The 17 best breweries in Montana: Your complete guide

 

Montana is quickly growing one of the best brewery scenes in the United States. The number of great breweries in Montana has exploded in the past two decades, and the state is now among the country’s leaders in craft breweries. When you consider Montana’s quality of life and malt production, it’s not surprising that brewers are taking advantage of its rich resources. To help you navigate this new scene of breweries lets dig into the list of the best breweries in Montana.

From the college towns of Missoula and Bozeman to rural communities around the state, finding a quality brewery is never difficult. This list features 17 of the top breweries in Montana that continue to shape its incredible beer scene. Whether your preference is traditional lagers or hoppy IPAs, you’ll always find a brew that quenches your thirst.

 

17 Best Breweries in Montana

 

Bozeman Brewing Company | Blackfoot River Brewing Co | Flathead Lake Brewing Co. | Draught Works Brewery | MAP Brewing Company | Imagine Nation Brewing | Philipsburg Brewing Company | Kalispell Brewing Company | KettleHouse Brewing Co. | Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. | 406 Brewing | Beaver Creek Brewery | Madison River Brewing Co. | Big Sky Brewing Co. | Blacksmith Brewing Company | Harvest Moon Brewing Co | Beaverhead Brewing Company |

 

1. Bozeman Brewing Company

504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715

Known as the Bozone, the Bozeman Brewing Company is Bozeman’s first brewing company. Located beside the Bozeman Brewery Historic District, the tasting room features 16 delicious craft beers on tap.

From small-batch seasonal ales to sours, you’ll find the beer that soothes your palate whenever you visit Bozeman. With 20+ beers on the menu, deciding on the right can, bottle, or brew can be tough at Bozeman Brewing Company. The staff divides beer recipes into Classics (year-round) and Mavericks (unique releases) for thirsty customers.

Year-round favorites include the Bozone Amber Ale, Hopzone IPA, Plum Street Porter, and Gallatin Pale. For a Montana ski trip, the Pinhead Pilsner hits the spot after riding the slopes. After an exciting afternoon hiking around Bozeman, try the Hey Bear Honey Kölsch or the limited release Haze Hugger Hazy IPA for a refreshing drink. Don’t forget to check out the bottles of the Bozeman Underground collection that include the Funky Virtue Brett Tripel 2019, Hopsour D.H. American Sour 2020, and many more.

 

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2. Blackfoot River Brewing Co

66 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601

The team at Blackfoot River Brewing has created some of Montana’s finest brews for over 20 years which is exactlu why they are one of the best breweries in Montana. Founded by three dedicated beer enthusiasts, Blackfoot River grew from a dream into a reality after several years of experimenting in Helena. The trio wanted to open a brewery that catered to the community and wasn’t like the played-out bar scene.

Blackfoot River produces beers that are unfiltered and never pasteurized to ensure their dedicated customers always taste high-quality beers. You’ll find nearly a dozen draught beers inside the taproom, and the lineup changes daily. Whether you taste a brew in a 12oz or buy a Blackfoot River growler, you’ll be joined by good friends and a laid-back vibe.

The Italian Pale Lager is light and has a touch of sweetness, and their New England Style IPA is filled with citrusy hops. Taste the bold flavors of Scotland with the Tartanic Scottish Ale or enjoy an Oktoberfest Lager during the fall. The Blackfoot River beer archive contains over 100 brews in total, and customers can check out their website to find out what’s currently on tap.

 

 

 

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3. Flathead Lake Brewing Co.

116 Holt Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911

The Flathead Lake Brewing Company is another one of the best breweries in Montana. They combines excellent food, craft beer, and a vibrant atmosphere to delight its customers. Nestled near the shores of Flathead Lake, the brewery and pub house invites your taste buds to some of Montana’s most enticing flavors. Dining at the establishment’s Big Fork location offers stunning views of the lake while you sip one of their 16 tap selections.

Flathead Lake Brewing’s beer menu is always in high demand, and you’ll find several award-winning choices. The silver medal Bluff Charge Pale Ale uses a variety of fruity hops, and the Centennial IPA celebrates the 100th anniversary of Glacier National Park (LINK TO BLOG POST). Sample the Two Rivers Pale for pine, citrus, and floral aromas or the chocolatey Painted Rock Porter that earned a bronze medal at the 2006 Beer World Cup.

