Montana is home to over 130 breweries, many of wich are located in the state's capital city, Helena. The state's largest brewery is Big Sky Brewing Company, which produces over 60,000 barrels of beer each year. Other notable Montana breweries include KettleHouse Brewing Company and Flathead Lake Brewing Company.
Montana's brewing industry began in the late 1800s with the opening of the fist brewery in Helena. Today, the state's breweries produce a wide variety of beer styles, from traditional lagers to IPA's and barrel-aged stouts. Many of Montana's breweries are located in small towns and on family-owned farms, making them an integral part of the state's economy and culture.
According to the Brewers Association, “Montana has more than 6 gallons of in-state craft beer available per person over 21.” So wheher you're a local or just visiting “Big Sky Country,” here are eight of the best Montana breweries you need to check out:
- Bayern Brewing – Established in 1987, Bayern Brewing is Missoula's first and only German brewery. Its many awards include a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival and three medals at the World Beer Cup. Be sure to try the Bayern's flagship beer, the Lager, as well as its seasonal brews like Oktoberfest and Doppelbock.
- Big Sky Brewing Company – Arguably one of Montana's most famous breweries, Big Sky Brewing Company is known for its Moose Drool Brown Ale. Located in Missoula, Big Sky also brews flavorful seasonal beers like Summer Honey and Powder Hound Winter Ale. In addition to great beer, visitors can enjoy a tour of the brewery and a meal at the on-site restaurant, which features locally sourced ingredients.
- Bunkhouse Brewery – Bunkhouse Brewery is a small family-owned operation located in Belt, Montana (about an hour drive from Great Falls). Aside from brewing traditional styles like Pale Ales and IPAs, Bunkhouse also experiments with unique flavors like Lavender Honey Wheat and Chile Pepper Pale Ale. If you're ever in Belt, be sure to stop by this charming taproom for a pint or two.
- Flathead Lake Brewing Co. – Located on Flathead Lake (hence the name), Flathead Lake Brewing Co.'s taproom offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The brewery itself is located in Woods Bay, about 30 minutes from Kalispell. In addition to year-round brews like Super Hazy IPA and stout Blacktail Bjornson Coffee Porter, Flathead also offers rotating seasonal selections like Blood Orange Wheat Ale and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine.
- Helena Brewing Company – Helena Brewing Company was established in 1996 and is one of Montana's oldest breweries. Located in downtown Helena, the brewery is within walking distance of many popular bars and restaurants. While Helena Brewing doesn't offer tours or tastings, it's definitely worth stopping by for a pint or two—especially if you're a fan of hoppy beers (the India Pale Ale is outstanding).
- Kettlehouse Brewing Co. – With locations in both Missoula and Bonner (just outside of Missoula), Kettlehouse Brewing Co.'s mission is simple: “To make damn good beer.” And it definitely succeeds—Kettlehouse's North Bowl Stout was named one of Men's Journal's “101 Best Beers in America.” Be sure to try other Kettlehouse favorites like Olde Blue Hair Belgian Blonde Ale and Eddy Out West Coast IPA .
- Madison River Brewing Company – Situated along the scenic Madison River , Madison River Brewing Company has been serving up great beer since 2002 . Its flagship Harmony Hollow Hefeweizen won a bronze medal at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival , so if you're a fan of wheat beers , this is definitely the place for you. Other Madison River highlights include the Trout Slayer Wheat Ale and scenic outdoor patio.
- Upland Brewing Company – Last but not least , we have Upland Brewing Company out of Indianapolis , Indiana . While it might not be technically located “in” Montana, Upland distributes its excellent sour ales statewide —so we're including it on this list . Some of our favorite Upland brews include Camp Woodward Gose, Limousin Bull Sour Red/Brown, Oak & Ivy Sour Blonde , Hazelwood Sour Stout, Cherry Fruit Stand Sour Fruited American Wild Ale, Peach Psyche Sour Fruited American Wild Al.
