name is German for "lion's brew". Most Löwenbräu beers are marketed as being brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian beer purity regulation of 1516.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu</span> Brewery in Munich, Germany

Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu GmbH is a brewery in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It produces Spaten and Franziskaner beers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beer in Germany</span> Major part of German culture

Beer is a major part of German culture. Only water, hops, and malt are permitted as ingredients, and beers not exclusively using barley-malt, such as wheat beer, must be top-fermented.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hacker-Pschorr Brewery</span> Brewery in Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Hacker-Pschorr is a brewery in Munich, formed in 1972 out of the merger of two breweries, Hacker and Pschorr. Hacker was founded in 1417, nearly a century before the enactment of the Reinheitsgebot beer purity law of 1516.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stone Brewing Co.</span> Brewery headquartered in Escondido, California, USA

Stone Brewing is a brewery headquartered in Escondido, California, USA. Founded in 1996 in San Marcos, California, it is the largest brewery in Southern California. Based on 2020 sales volume it is the ninth largest craft brewery in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Sky Brewing Company</span> Regional brewer near Missoula MT

Big Sky Brewing Company is a brewery and taproom located in Missoula, Montana. It is owned by three partners, Bjorn Nabozney, Neal Leathers, and Brad Robinson. It is Montana's largest brewery. It first opened its doors in 1995 on 120-A Hickory Street, but eventually moved to its current location at 5417 Trumpeter Way. The brewery features both seasonal and regular ales and has continued to function under the same owners for twenty-three years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rahr and Sons Brewing Company</span> Brewery in Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Rahr and Sons Brewing Company is a brewery in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, owned by Erin Rahr. Since opening in 2004 Rahr has released numerous beers. Their core lineup is made up of 6 year-round beers, including their newest year-round release, Rahr’s Original. Along with these, they release 4 seasonals, and several specialty beers throughout the year. Rahr is currently distributed in most of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Nebraska.

Brasserie de Brunehaut is the trade name for Brunehaut brewery, located in Rongy-Brunehaut (Hainaut), Wallonia, 80 km south/southwest of Brussels, Belgium, near the French border.

The culture of Missoula, Montana is influenced by the nearby University of Montana in art, sports, and music with the city's location in a mountain river valley also encouraging outdoor events and recreation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fort Collins Brewery</span> Brewery in the United States

Fort Collins Brewery (FCB) was a craft beer brewery located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Tractor Brewing Company is a New Mexico-based brewery, founded in 1999 in Los Lunas and since 2014 located in Albuquerque. Tractor beers have won awards at the New Mexico State Fair Pro-Am Competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Klosterbrauerei Andechs</span> German brewery

The Klosterbrauerei Andechs is a monastic brewery in Andechs, Upper Bavaria, Germany, well known for its Andechser beers. The brewery is run by the monks of Andechs Abbey, a priory of St. Boniface's Abbey, a Benedictine abbey situated 40 km away in Munich. It is the only monastic brewery in Germany that brews Bock beer year-round for nationwide distribution.

KettleHouse Brewing Company is a craft brewing company located in Missoula, Montana. Founded in 1995 by Tim O'Leary and Suzy Rizza, the company has grown from a single taproom to two taprooms in Missoula and a major production facility in Bonner, Montana on the Blackfoot River. In 2017, the company, in collaboration with Top Hat Entertainment, opened the KettleHouse Amphitheater near the new facility in Bonner.

References

  1. 1 2 Hampson, Tim (2008). The Beer Book. London: Dorling Kindersley. p. 19. ISBN   978-1405333016.
  2. ↑ Acitelli, Tom (November 30, 2016). ""The Backstory on Montana's Oldest Brewery."". All About Beer Magazine.
  3. ↑ ""Bayern Brewing Company."". Montana Office of Tourism.
  4. 1 2 Erickson, David (July 10, 2017). "Lawmakers gather in Missoula to celebrate raising brewery production limit". missoulian.com. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  5. ↑ "Bayern Brewing Releases Beer in Cans, Sets German Christmas Celebration Schedule". Growler Fills | Craft Beer Enthusiasm. 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  6. ↑ Inbody, Kristen (July 27, 2016). "Bayern Brewing is Montana's oldest". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  7. ↑ Erickson, David (December 12, 2015). "Edelweiss Bistro: Bayern Brewing opens Missoula's only authentic German eatery". missoulian.com. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  8. ↑ Erickson, David. "Lawmakers gather in Missoula to celebrate raising brewery production limit". missoulian.com. Retrieved 2018-05-01.[ verification needed ]
  9. ↑ Erickson, David. "Lawmakers gather in Missoula to celebrate raising brewery production limit". missoulian.com. Retrieved 2018-05-01.[ verification needed ]
  10. ↑ "Bayern Brewing Releases Beer in Cans, Sets German Christmas Celebration Schedule". Growler Fills | Craft Beer Enthusiasm. 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2018-05-01.[ verification needed ]
  11. ↑ "Bayern Brewing is Montana's oldest". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved 2018-05-01.[ verification needed ]
  12. ↑ "The Backstory on Montana's Oldest Brewery". All About Beer. November 30, 2016.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Beer Me! — Bayern Brewing — Missoula, Montana, United States". beerme.com.
  14. ↑ "2019 U.S. Open Beer Championship - Judging the World's Best Beers". US Open Beer Championship.


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.