Montana Beer Finder

Desert Mountain to release 3 new brews.

2013-05-20T16:37:00.000-06:00

The owners of Desert Mountain Brewing, Shawn and Kelly, really have a soft spot in their heart for the Bob Marshall Wilderness. DMB has teamed up with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Association and created a brew to honor that much beloved Montana wilderness. For this special brew's name, they have parted from their usual GNP landmark names and have honored the Bob by calling this German style hefeweizen, Chinese Wall Wheat. The tap handles for the Chinese Wall Wheat are even sporting an image of Bob himself. In addition, DMB is donating half of the proceeds of the entire batch to the Bob Marshall Wilderness! Chinese Wall Wheat is available now!

DMB is releasing tonight (for mug club members), tomorrow (May 21st) for the beer appreciating public, their new North Fork Select English style bitter session ale. They will also be unleashing on the unsuspecting public, their new F5 Imperial IPA. F5 is rumored to weigh-in at a whopping 150 on the International Bitterness Unit scale! So, for those of you who are hopalcoholics, this might just be Nirvana for you.

Eureka! It May Have a Brewery Next Month - Homestead Ales

2013-05-15T10:09:00.000-06:00

Today's Flathead Beacon published an article featuring one of Montana's pending breweries, Homestead Ales in Eureka, Montana. Owner/brewer, Chris Neill, by the looks of it, has the equipment and is nearly ready to set up shop. Research shows he trademarked Homestead Ales, LTD in July 2012, and he plans to open as soon as June 2013. What we don't know is the details, like what beers will be available, what size system he has, etc. However, it is clear that the other breweries in the Flathead Valley welcome the camaraderie. Cheers to Homestead Ales.

*Logo courtesy of MBA.

Blues & Brews Festival on May 18 in Glasgow

2013-05-14T09:54:00.000-06:00

On Saturday May 18, music and beer lovers can attend the 8th Annual Bonnie City Blues & Brews Festival at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow, Montana. A unique festival that blends beer, blues, and BBQ, this event is fun for everyone.

Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with live music beginning at 5:00 p.m. This year's music line-up includes Red Light Blue, John McLellan (aka. front man for The Clintons), and The Adam Ezra Group (acoustic rock band from Boston) will be the 2013 headliner. Tickets are $40 at the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture Office, KLTZ/KLAN or The Cottonwood Inn, or call 406-228-2222 to get your tickets today! Tickets at the door will be $45.

There will be over 30 beers on tap, and new for the 2013 Festival is that wine will also be served.

A free shuttle service will be available during the festival.

*Thanks to J. Dascher Photography for these images of past Blues & Brews festivals. All these images and many more are available for purchase on her website. Reprinted here with permission.

Garden City Brewfest Winners

2013-05-06T10:14:00.000-06:00

The Zoo City Zymurgists have released its list of winning beers from the Missoula Downtown Association's 21 Annual Garden City Brewfest in Missoula this past weekend. Some very good beers made this list!

2013 Garden City Brewfest

Best of Show and Best of Montana
Lone Peak Brewery – American Stout aged in Elijah Craig bourbon cask

Blonde Ale
Blackfoot River Brewing – Cream Ale

Bock/Maibock
Wildwood Brewing Co. – Organic Loquacious Duck

Cider
Angry Orchard Cider Co. – Crisp Apple Cider

Dark Ale
Ninkasi Brewing Co. – Otis Oatmeal Stout

Fruit
Leinenkugel’s Brewing Co. – Summer Shandy

IPA
Deschutes Brewery – Fresh Squeezed IPA

Lager
Samuel Adams – Double Agent IPL

Pale Ale
Grand Teton Brewing – Bitch Creek ESB

Specialty
Lone Peak Brewery – American Stout aged in Elijah Craig bourbon cask

Strong Ale
Bitterroot Brewing Co. – Red Dread Imperial Red Ale

Wheat/Rye
Lagunitas Brewing Co – Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’

Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA Pouring at the Iron Horse in Missoula

2013-05-01T14:50:00.000-06:00

A limited release IPA from Deschutes Brewery Bond Street Series is being offered on tap at the Iron Horse in downtown Missoula. The Iron Horse was lucky enough to snag three kegs of this beer because it is only being poured in a select few Oregon cities. Fresh Squeezed IPA comes in at 6.4% ABV and gets a strong 86 from BeerAdvocate. Head on down to the Iron Horse and drink up because when this one's gone it's gone!

Star Trek Beer: Vulcan Ale, brewed by Harvest Moon in Montana

2013-04-29T12:37:00.000-06:00

First, I can't believe I missed this convention up in Calgary, just for the fact that many cast members of The Princess Bride were there. That aside, guests of the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo this past weekend were treated with the opportunity to try a new, licensed Star Trek beer, the first of a few in a new lineup.