Don’t forget to pair your brew with the pub house’s seasonal menu that features a wide range of dishes. Gourmet burgers are their speciality, but the menu also includes Pastrami on Rye, Pulled Pork, Chicken Pot Pie, and Garden Portabella. Downstairs in the Cellar, you can stuff your belly with Chicago-style deep dish pizza after an exhausting outdoor adventure.

 

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4. Draught Works Brewery 

915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT 59802

Draught Works Brewery lives by the philosophy of producing high-quality beers that give customers a refreshing taste. Not only does the Draught Works crew make traditional ales and lagers, but they’re also not afraid to experiment to create unique brews. After being named the ‘Best Brewery in Missoula’ from 2018-2020, it’s clear that passion for the brewing process is paying off.

With around 20 beers on tap, Draught Works always has something available to soothe your palate. The Fruit Rolled Up Hazy Peach IPA is bursting with fruity flavors, and the Cosmic Lightning Intergalactic IPA is a citrusy brew from another galaxy. Enjoy a midday fiesta with the Camino Mexican-style Lager or taste notes of coffee inside the Café Au Lait Coffee Cream Ale.

The Huckleberry Sour has touches of honey and Montana huckleberries, and Kartoffel Shuffle Potato Lager will remind you of crispy chips. Draught Works Brewery also delves into the world of seltzers with their mountain berry and tropical express hard seltzers.

 

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5. MAP Brewing Company

 

510 Manley Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715

To land themselves on the list of the best breweries in Montana, MAP Brewing’s provide their customers with high-quality Montana beer and unbeatable hospitality. The scenic mountain backdrop eases nature lovers, and the MAP taproom is the community that welcomes all beer lovers. To complement your beer of choice, the MAP Grill whips up Yellowstone Grassfed beef, salads, and tasty appetizers in the kitchen.

The award-winning brewery has earned numerous accolades in recent years, and it’s always exciting to see what’s on tap next. With 15 combined year-round and seasonal beers, you’re sure to find the craft beer that soothes your palate. You’ll find everything from Scottish ales and IPAs to stouts and Kölsch classics.

The Soul Charger soothes your taste buds after an exciting day in the mountains, and the Party Lager fits with any celebration. Try the 80 Chain oatmeal stout for bold roasted coffee flavor and dark chocolate notes. The Midas Crush is a West Coast Style IPA that combines fruity elements for a refreshing taste. For the seasonal brews, the Gravity Rider German Amber pairs with those chilly fall nights, and the Strawberry Rhubarb Sour is an easy-drinking sour during summer.

 

 

 

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6. Imagine Nation Brewing

 

1151 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802

Imagine Nation Brewing transformed the craft beer scene by becoming the first brewery in the United States to include a center for community transformation. The company’s goal is to combine delicious beer and collaborative dialogue to overcome the social challenges of today’s society. The founders of Imagine Nation Brewing worked in conflict zones around the world and use their experiences to create an innovative type of gathering spot.

The community center includes a classroom that allows locals in Missoula to conduct outreach programs. Since opening the microbrewery, Imagine Nation has hosted around 3,000 events, and the classroom is booked at least six days per week. The local community continues to embrace Imagine Nation and many non-profits in the area partner with the facility for positive social change.

Their forward-thinking beer menu includes a variety of IPAs and also features some gluten-reduced brews. The Unified Field W.E. Coast IPA contains intense big passion fruit, guava, and sweet orange flavors, and the Pattern that Connects Lychee Milkshake NEIPA is brewed with Topaz hops and has notes of mango. For a brew with reduced gluten levels, try the Czech Republic-influenced Building Blocs Bohemian Pilsner or Widening Circles Dusseldorf-Style Altbier.

 

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7. Philipsburg Brewing Company

101 W Broadway St, Philipsburg, MT 59858

The Philipsburg Brewing Company first opened its doors in 2012 and is a self-sustaining business that aims to serve the beer community. Located in downtown Philipsburg, the brewing team uses premier Montana malt and mountain water to produce a lineup with award-winning lagers and ales. The brewery hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights to create a festive environment while you sip your beer.

On the staple list, you’ll find several nationally and internationally recognized brews that soothe taste buds year-round. The Haybag American Hefeweizen is the heavy-hitter taking home multiple medals in its lifespan. Using 40% malted white wheat from Washington and Cascade and Willamette hops, the wheat beer combines citrus and cereal flavors.

To quench your thirst on scorching summer days, the Otter Water Session Pale Ale provides citrus hops without the bitterness of typical pales. A 2017 Best of Craft Beer Gold Medal, the Razzu! Raspberry Wheat gives you an infusion of tarty Oregon raspberries. From the seasonal collection, the Vorfreude Vienna Lager, Flint Creek California Common, and 5 Phantoms Pumpkin Spice Barleywine are just a few that have earned awards.

