Craft beer is no longer a niche interest; it’s a full-blown phenomenon. The industry is booming, drawing beer lovers from around the world and injecting serious cash into local economies. And when it comes to unique and exciting craft beer scenes, Montana is quickly becoming a frontrunner.
Montana offers something special. Brewers here often focus on using locally sourced ingredients, and they aren’t afraid to experiment with new techniques. Plus, the state is blessed with access to some of the purest water and highest-quality barley around, making it a brewer’s paradise.
From award-winning breweries to creatively crafted brews, Montana boasts a diverse and thriving craft beer culture. If you’re a beer enthusiast, a trip to sample some beers from Montana should be at the top of your list.
The Rise of Montana Craft Beer: A Perfect Storm
What’s behind the boom in Montana craft beer? Here are a few contributing factors:
The Role of Local Ingredients
Montana’s pure water and locally grown barley are huge boons to the state’s brewers. T.J. Carlson, who brews at Black Eagle Brewery, cites water and barley as key ingredients. Montana-grown ingredients create flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Some Montana breweries also use local honey and molasses in their beers.
The Community and Culture
Montana brewers tend to be collaborative. They support one another and share what they’ve learned. Beer festivals and conferences like Montana Brew Fest and the Beer Now Conference help grow Montana’s beer culture.
The Montana Brew Fest gives local breweries a chance to show off what they’re brewing, and the Beer Now Conference brings beer industry professionals to Montana.
Montana’s Brewing Heritage
Montana has deep roots in brewing, and today’s craft brewers build on that foundation, blending tradition with modern brewing innovations.
Award-Winning Breweries: Pillars of Montana’s Craft Beer Scene
Montana’s craft brewing scene is dotted with breweries that consistently produce beers worthy of local and national awards. Here are a few you should know about:
Lewis & Clark Brewing Company
Lewis & Clark Brewing Company in Helena has been around since 2003, and in that time, they’ve racked up a number of awards, including three medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). In 2018, they were named the GABF’s Brewer of the Year.
Their Prickly Pear Pale Ale is a fan favorite, but they make a range of beers, all with a focus on quality and consistency.
Bayern Brewing
Also in Montana’s capital city is Bayern Brewing, a brewery focused on traditional German-style beers. Their dedication shines through in their Rauchbier, a smoked beer that’s true to its German roots.
Bayern uses a unique brewing process and carefully selected ingredients to create authentic and flavorful beers.
Vizsla Brewing
In 2019, Vizsla Brewing in Missoula was named Montana Brewery of the Year at the Montana Brew Fest. They’re known for their unique beers like their Bichon Saison.
10 Must-Try Montana Craft Beers
Montana’s craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse, with breweries producing a wide range of styles. Here are 10 beers that showcase the best of what the state has to offer:
Scotch Ales in Montana
Scotch ales are surprisingly popular in Montana, and Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company’s Mountain Man Scotch Ale is a prime example of why. This brew stands out because it’s made with Montana honey and molasses, resulting in a strong, sweet, and incredibly smooth flavor profile.
Pale Ales
For a taste of something lighter, try the Prickly Pear Pale Ale from Lewis & Clark Brewing Company. This beer offers a refreshing twist on the classic pale ale style, incorporating the unique flavor of prickly pear cactus fruit.
Wild Ales
Bozeman Brewing Company is known for its impressive sour program, boasting over 250 barrels dedicated to wild ales. Their Vieux Bois Gueuze-Inspired Wild Ale is a must-try for sour beer enthusiasts, offering a complex and tart flavor profile.
Other Notable Styles
Montana brewers aren’t afraid to experiment with other styles, either. Here are a few other beers to consider:
- Tangerine Cream Ale from Black Eagle Brewery: A light and refreshing ale with a citrusy twist.
- Rauchbier from Bayern Brewing: A smoky and malty German-style beer.
- Bichon Saison from Vizsla Brewing: A Belgian-style farmhouse ale with a spicy and fruity character.
- Bent Nail IPA from Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company: A hoppy and flavorful India Pale Ale.
- Fungus Shui from Meadowlark Brewing: A unique beer brewed with mushrooms, offering an earthy and savory flavor.
- Chardonnay Barrel Aged Saison from Philipsburg Brewing Co.: A saison aged in chardonnay barrels, imparting notes of oak and wine.
- Midas Crush IPA from MAP Brewing Company: Weighing in at 6.9% ABV, this IPA is a crowd pleaser.
Experiencing the Montana Beer Scene: Planning Your “Beercation”
With so many breweries scattered across the state, you could easily plan a whole vacation around sampling the beers of Montana. Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan your beercation:
Key regions for beer tourism
Bozeman, Missoula, and Great Falls are a few of the cities with higher concentrations of breweries. In fact, Great Falls hosted the Beer Now Conference in 2019.
To make the most of your trip, map out a route that hits several breweries along the way. You might want to start in one city and then drive to the next, stopping at smaller breweries in the towns in between.
Tips for visiting Montana breweries
Be sure to check each brewery’s hours before you go. Some breweries may have limited hours or be closed on certain days. Also, think about how you’ll get from place to place. If you plan to sample several beers, it’s best to have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.
Finally, be prepared for Montana’s climate. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter hot weather, cold weather, or even snow. Be sure to pack accordingly.
Pairing Montana beer with local cuisine
Many Montana restaurants feature local craft beers on their menus, so be sure to ask your server for recommendations. Also, consider what foods pair well with different types of beer. For example, a light-bodied beer might be a good match for a salad or sandwich, while a heavier beer might be better suited for a steak or burger.
In Summary
Montana’s craft beer scene isn’t just about making good beer; it’s about creativity, quality, and connecting with the local community. Brewers in Montana use local ingredients whenever possible, and they’re always pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
If you’re a beer lover, you owe it to yourself to plan a “Beercation” to Montana. With so many breweries to choose from, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
Montana’s craft beer industry has a lasting impact on the state’s culture and economy. By supporting local breweries, you’re helping to keep Montana a unique and special place.