The beer is Harvest Moon's Charlie Russel Red, but specially-labeled and bottled in 12 oz. bottles and featured at the convention. A total of 17 bbls were made, with nearly all of it bottled, except for a few kegs. Any remaining beer from the festival will be released Canada-wide in conjunction with the premiere of the new Star Trek movie, Into Darkness, released on May 17.

Brewery and Distillery Tours of Billings - by Foot or by Trolley

2013-04-26T16:24:00.000-06:00

Starting tonight, you can tour Billings' breweries and distilleries by foot or by trolley! This 1.5-mile route hits Montana Brewing Company, Himmelberger Brewing, Angry Hank's, Carter's Brewing, Trailhead Spirits, Uberbrew, and Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co.

Starting Friday April 26, a trolley will run continuously from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. Check it out and report back here!

Missoula Craft Beer Week (April 28 - May 3)

2013-04-25T12:02:00.001-06:00

It's back! A week-long celebration of all things craft beer in the Garden City of Montana. The 2nd Annual Missoula Craft Beer Week promises to be awesome - and tasty! Presented by Montana Beer Finder and Growler Fills: Craft Beer Enthusiasm, and sponsored by Draught Works Brewery, Missoula Downtown Association, and Summer Sun Brew Supply, this year is full of unique beer events that will satisfy every palate.

Here's a full rundown of the events planned to date:

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

10:00 a.m. ::SOLD OUT:: ~~Draught Works Brewery:~~ ~~Bacon n' Beer Breakfast.~~ Choose from 8 special beers, all-you-can-eat sausage and bacon, commemorative pint glass, Black Coffee Roasting Co. coffee and more. Tickets (limited number) are $30 and are available at the brewery. 915 Toole Ave. ::MENU::

MONDAY, APRIL 29

5:00 p.m. to Close. Tamarack Brewing Co. Three Course Beer Dinner. Enjoy a three course meal paired and made with Tamarack Brewing Co. beers. Enjoy a "welcome beer" before dinner begins, comprised of a different beer release each day. First course: Montana spring greens with roasted beets and an Apricot Ale vinaigrette (paired with White IPA). Second course: Kobe beef with seared foie gras, micro greens with a fig IPA vinaigrette (paired with Dry Hopped Amber Ale). Third course: Espresso infused marscapone stout lady fingers (paired with Hole Mole Stout). Cost is $29 per person and may be ordered any time during dinner hours. 231 W. Front St. ::MENU::

5:30 p.m. Flathead Lake Brewing Co. of Missoula Beer Dinner. Three courses and three beers (along with a logo glass to take home) in FLBC of Missoula's fantastic new third-floor Galaxy Lounge. Courses include Lamb Moussaka, Scallops topped with a mango jalapeno salad, and ginger angelfood cake with a lemongrass cream served with ginger caramel sauce. Beer pairings are Flathead Lake Brewing Co.'s Brown Ale, Galaxy Pale Ale, and Dirty Ginger Belgian-ish Ale. Tickets are $35 and are available at FLBC of Missoula. 424 N. Higgins.

7:00 p.m. Big Sky Brewery Movie Night at The Top Hat. Head to the Top Hat for a screening of Strange Brew. Big Sky beers will be paired with select items off the new Top Hat tapas menu. 134 W. Front St. ::MENU:: (Show at 9 p.m.)

5:00 p.m. Tamarack Brewing Co. Monkey Barrel Series Beer Release:Tamarack has been "monkeying around" with crazy ideas and flavors and will relase a different keg of barrel aged beer each day during Missoula Craft Beer Week from Monday to Saturday. Monday's release is: Single Barrel Palisade IPA. 231 W. Front St.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

3:00 p.m. Learn to Homebrew with Summer Sun Brew Supply. Want to learn how to make your own beer? Here's a fantastic opportunity to learn from Missoula's top homebrewshop. The class will show you all the basics to get you started in brewing your own beer. Class size is not limited and plan for approx. 2 hours of instruction. 838 W. Spruce St.

5:15 & 7:30 p.m. Modern Alchemy: A focus on pairing beer with extreme flavors. Caffe Dolce hosts this incredible taste experience featuring a unique and interesting five course meal focusing on sweet, salty, umami, bitter and sour flavors in modern food and the beers that pair with them - and some that don't! Two seatings are available (5:15 and 7:30 p.m.) and each seating is limited to 24 seats. Cost is $75 per person or $140 per couple. Call Caffe Dolce at 830-3055 for reservations. Corner of Brooks and Beckwith Streets.