 

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8. Kalispell Brewing Company

412 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901

Kalispell Brewing Company opened its doors in 2014 to become the town’s first brewery, and it makes a fantastic stopping point when visiting Glacier National Park. Just 45 minutes from the beloved park, the top Montana brewery brings their love of beer to the Kalispell community and attempts to cultivate an appreciation for the art of beer making. After an adventurous day in the outdoors, delve into some of the state’s finest ingredients and converse with fellow beer lovers in town.

From its award-winning flagships to seasonable beers, Kalispell Brewing always has something that satisfies your palate. The German-style Two Ski Pilsner has a crisp finish, and the Snow Slip Stout tastes sweet and contains a hint of vanilla. Try the bitter, citrusy Cloudcroft IPA to taste a variety of hops or the Oktoberfest Märzen Lager when fall rolls around. Other seasonal beers include the Hole in the Wall Hefeweizen, Raptor’s Rest Juicy IPA, and Barrel Aged Sour.

 

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9. KettleHouse Brewing Co.

313 N 1st St W, Missoula, MT 59802

KettleHouse Brewing Company’s mission is to pair Montana’s beers with its great outdoors. The owners teamed with their chemist friends and began experimenting in the kitchen to create smooth brews like mad scientists. After migrating to Montana, they established their base in Missoula to form KettleHouse Brewing. From Scotch ales to porters, the taproom features a variety of flavors that will appeal to beer lovers of all backgrounds.

The Cold Smoke Scotch Ale is the brand’s biggest winner and offers a smooth taste with a sweet coffee finish. For the dog days of summer, the Hellgate Honey Hefeweizen refreshes your palate, and the Northwest IPA is filled with citrusy hops. Get more fruity, tropical hops with their Shady New England Style IPA or taste caramel malts in the Fresh Bongwater Hemp Pale Ale.

 

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10. Lewis & Clark Brewing Co.

1517 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Named the 2018 Small Brewing Company of the Year by the Great American Beer Festival, Lewis & Clark Brewing has produced award-winning beers for nearly 20 years. The inspiration behind the company was the westward pioneers, Lewis & Clark, whose determination revealed new lands in the United States. Using the same explorer’s spirit, the brewers at Lewis & Clark Brewing push the boundaries to bring you delicious Montana brews.

The Miner’s Gold Hefeweizen earned a gold medal at the 2018 World Beer Cup, and the Prickly Pear Pale Ale is brewed from real prickly pear cactus fruit. Customers go wild for the Juicy HAZY Obsession India Pale Ale, and their flagship Tumbleweed IPA has earned multiple awards. Other funky beer recipes include the Halo Huckleberry Hefeweizen, Helena Haze New England style IPA, and Back Country Scottish Ale.

 

 

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11. 406 Brewing

114 E Main St, Manhattan, MT 59741

The 406 Brewing team isn’t afraid to test the limits to invigorate your palate with flavorful brews. Using their distinct experimental style, the brewers create recipes that appeal to a wide range of beer enthusiasts. The crew invites a diverse community of beer lovers together to sip delicious craft brews, eat mouthwatering food, listen to music, and enjoy each other’s company. The quality of their beers and the beer loving community they have created is really what placed them among the best breweries in Montana.

Their beer menu features smooth ales that provide rich flavor with an easy finish. Sample the Big Blonde Ale, Oh Honey Ale, or Blonde Ale for a crisp brew during your visit. For a beer on the fruity side, the Peach Cobbler and Hop Punch IPA maybe something more suited to your taste buds.

406 Brewing was a mainstay in the Bozeman community for around a decade, but they decided to move to a bigger facility in Manhattan. Although the move is only 25 minutes away, doubling the brewery’s square footage will open the door for more experimentation.

 

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12. Beaver Creek Brewer 

104 Orgain Ave, Wibaux, MT 59353

Just 30 minutes from North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Beaver Creek Brewery is a hidden gem in the charming town of Wibaux. Known locally as Eastern Montana’s “Beer Oasis,” Beaver Creek’s brilliant entrepreneur founders bring you authentic Montana craft beer. Combined with the adjacent Historic Gem Theatre and Pub, the venue offers guests fantastic beer, delicious food, and incredible entertainment.

