Best 14 Breweries in Montana: Top Places to Enjoy Craft Beer

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Montana is home to some of the best breweries in the United States. With nearly 100 breweries in the state, Montana has become a destination for beer lovers from all over the world. The breweries in Montana offer a wide range of craft beers, from classic lagers to hoppy IPAs, and everything in between.

Montana’s breweries are known for their high-quality, handcrafted beers that are made with the finest ingredients. Many of the breweries in Montana are microbreweries, which means that they produce beer in small batches, allowing them to experiment with new flavors and styles. Craft beer has become a big part of Montana’s culture, and the state’s breweries have become a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the best of what Montana has to offer.

Spotlight on Key Breweries

Big Sky Brewing Company

Big Sky Brewing Company is one of the largest breweries in Montana, founded in 1995. They are famous for their flagship beer, Moose Drool Brown Ale, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the brewery. They also offer a wide variety of other beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts.

Website: https://bigskybrew.com/

Address: 5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, MT 59808, United States

Bozeman Brewing Company

Bozeman Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Bozeman, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including pale ales, IPAs, and stouts. They are known for their Hopzone IPA and their Plum Street-Porter.

Website: https://bozemanbrewing.com/

Address: 504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Flathead Lake Brewing Company

Flathead Lake Brewing Company is a brewery located in Bigfork, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Flathead Cherry Ale, which is made with local cherries.

Website: http://flatheadlakebrewing.com/

Address: 116 Holt Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911, United States

Blackfoot River Brewing Company

Blackfoot River Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Helena, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Single Malt IPA and their Double Black Diamond Stout.

Website: http://www.blackfootriverbrewing.com/

Address: 66 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States

Bitter Root Brewing

Bitter Root Brewing is a small brewery located in Hamilton, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their IPA and their Nut Brown Ale.

Website: http://www.bitterrootbrewing.com/

Address: 101 Marcus St, Hamilton, MT 59840, United States

Philipsburg Brewing Company

Philipsburg Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Philipsburg, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Haybag Hefeweizen and their Razzu Raspberry Wheat.

Website: http://www.philipsburgbrew.com/

Address: 101 W Broadway St, Philipsburg, MT 59858, United States

Blacksmith Brewing

Blacksmith Brewing is a small brewery located in Stevensville, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Saddle Bronc Brown and their Knuckle Dragger IPA.

Website: http://blacksmithbrewing.com/

Address: 114 Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870, United States

Mountains Walking Brewery

Mountains Walking Brewery is a small brewery located in Bozeman, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Milkshake IPA and their Hazy IPA.

Website: http://www.mountainswalking.com/

Address: 422 Plum Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

Bayern Brewing, Inc

Bayern Brewing, Inc. is a small brewery located in Missoula, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including lagers and pilsners. They are known for their Bayern Pilsner and their Dragon’s Breath Dark Lager.

Website: http://www.bayernbrewery.com/

Address: 1507 Montana St, Missoula, MT 59801, United States

Madison River Brewing Company

Madison River Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Belgrade, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Salmon Fly Honey Rye and their Copper John Scotch Ale.

Website: http://www.madisonriverbrewing.com/

Address: 20900 Frontage Rd Building B, Belgrade, MT 59714, United States

Kettlehouse Brewing Co

Kettlehouse Brewing Co. is a small brewery located in Missoula, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Cold Smoke Scotch Ale and their Double Haul IPA.

Website: https://kettlehouse.com/

Address: 605 Cold Smoke Ave, Bonner-West Riverside, MT 59823, United States

Neptune’s Brewery

Neptune’s Brewery is a small brewery located in Livingston, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Kraken Black IPA and their Sea Monster Stout.

Website: https://neptunesbrewery.com/

Address: 119 N L St, Livingston, MT 59047, United States

Mighty Mo Brewing Company

Mighty Mo Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Great Falls, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Beltian White and their Sip ‘n Go Naked.

Website: https://mightymobrewpub.com/

Address: 412 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401, United States

Draught Works Brewery

Draught Works Brewery is a small brewery located in Missoula, Montana. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They are known for their Scepter Head IPA and their Pineapple Express Wheat.

Website: http://www.draughtworksbrewery.com/

Address: 915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

Highlight on Signature Beers

Montana is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and each brewery has its own unique signature beers that are worth trying. Here are some of the most popular signature beers in Montana:

  • Cold Smoke Scotch Ale from KettleHouse Brewing Company: This beer is a smooth and smoky Scotch Ale that has won multiple awards. It has a rich, malty flavor with hints of caramel and chocolate.
  • Moose Drool Brown Ale from Big Sky Brewing Company: This beer is a classic American brown ale that has been a favorite among Montanans for over 20 years. It has a nutty, caramel flavor with a smooth finish.
  • Trout Slayer from Big Sky Brewing Company: This is a light, refreshing beer that is perfect for a hot day. It is a Belgian-style wheat ale that has a citrusy flavor with a hint of coriander.
  • Ivan the Terrible Imperial Stout from Big Sky Brewing Company: This is a strong, dark beer that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. It has a rich, chocolatey flavor with notes of coffee and dark fruit.
  • Sharptail Pale Ale from Lewis & Clark Brewing Company: This beer is a classic American pale ale that is brewed with Cascade hops. It has a citrusy, floral flavor with a crisp finish.
  • Bavarian-style Hefeweizen from Bayern Brewing: This beer is a traditional German-style wheat beer that is brewed with 50% wheat malt. It has a light, refreshing flavor with notes of banana and clove.
  • Juicy Hazy Obsession from Bozeman Brewing Company: This beer is a New England-style IPA that is brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops. It has a juicy, tropical flavor with a hazy appearance.

These are just a few of the many signature beers that Montana has to offer. Whether you prefer IPAs, pilsners, scotch ales, or porters, there is a beer in Montana that will suit your taste.

The Beer Culture in Montana

Montana is home to a thriving beer culture that attracts locals and beer lovers from around the world. With a growing number of nano breweries and microbreweries, Montana has become a popular destination for beer enthusiasts.

One of the unique features of Montana’s beer culture is its emphasis on local ingredients. Many breweries in the state source their hops and barley from local farms, creating a distinct flavor that is unique to Montana. This commitment to using local ingredients has also helped support the state’s agricultural industry.

Montana’s beer culture is not limited to just breweries. Many hotels and bed and breakfasts in the state offer beer-themed packages, which include tours of local breweries and tastings of the state’s best beers. These packages are a great way for visitors to experience Montana’s beer culture firsthand.

Overall, Montana’s beer culture is a reflection of the state’s rugged and independent spirit. With a focus on quality ingredients and a commitment to innovation, Montana’s breweries are producing some of the best beers in the country. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no better way to experience Montana than through its beer culture.