5:00 p.m. to Close. Tamarack Brewing Co. Three Course Beer Dinner. See full description under Monday's events. 231 W. Front St. ::MENU::

5:00 p.m. Tamarack Brewing Co. Monkey Barrel Series Beer Release:Lavender Blonde. 231 W. Front St.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

6:00 p.m. Run Wild Missoula Special Edition Beer Run. 5 mile run and beer social. Meet at Draught Works Brewery. 915 Toole Ave.

5:00 p.m. to Close. Tamarack Brewing Co. Three Course Beer Dinner. See full description under Monday's events. 231 W. Front St. ::MENU::

5:00 p.m. Tamarack Brewing Co. Monkey Barrel Series Beer Release:Chai Porter. 231 W. Front St.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

7:00 p.m. Ninkasi Brewing Iron Man at The Rhino. Ninkasi pint specials and iron-on patches applied while you wait to anything you bring. 158 Ryman Street.

5:00 p.m. to Close. Tamarack Brewing Co. Three Course Beer Dinner. See full description under Monday's events. 231 W. Front St. ::MENU::

5:00 p.m. Tamarack Brewing Co. Monkey Barrel Series Beer Release:Honey Rose Hip IPA. 231 W. Front St.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

4:00 p.m. Blackfoot River, Posh Chocolat, Barley's Angels Dessert/Beer Pairing. Try four Blackfoot River Brewing Co. beers paired with Posh Chocolat's hand made, artisan chocolates in this women's only event led by Blackfoot River brewer Becky Molm. Find out just how great beer and dessert go together! The event takes place in the lobby of the Florence Building (by the entrance to the Red Bird Restaurant). Cost is $15 and tickets are limited to 25 women. RSVP by emailing becky@blackfootriverbrewing.com prior to the event. 111 N. Higgins.

4:00 p.m. Four Ways for Double Haul at the Rhino. Try four different versions of Kettlehouse Brewing Company's Double Haul IPA...a firkin of Jalepeno Double Haul IPA; an unfiltered, dryhopped with Cascades hops Double Haul IPA; a Barrel-Aged (Dry Fly Distillery barrel) Double Haul IPA; and good ol' regular Double Haul IPA. 158 Ryman Street.

5:00 p.m. Missoula Brewery Bus Tour. Remember when drinking beer on the school bus was frowned upon? Get ready make up for all those years of boring bus rides when you join fifty of your closest friends on the best bus ride in town. Meet at the Northside KettleHouse (North 1st Street) between 5:00 and 5:30 PM for a beer before hopping on the bus to visit Draughtworks, Bayern, and a food stop. The tour ends around 8:30 after which the bus will drop you off downtown, at the Northside KettleHouse, or at your house within the City Limits. Tickets cost $30 which includes a beer at each brewery plus transportation (food not included; tickets also available for $20 for non-drinkers). Space is limited so get your name on the list ASAP by clicking here:Registration Form (include any questions on the form and organizers Jeff or Katie will get back to you).

5:00 p.m. Bayern Brewing Taps Wooden Barrel of Dump Truck at Depot.Join the iconic wooden barrel tapping of Dump Truck at the Depot. 201 Railroad St.

7:00 p.m. Big Sky Bull Riding at the Iron Horse. Get ready to ride Big Sky's mechanical bull in its Missoula debut! Plus great Big Sky beers will be available!

5:00 p.m. to Close. Tamarack Brewing Co. Three Course Beer Dinner. See full description under Monday's events. 231 W. Front St. ::MENU::

5:00 p.m. Tamarack Brewing Co. Monkey Barrel Series Beer Release:Rocky Mountain ImpeRyeAle Amber. 231 W. Front St.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

8:00 a.m. Old Post Pub & Big Sky Brewery Brunch. Enjoy Big Sky Brewing Co. beers paired with delicious brunch options at the Old Post Pub. 103 W. Spruce St. ::MENU::

12:00 p.m. 21st Garden City Brewfest. 68 beers, live music and food vendors. Celebrate the end of Missoula Craft Beer Week in style at the longest running brewfest in Montana. Caras Park.

2:00 p.m. Craft "Beerd" Contest. Think you'd got the best craft beard in Missoula? You could win a year's supply of growler fills from Big Sky Brewery. The competition takes place at the Garden City Brewfest at Caras Park. Not only must you have awesome facial hair, you must bring a canned food donation for the Missoula Food Bank to compete. Guest judges from Hair Headquarters for Men will pick the winners!

5:00 p.m. to Close. Tamarack Brewing Co. Three Course Beer Dinner. See full description under Monday's events. ::MENU::

5:00 p.m. Tamarack Brewing Co. Monkey Barrel Series Beer Release:Fred's Bourbon Barrel Red.

