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]
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
2 Basset Brewery
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
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
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]
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 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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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.
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
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]
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
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
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
Bozeman Brewing Company, in Bozeman, opened by Todd Scott in 2001. [58] Flagship Beer: Bozone Select.
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]
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
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
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
Old Butte Brewery, around 1900
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
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
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
Canyon Creek Brewing opened in Billings in 2013. Ron Kalvig is the owner and head brewer.[78]
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
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]
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
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
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.
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
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
Brewing facility in 1919
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
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
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]
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]
Freefall Brewery is a family-owned brewery in Bozeman.
Gally's Brewing Company
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
Gild Brewing is located in the former Crystal Theater in Missoula. They choose to have a rotating selection with no mainstays.
Glacier Brewing Company
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
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
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
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
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
Craft brewing facility
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
High Plains Brewing is located in Laurel.[115] It is owned by Dave Bequette.
Imagine Nation Brewing Company
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
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
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
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 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
Koocanusa Brewery is in Eureka. Owner Barry Roose opened the brewery in 2020.[124]
Last Best Place Brewing Company
Last Best Place Brewing Company was opened by Colin Ruh-Kirk in 2021.[125]
Lazy I Beerworks
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
Lewis and Clark Brewing Company is in Helena. It was opened in 2005 by Max Pigman.[127]
Limberlost Brewing Company is in Thompson Falls. It is named for a campground in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon.
Lolo Peak Brewing Company
Back room of microbrewery
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
Madison River Brewing Company is in Belgrade. Howard McMurry established the brewery in 2005. Their beer is distributed to multiple states.
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]
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
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
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
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]
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
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
New Ventures Brewing is located in the Four Corners between Belgrade and Bozeman. It is owned by Amy Henkle.[142]
Old Bull Brewing
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, 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
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
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]
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
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
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.
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
Ruby Valley Brew is located in Sheridan. It is owned by Amanda LaYacona.[157]
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
Sacred Waters Brewing Company is in Kalispell. It is owned by Jordan and Kirk Gentry.[158] The head brewer is Seth Orr.
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
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
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
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
Tamarack Brewing Company logo
Tamarack Brewing Company, in Lakeside, opened in 2007.[164] A Missoula brewpub opened in 2011.
Ten Mile Creek Brewery
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
Thirsty Street Brewing Company is located in Billings. Once with two locations in Billings, as of 2024 they operate only at "The Garage".
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
Überbrew is in Billings. Mark Hastings is the head brewer.[73]
Wildwood Brewing Company opened in Stevensville in 2012.[170] It is owned by Jim and Pannha Lueders.
Yellowstone Beer Company
Yellowstone Beer Company is located in West Yellowstone. They opened in 2023.
Defunct
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.
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
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
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]
Craft beer is beer manufactured by craft breweries, which typically produce smaller amounts of beer than larger "macro" breweries and are often independently owned. Such breweries are generally perceived and marketed as emphasising enthusiasm, new flavours, and varied brewing techniques.
Full Sail Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Hood River, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1987, Full Sail was the first commercially successful craft brewery to bottle beer in the Pacific Northwest for retail sale, and one of Oregon's early microbreweries. The first beer packaged was Full Sail Golden Ale, followed in 1988 by Full Sail Imperial Porter, Full Sail Amber Ale, and Wassail Winter Ale.
In the United States, beer is manufactured in breweries which range in size from industry giants to brew pubs and microbreweries. The United States produced 196 million barrels (23.0 GL) of beer in 2012, and consumes roughly 28 US gallons (110 L) of beer per capita annually. In 2011, the United States was ranked fifteenth in the world in per capita consumption, while total consumption was second only to China.
Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in New Zealand, accounting for 63% of available alcohol for sale. At around 64.7 litres per person per annum, New Zealand is ranked 27th in global beer consumption per capita. The vast majority of beer produced in New Zealand is a type of lager, either pale or amber in colour, and typically 4–5% alcohol by volume.
AleSmith Brewing Company is an American craft brewery located in San Diego, California. It specializes in handcrafted ales in a variety of styles. As of 2015 it produces about 25,000 barrels of beer a year.
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.
Real Ale Brewing is a regional-sized American brewery founded in 1996 in Blanco, Texas. Their beers can only be found in Texas.
The U.S. state of Vermont is home to over 100 breweries, microbreweries, nanobreweries, and brewpubs that produce a wide variety of beer.
Midnight Sun Brewing Company (MSBC) is a craft brewery that produces over 40 different ales and lagers each year. Founded in 1995, it is Anchorage, Alaska's first brewery and the second oldest in state history, following Alaska Brewing Co. in 1986. The brewery has been in their current location since May 2009, with a tap-house and full-service restaurant. MSBC has won several awards for their beers, including medals from the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. The brewery sells its beers in 12-oz cans, 22-oz bottles, 5 gallon kegs, and 64 oz growlers. Their U.S. distribution is limited to AK, WA, ID, OR, CA, HI, and NY.
Left Hand Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Longmont, Colorado.
Great Northern Brewing Company was a traditional “gravity flow” brewery located in the northernmost block of downtown Whitefish, Montana. The brewery opened in 1995 under the stewardship of Minott Wessinger, the great-great grandson of Henry Weinhard. It had approximately 15,000 square feet (1,400 m2) and a maximum annual capacity of 8000 barrels. The brewery permanently closed February 17, 2020. In 2021, Jeanie Konopatzke, the owner of the brand, entered an agreement with Uinta Brewing Company. Uinta became able to produce, package, and sell Great Northern's recipes.
Breweries in New Hampshire produce a wide range of beers in different styles that are marketed locally, regionally, and nationally. Brewing companies vary widely in the volume and variety of beer produced, from small nanobreweries and microbreweries to massive multinational conglomerate macrobreweries.
Heavy Seas Beer is brewed by Clipper City Brewing Company, in Baltimore, Maryland. The brewery was established by Hugh Sisson in 1995. Previously, Sisson operated Maryland's first brewpub, Sisson's. In 2010, the brewery rebranded. While the name of the company remains Clipper City Brewing Company, all of its beer falls under the Heavy Seas brand. Heavy Seas hosts tours on most weekends. It is located at 4615 Hollins Ferry Road, Suite B, in the Halethorpe section of Baltimore County. Heavy Seas currently offers a variety of beer styles in approximately 18 states within the United States. Several Heavy Seas beers have been awarded and include the following: Cutlass Amber Lager, Powder Monkey Pale Ale, Small Craft Warning Uber Pils, Gold Ale and Winter Storm Imperial ESB.
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.
San Diego County, California, has been called "the Craft Beer Capital of America". As of 2018, the county was home to 155 licensed craft breweries – the most of any county in the United States. Based on 2016 sales volume, three San Diego County breweries – Stone, Green Flash, and Karl Strauss – rank among the 50 largest craft brewers in the United States. San Diego County brewers pioneered the specialty beer style known as Double India Pale Ale, sometimes called San Diego Pale Ale. Its beer culture is a draw for tourism, particularly during major festivals such as San Diego Beer Week and the San Diego International Beer Competition. San Diego County breweries including Stone Brewing Co., AleSmith Brewing Company and Ballast Point Brewing Company are consistently rated among the top breweries in the world.
Canteen Brewhouse is an American craft brewery founded in 1994 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Parallel 49 Brewing Company is a Canadian microbrewery based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 2012, the Parallel 49 Brewing Company in East Vancouver is known for brewing craft beers.
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.
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