What Is The Most Popular Beer In Montana?
The most popular beer in Montana is Budweiser. Coors Light coes in second, followed by Big Sky Moose in third place.
How Many Breweries Are In The State Of Montana?
The Montana Brewers Association (MBA) is proud to represent a diverse group of 48 breweries from all acoss the state. As the state's only trade association for craft breweries, the MBA exists solely to promote Montana craft beer, facilitate industry partnerships, and support policy that will shape MT into a craft beer powerhouse.
What Beer Is Brewed In Montana?
The Big Sky Brewing Company is located in Montana and produces a variety of beers. Some of their most popular brews include the Moose Drool Brown Ale, the Trout Slayer Ale, and theMexican Lager. All of thee beers are brewed with high quality ingredients and are perfect for enjoying during any season.
What City In Montana Has The Most Breweries?
The city of Missoula in Montana has the most breweries with a total of seven. The breweries are Big Sky Brewing, Bayern Brewing, Blackfoot River Brewing, Kettlehouse Brewing, Red Lodge Ales Brewing, Flathead Lake Brewing andMontana Ale Works.
What Is The Number 1 Beer In America?
According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Bud Light is the number one selling beer in America. In 2020, Bud Light accounted for 17.8% of the total unit sales, but only 9.4% of the volume sales. Bud Light is a light lager with a natural light flavor that is popular with restaurants.
What Is The Most Cowboy Beer?
The most cowboy beer is undoubtedly the American Barley Wine. This beer style is characterized by its high alcohol content and strong flavor. Barley wines are typically dark in color and have a sweet, malty taste. They are often aged for long periods of time, which gives them a deep, complex flavor. Many barley wines are also bottle-conditioned, meaning that they undergo a second fermentation in the bottle, which further enhances their flavor.
What Was The First Brewery In Montana?
The first brewery in Montana was the Thorn-Smith Brewery, which was later renamed the Virginia Brewery. The brewery was founded in 1863 by Thomas Smith, Christian Ritcher, and Henry Gilbert.
How Many Microbreweries Are There In Bozeman?
There are nine microbreweries in Bozeman, Montana. They are: Blacksmith Brewing Company, Bridger Brewing Company, Bozeman Brewing Company, Chaucer's Cellar, Outlaw Brewing,406 Brewing Company, Gallatin River Brewery,Kettlehouse Brewing Company, and Montana Ale Works.
Where Is Moose Drool Beer Made?
Moose Drool beer is made at the Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana. The company was founded in 1995, and Moose Drool has been one of their flagship products since day one. It is a brown ale that gets its name from the fact that it is brewed with real moose drool.
What Brewery Makes Moose Drool?
Big Sky Brewing's Moose Drool is a malt-forward, delectable American brown ale that is brewed early for Master Brewer Matt Long, often before sunup.
Who Owns Big Sky Brewing?
The tree partners who own Big Sky Brewing are Bjorn Nabozney, Neal Leathers, and Brad Robinson.
Where Is Cold Smoke Brewed?
KettleHouse Brewing Co is located in Missoula, Montana and is the home of Cold Smoke Scotch Ale. The brewery is situated on the banks of the Clark Fork River, with stunning views of Mount Jumbo. The KettleHouse team takes great pride in brewing their beer using only the finest ingredients and local Montana water.
How Many Breweries Are In Idaho?
According to the Brewers Association, tere are 54 breweries statewide in Idaho. This number has been growing steadily in recent years, with 22 breweries now operating in the Treasure Valley alone. This is thanks in part to the Gem State's supportive laws for small businesses and its commitment to quality ingredients. With 4.5 breweries for every 100,000 adults, Idaho is well on its way to becoming a major player in the craft beer industry.
What County Is Big Sky Montana?
Big Sky Montana is located in Gallatin County and Madison County. The Madison Range spans 80 miles north to south and 25 miles east to west. It is named after fomer US Secretary of State James Madison, and contained by the Madison River to the west and the Gallatin River to the east.