Follow Missoula Craft Beer Week on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ninkasi Brewing Company Special Release Double IPA Spotted at Summer Sun in Missoula

2013-04-18T19:07:00.001-06:00

Babylon Double IPA from Ninkasi Brewing Company can now be found at Summer Sun's new bottle shop addition in Missoula. This English take on the Double IPA is interesting in that it combines lots of European earthy hops with the boozy mouth punch of a West Coast IPA. Babylon Double IPA is a special release and comes in 22 oz. bottles at 9.1% alcohol. RateBeer.com gives this beer a solid 63. For those hop heads and double IPA lovers out there this one is worth checking out especially if you are interested in the combination of English and American brewing styles. Grab yourself a bottle from Summer Sun and drink up!

Desert Mountain Brewery, in Columbia Falls, adds another craft beer to their line.

2013-04-17T20:05:00.000-06:00

Desert Mountain Brewing and Draughthaus has added Two Ocean IPA to their line, bringing it to a total of 4 craft beers now. The Two Ocean IPA will have a ABV of 7.2% and an IBU of 85.

Desert Mountain Brewing describes their new IPA as, "A hop-heavy India Pale Ale that will please the thirstiest of hop heads. Two Ocean is brewed with five pounds of hops per 4-barrel batch and later dry hopped during fermentation. An irresistible aroma leads into a burst of floral, hoppy flavor. Named for Glacier Park’s Two Ocean glacier located near Quartz Lake."

So, when traveling through Columbia Falls, be sure to stop by and give this IPA a try. DMBH hours of operation are Wednesday-Sunday, 12 noon to 8 pm, and their address is 729 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls.

For more info, contact them at 406.892.2739 or visit their website at http://desertmountainbrewing.com/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DesertMountainBrewing.

Jeff von Kiper

New Kalispell Brewing Company plans to open summer 2013!

2013-04-10T20:03:00.001-06:00

Kalispell, Montana, April 10, 2013—Kalispell is the largest city in Montana without a craft brewery, but that’s about to change come summer 2013 when owner and brewer Cole Schneider plans to open Kalispell Brewing Company in historic downtown Kalispell. Kalispell Brewing Company has been the decade-long dream of Schneider’s and along with his wife, Maggie Doherty, the duo are hoping that once the building’s extensive remodel is complete, they can begin to serve the Flathead Valley their lineup of German-inspired lagers and hoppy ales. With his lagers, Schneider intends to use the traditional decoction mash method. Kalispell Brewing Company has a ten barrel system and will operate a tasting room next to the brewery.

The seventy-seven year old Main Street building, which totals 9,000 square feet, has been undergoing extensive renovations since Schneider purchased the property in March of 2012. With the summer season just months away, Schneider hopes that his dream of opening a craft brewery will soon come to fruition. “In all areas, from construction to sourcing materials we are moving along quickly. I can’t wait to start brewing,” says Schneider.

Schneider’s love for beer introduced him to the art and science of home brewing, an endeavor he’s experimented with for more than ten years. Schneider moved to Whitefish, Montana from Nebraska in 2005, and in 2010, met Doherty at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Doherty grew up in northern Michigan and moved to the Flathead Valley in 2004. A writer and a Creative Writing MFA candidate at Pacific Lutheran University, Doherty will serve the brewery in public relations and as the “beer ambassador”. The couple shares a love of skiing and a love of craft beer.

While the building has undergone a major remodel from adding steel I-beams to support the sagging roof, to repairing the aging original brickwork on both the interior and exterior, Schneider says that the long-term renovation process, while lengthy in time, has been worth the wait. “The building has such character and I wanted to house my brewery in downtown Kalispell. The building has enough capacity for our equipment and then some and we've got a great design in place for the taproom, including a roof-top patio.” With the construction process well underway, Schneider has been fine-tuning his craft beer recipes with his elaborate and largely self-designed and engineered 10-gallon homebrew set up.

The brewery’s equipment arrived on New Year’s Eve, a week and half before its intended delivery date, and Schneider jokes that these unexpected events happen and will probably continue to happen for Kalispell Brewing Company, like in any small new business. For now, while the construction work is focused on the brewery floor, the equipment sits in the tasting room. For Schneider, whose experiences in beer have taken him to Munich’s Oktoberfest and other travels across the Europe and the United States, his hope is to cultivate an appreciation of beer with his brews. “No snootiness, just beer,” he adds. With Montana ranking as second in the nation in the number of breweries percapita , Schneider notes that the state has a palate for craft beer.

Schneider’s target date for opening Kalispell Brewing Company is July 2013 but notes that sometimes projected dates, especially with a major remodel, don’t always stick to schedule. One thing that he is certain of is how eager he is to beginning brewing. Kalispell Brewing Company will launch with five to seven signature beers and feature seasonal varieties and brewer’s whims. For Kalispell Brewing Company’s progress and updates, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/KalispellBrewingCompany.

An artist rendering of what the new Kalispell Brewing Company will look like.

The old Cadillac service department, a cavernous 6000 sq. ft. area, will now serve as Kalispell Brew Co.'s brewing facility.

One of the original murals from the old Cadillac dealership that will be preserved in the tasting room.

The brewing equipment occupies the space where elegant Cadillacs were once on display. Once the brewing facilities concrete floor is poured, the brewing equipment will be moved and work will begin to transform the old show room into a tasting room.

Maggie describing her vision of what's planned for the area leading up to the rooftop tasting room.

Cole and Maggie stand next to a wall, that will ultimately lead to the rooftop patio, where craft beer lovers will be able to imbibe while taking in the sunshine and beautiful views of the Swan Mountains. Note, in the background, what's left of the original Cadi"llac" dealership mural.

Sour Power

2013-03-31T09:34:00.000-06:00

Sour Power 6 packs are available at the Good Food Store for $19.99 While this may seem a little spendy for a 6 pack, those who search out the mouth puckering goodness from Belgium will not be put off by such a minor inconvenience. There are 3 different beers, Monks Café a Flemish Red, Petrus Oud Bruin, and my personal favorite Petrus aged pale. While the Flemish Red and Oud Bruin pack plenty of funk they are IMHO on the sweeter side for a sour beer. The Aged Pale brings it home with a mouth puckering sourness pleasantly balanced with flavors of green apple, pineapple and other tropical fruits.

2 more Elysian brews added to the inventory at Brix Bottleshop

2013-03-19T17:03:00.000-06:00

Stopped by Brix Bottleshop, in Kalispell, on Saturday to see if they had received anything new or interesting to report to the faithful readers of Montana Beer Finders. Much to my surprise, I learned that they have added 2 more Elysian brews to their inventory to make a total of 5 that they now carry. They now have, for your drinking pleasure, Men's Room Red and Dragonstooth Stout to add to their current stock of Bete Blanche Tripel, Loser Pale Ale, and The Immortal IPA.

Flathead Lake Brewing Will Expand and Move to Bigfork

2013-03-18T23:43:00.000-06:00

The Flathead Lake Brewing Company has announced their new home will be on Holt Drive in Bigfork, at the old bowling alley.

Building owners, Sandy Clare and Elvira Johnston, are working to have the building open by mid-summer. New custom tanks are set to arrive in June 2012, and the brewery's beer capacity will be raised to 10,000 BBLs a year. Also new will be the addition of a canning line (12 oz. and 16 oz.) to work alongside the brewery's existing ability to bottle (in 22 oz. and 12 oz. formats).

In addition to more beer, and new the new canning possibilities, the larger location will also include a Flathead Lake Brewing Company Pub House (opening Spring 2014).

The new building is going LEED, and hopes to become the second GOLD LEED production brewery in the U.S.

Stay tuned to Montana Beer Finder for continuing updates on the new locations.

FYI, no definite plans are known as to what will happen to the existing Woods Bay location, but we will update you when those plans are announced.

Goose Island Sofie Farmhouse Ale spotted at the Bridge Pizza

2013-03-17T11:42:00.002-06:00

Sofie Farmhouse Ale brewed by Goose Island Beer Company can now be found in 22 oz bottles at The Bridge Pizza in Missoula. This 6.5% Saison style farmhouse ale is aged in wine barrels with orange peel giving this beer a dry crisp taste similar to champagne but with a slight brettanomyces funk. This beer gets a well-deserved 98 from RateBeer.com. Although very complex in both flavor and aroma it goes great with pizza. Head on over to The Bridge, grab a bottle with some friends and drink up!

Beer in Montana, By the Numbers

2013-03-14T15:58:00.004-06:00

Last October, a study by the University of Montana – Missoula* (commissioned by the Montana Brewers Association) was released that highlighted the economic impact of craft brewing in the state. Yesterday, a report by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) was released that highlighted its impact across the U.S., including Montana. It’s interesting to compare and contrast these numbers from both the brewers who brew beer to the wholesalers who distribute it. Here are a couple noteworthy comparisons:

Jobs – The brewing industry in Montana represents more than 430 jobs. Montana beer distributors directly employ 986 people.

Taxes – Montana beer distributor activities contributes $54 million to the federal, state, and local tax base, which does not include an additional $21 million in federal, state, and local alcohol excise and consumption taxes on beer sold in Montana. Montana brewers contribute $1.5 million in state government revenues and an additional $1.8 million in government compensation.

While it might be easy to compare A to B, if we look at the overall impact of beer and beer brewing in the state, this industry creates jobs and revenue in our state. Let’s drink to that!

*data from this study includes 30 of Montana’s breweries. Today, there are 38 breweries operating in the state of Montana.

St. Patty's Day at Draught Works Brewery

2013-03-11T12:22:00.001-06:00

Don't be afraid to call "shenanigans" this St. Patty's Day, especially if it means you are one of the first 150 people to buy a pint at Draught Works on Sunday and get a free t-shirt! For the second year, Draught Works in Missoula is hosting the "St. Patty's Day Shenanigans" party, and giving away free t-shirts in the process!

To properly celebrate this Irish holiday, Draught Works is offering three stouts on tap: Gwin Du Oatmeal Stout, Muddy Udder Milk Stout, Black CoffeeRoasting Company Stout. Plus two stouts served from their beer engine!

Aaron Buzzas will be performing from 11-1, Celtic Dragon Bagpipers around 2:30, and the Hasslers from 5-7. There will also be an appearance by Irish Dancers.

This Sunday, there may be no better way to get your luck on in Missoula than imbibing and jiving down at Draught Works!

Meeting between brewers and the author of the "Brewery Killing Bill", Representative Roger Hagen, doesn't end well.

2013-03-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

Evan Bowser, the owner of Bowser Brewing in Great Falls, sat down today with Representative Roger Hagen in an attempt to plead the case of the Montana Brewer. Apparently it didn't go so well. Below is the text from the Bowser Brewing Facebook page detailing what took place at that meeting.

"We just got done with our meeting with Republican Roger Hagan from Great Falls. He is proposing a bill that will limit us to only making 40% of our over all profit from the Sample room. We were lucky enough to have Doc. Z from Missouri Break brewing stop by at the right time and Erik Somerfeld, a local barley farmer, join us for the meeting as well. Basically we found out that Roger has his mind set to ruin our industry and make sure it does not grow any more than it has. He is still working on the wording of the bill but he mentioned stacking licenses, limiting profits of the sample room, getting rid of any and all music, get rid of all food (including popcorn and peanuts), he even mentioned getting rid of tables and chairs so people couldn't sit down. With all of these ideas being considered I found it funny that his reasoning was to make the Montana brewery scene stronger by making it harder to start a new brewery. Which helps us as individual breweries but does not help the industry of beer in Montana. He also kept mentioning that the MTA was not involved in this bill at all, he was getting more pressure from the Mother's Against Drunk Driving to pass this bill, which I find interesting why the MADD would want to go from a license that limits how much we can serve to one that says we can serve as much as we want and allows people to get drunker in one sitting. It really seemed like a pointless bill requested by some failing old school taverns that have refused to evolve and join the new local micro brew revolution. I really doubt that the bill will go anywhere but to ensure it doesn't we would appreciate it you would email your local legislator and let them know that you don't want them to support any bill that will hinder the growth of Montana breweries."

It's not even summer yet and people are already getting Swimmer's Itch!

2013-03-10T20:41:00.000-06:00

Swimmer's Itch is back on tap at Flathead Lake Brewing in Woods Bay. Those witty brew-folk down there at Flathead Lake Brewing are always coming up with something to name their brews that pertain to our beloved Flathead Lake, but Swimmer's Itch? It's not a very sexy name for a beer that is oh so sexy, but be that as it may, that's what they came up with for this delicious Saison. If you're a fan of Belgium Farmhouse/Saison style beers, and you can get past the name, then you need to drop by the brewery, or your local tavern that features it, and enjoy a couple of pints.

Coming from Seattle, and living here now, I've always lamented the fact that I no longer had access to my most favorite German beer of all time, Koenig Ludwig Weiss Bier. I lament that no more, for this Saison reminds me so much of that beer that ole Ludwig is now a distant memory. For those of you familiar with Wildwood's White Bark Wheat Ale, you will find it to be very similar, but not quite as spicy. I happen to love the White Bark's level of spicy goodness, as it's tastes like Christmas in every pint, but as I don't live anywhere near where that golden nectar is flowing out of the taps, down in Stevensville, the Saison coming out of the Flathead Lake Brewery tap room will keep me coming back for more.

Northwest Craft Beer Aficionado

2013-03-10T14:31:00.000-06:00

The joys of craft beer continue to spread far and wide, and we think that is terrific. To help spread the love, Flathead Valley resident, Jeffrey von Kiper (who is now also a Montana Beer Spotter), recently launched the Northwest Craft Beer Aficionado - a place "to blog, share experiences, post comments, promote events and brews, & upload photos of craft beer and breweries from around Montana, Idaho, & Wyoming."

Please take a moment to become a fan and follow Jeffrey's craft beer journey throughout the Northwest.

Interested in becoming a Montana Beer Spotter? We need you!

See Jeffrey's posts on Montana Beer Finder here.

Elysian Beer Now Available At Good Food Store, Others

2013-03-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

In advance of their statewide distribution kick-off tour, dubbed "Montana Elysian Week," Seattle's Elysian Brewing Co.'s beers have hit the shelves around Montana. Good Food Store in Missoula has six packs of Loser Pale Ale, Mens Room Original Red, and Immortal IPA, priced at $8.99 per six pack. They also have 22 oz bombers of Dragonstooth Stout and Avatar Jasmine IPA, priced at $7.99 a bomber.

A similar (if not exact) selection is likely on the shelf at your favorite beer store and pricing is varying quite a bit. Markus Foods in Whitefish, for example, has the same price on six packs but is offering a sale on bombers for $3.99 (regularly $4.49), according to their Facebook post. Brix Bottleshop in Kalispell also has Bete Blanche Belgian Tripel.

New Bottle Shop in Kalispell

2013-03-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

Brix Bottleshop, a specialty beer and wine shop, occupies part of the old historic building locally know as The Loading Dock.

Even though their primary focus is on wine, they have a section of the store devoted to hard to find beer and if they don't have it in stock they will make an attempt to get it. You can buy any size beer by the each or create your own 6-pack using any brand they have on hand. They discount beer 5% on 6 or more bottles too.

Brix is located at 101 E. Center Street, in Kalispell. Brix is open Monday through Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday 11 am - 5 pm. Contact them at 406.393.2202

Desert Mountain Brewing & Draughthaus in Columbia Falls to have grand opening tonight (3.8.13)

2013-03-08T15:00:00.003-07:00

Desert Mountain Brewery & Draughthaus is open for business, and business is booming! DMBD actually opened on Wednesday, but tonight (3.8.13) was set aside for the grand opening. To kick it off right, Grandma's Little Darlings will be entertaining you from 5-8. Drop on by for some music, mingling, and some fantastic craft brews. On tap will be Two Ocean IPA (ABV: 7.0, IBU:85), Bad Marriage Blonde (ABV: 6.0, IBU: 11), and Siyeh Stout (ABV: 5.9, IBU: 35). Odd names for beer you say? No, not at all. Each craft beer that DMBD creates will carry the name of a local natural landmark (mountains, lake, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls, etc.).

When you visit Desert Mountain Brewery & Draughthaus, you will find it to be a cozy little nano-brewery, just the right size for Columbia Falls. The brewery interior is well thought out and comfortable, considering the size of the space that they had to work with. From the earth tone colors on the wall, to the use of beautiful, rough-cut, blue pine hardwood floors, this brewery hits a home run.

Sustainable and reused material is the order of the day at DMBD. The bar top is made from an old growth log that's been laying on the bottom of Flathead Lake for the past 100 years. Its base is wrapped in corrugated, galvanized steel that was reclaimed from an old barn being torn down near Great Falls. On the wall hangs a chalk board, that was rescued from a Nebraska school house about to be demolished and there you will find the vital statistics (ABV's and IBU's) of each of their brews.

The brewing tanks themselves are not hidden away in some warehouse out of sight, but rather a part of the interior. This is a feature unique to me which gives the place a different dynamic than most breweries, as it's a constant reminder of exactly where the beer came from that I am drinking.

When you combine the natural construction material, the diamond plate face of the boiler burner stand and those 3 big, shiny, brewing tanks up front, it gives the place a rustic, modern, and industrial look all at the same time that somehow manages to work well with each other aesthetically .

If you are headed to, or returning from, the Park or just want a new place to enjoy a great craft brew, then this needs to be on your list of places to visit. Hours of operation will be Wednesday - Sunday, 12 noon to 8 pm.

Jeffrey von Kiper

Knock, Knock. Who's There? It's Elysian Brewing Coming to Montana

2013-03-08T10:30:00.001-07:00

If you haven't yet heard, Elysian Brewing will start distributing to Montana next week, and to kick off their release they are hosting a week-long schedule of stops across the state.

For a short history lesson on Elysian Brewing, the Seattle-based brewery has brewed over 200 different beers since opening its doors back in 1996, but it all started with the Wise ESB, followed by Dragonstooth Stout, the Immortal IPA, Zephyrus Pilsner, and Perseus Porter. The brewing company operates three Seattle brewpubs (Elysian Capitol Hill, Tangletown in the Greenlake area and Elysian Fields by Centurylink Field) and a production brewery in the Georgetown neighborhood.

For the true history buffs out there, the Elysian plains, according to Greek mythology, were the final resting places for mortals either related to or chosen by the gods where they would remain after death to live a happy and blessed life [drinking beer?].

In Montana, Elysian will tour the state next week, and here's where you can catch them (from the Elysian Montana Week Facebook Event):

Join us as we travel across the state launching Elysian with Great Beer and Live Music at every stop! Music will be performed by our very own co-founder, David Buhler, from his new album - "What You Dream."

Tour Events ::

WHITEFISH/KALLISPELL -
Monday, March 11, 2013 @ The Great Northern Bar & Grill 8PM-Late
Join us for live music from David Buhler and great beers on tap. Loser Pale Ale, Immortal IPA, and Mens Room Red will be available all night.

The Great Northern Bar & Grill :: 27 Central Ave. Whitefish, MT 59937 406.862.2816

MISSOULA -
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 @ The Rhinoceros 7PM-10PM
See you at the Rhino for live music and beers. Mens Room Red, Immortal IPA, and Loser Pale Ale will be on tap.

The Rhinoceros :: 158 Ryman St. Missoula, MT 59802 406.721.6061

BOZEMAN -
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 @ The Bacchus Pub 4PM-6PM
Come say hi to Matt Thompson, Dave Chappel, and David Buhler for happy hour. Enjoy some Elysian beers and live music from David Buhler after your work day.

The Bacchus Pub :: 105 W Main St. Bozeman, MT 59715 406.522.0079

BILLINGS -
Thursday, March 14th, 2013 @ The Railyard 7PM-10PM
End the work week (almost) with a variety of Elysian beers on tap and live music from David Buhler.

The Railyard :: 2526 Montana Ave. Billings, MT 59101 406.867.2337

We are excited to be opening up Montana and we hope you and your friends can make it out to some of our events.

*Photo courtesy Elysian Brewing's Facebook page.

Anti-Montana Brewery Bill To Be Introduced

2013-03-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

A bill that would force most Montana breweries to close their doors is being introduced by the MTA and Roger Hagan (R-Great Falls). Below is an article from the Montana Brewers Association explaining the proposed bill along with a list of people to contact about voting no on this bill.

Montana Tavern Association Boasts Bringing Anti-Brewery Bill in Tavern Times

The anti-brewery bill that you've been hearing about is still coming, and a new article in The Tavern Times makes that very clear. LC1429 by Roger Hagan (R-Great Falls) intends to shackle the craft brewing industry. This bill will make a mockery of all the good the craft brewing industry has brought in the last 10 years. Large established breweries are somewhat protected from some aspects of the bill, but this legislation will stop or seriously hinder any new brewery entering the market, eliminate any start-ups, and let the MTA call the shots on what breweries can grow and when. Odd how these things happen when you have a sanctioned monopoly at play. The final language or a bill number are not yet available, but this is what we have learned thus far:

Brewers' on premise sales would be severely limited based on their barrel production volume:

300 barrels a year - 100%

301-500 barrels a year - 60%
501-1,000 barrels a year - 50%
1,001 to 10,000 barrels a year - 40%
Over 10,000 barrels - buy a license

Brewers could purchase retail licenses (big $), and retailers license holders could purchase brewers licenses (small $).

Brewers would have to completely close their doors to the public at 8pm sharp! Currently, customers must finish their beer by 9pm- a reasonable approach. With this new law there would be no growler sales after 8pm as the public would not be allowed on site after 8pm and before 10am. I'm sure our traveling public and visitors are going to love these regulations in the summer time.

Brewers cannot have any food, music (live or broadcast), or entertainment whatsoever. Popcorn is now illegal.

Brewers could request special permits to serve their beer at 10 events a year. Better choose em' carefully.

We are watching the MTA very closely and will let everyone know when the details of the bill are finalized, who you can contact, and when. This Bill is likely to be heard in the House Business and Labor Committee. Many of the committee members have already indicated support for brewers and possess no interest in this type of bill coming forward (Republicans and many Democrats alike). Roger Hagan is obviously not one of those, and Rep. Rob Cook (R-Conrad) may still carry this bad legislation forward. We are told to expect a bill draft to be available for a hearing late next week (March 14th, 15th, or the following week). Please be prepared to come to Helena if you can, and certainly ready to contact committee members when the time is right!

The Montana Brewers Association thanks you for your support of local beer that is always

Brewed from the Ground Up

Here is a list of people to contact about voting no on this bill.

rahagan@msn.com, tom@tomberrymt.com, ccboland35@gmail.com, Cristy_Clark@ymail.com, amanda@curtisforbutte.com, fitzpatricks@bresnan.net, edgreef@hotmail.com, chunter717@bresnan.net, montanahd35@gmail.com, jonathanmcniven@gmail.com, mooreformontana@gmail.com, dansalomon12@gmail.com, info@votereilly.com, peppers@rangeweb.net, bigdogarmwrestling@yahoo.com, sreichner@centurytel.net, cary@bresnan.net, sqigs@msn.com, mtsteenberg@bresnan.net, jeffwelborn@hotmail.com