The Rusty Beaver Wheat Ale is beloved by locals for its touch of sweet orange peel and smooth malty finish. Winner of the 2009 People’s Choice Award at the Montana Brewer’s Association Brew Festival, the Redheaded India Pale Ale has a rich amber color and a touch of malt sweetness. Don’t sleep on the Castor Mexican Amber Ale served with a lime wedge or the light lemongrass flavor of the Rough Rider Wheat Ale.

 

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13. Madison River Brewing Co

20900 Frontage Rd Building B, Belgrade, MT 59714

Just 15 minutes outside of Bozeman, Madison River Brewing rests in the outdoorsman’s paradise of the Gallatin Valley. The rustic town of Belgrade treats hikers, cyclists, skiers, anglers, and other nature enthusiasts to delicious craft beers at one of the best breweries in Montana. Situated in a world-class fly-fishing country, the brewery’s namesake is one of the pristine rivers in its backyard.

From American-style wheat ales to oatmeal stouts, Madison River Brewing has a wide range of brews to satisfy your preference. The Copper John Scotch Ale uses the finest smoked malt for intense flavor, and the Salmon Fly Honey Rye combines a unique blend of malted barley and Montana honey. Seasonal brews include the Earl Grey Pale Ale, Barrel Aged Black Ghost Stout, Hazy Imperial IPL, Lime Trude Saison, and New Montana Pale Ale.

 

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14. Big Sky Brewing Co

5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, MT 59808

Big Sky Brewing Company has its roots from a pair of friends who moved from Michigan to Missoula and teamed up with a fellow beer lover to start a brewery in the 1990s. After tasting the lagers from Bayern Brewing Company, they wanted to develop a brewery specializing in English style ales. The brewery opened its current location in 2002 and now produces thousands of cases that ship to nearly half the United States.

The business started with draught beers, and Big Sky Brewing still has an impressive list of brews on tap. Their vast collection of ales include the Moose Drool American Brown Ale, Raspberry Blonde Ale, and Summer Honey Seasonal Wheat Ale. The Big Sky IPA and Shake-A-Day IPA highlight their list of India Pale Ales. Also, check out the Chocolate Cherry Stout, Irish Style Stout, or the Gluten-free Lemon Ginger Basil for other incredible flavors.

 

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15. Blacksmith Brewing Company

114 W Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870

Just 35 minutes south of Missoula, Blacksmith Brewing Company transformed a former blacksmith shop into a taproom. For over 10 years, Blacksmith Brewing has produced some of the tastiest brews in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. As one of the best breweries they serve handcrafted beer made from Montana grown barley and they host live music on Saturday nights.

The mainstay brews soothe taste buds year-round and feature a wide range of flavors that appeal to all beer connoisseurs. Try the Brickhouse Blonde for a smooth malty body and crisp finish or taste the chocolate and coffee flavors of the Pulaski Porter. The Montana Amber has notes of caramel and chocolate, and the Cutthroat IPA contains floral and citrus notes to quench your thirst during summer.

 

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16. Harvest Moon Brewing Co

7 5th St S, Belt, MT 59412

Harvest Moon Brewing produces its beer from pure Madison Aquifer water and high-quality Montana grain. Situated in the west-central town of Belt, customers will find a rustic charm that’s unlike other Montana breweries. The pristine water source for Harvest Moon enables the staff to pump unchlorinated water from the tap for an incredible taste.

Whether your preference is a bottle or can, Harvest Moon produces refreshing brews bursting with flavors. The award-winning Beltian White uses Czechoslovakian Saaz hops with hints of coriander and orange peel. If you love smoky brews, the Loch and Lode Scotch Ale hits the spot. The Elevator Imperial India Pale Ale features a variety of malts and hops for a rich, balanced flavor.

 

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17. Beaverhead Brewing Company

218 S Montana St, Dillon, MT 59725

Beaverhead Brewing Company came from humble beginnings and hard work to restore a historic Montana location. Its name came from the original brewery that operated in Dillon over 100 years ago and closed at the start of Prohibition. The brewery produced some of the finest beer in Montana at the time, and its revival is bringing Dillon residents excellent craft beer once again.

On its year-round menu, the Poindexter Pilsner, Whitetail Witbier, Beaver Slide IPA, and Armstead Amber are crowd favorites. For those scorching summer afternoons, the Yellow Sally Bright Ale and Henry Plummer’s Golden Ale are refreshing brews. The Snowcrest Dark Lager drinks easy during winter, Terminus Oktoberfest gets you ready for fall festivals, and Beaverhead Bock was the original beer made before Prohibition.

 

Which of these 17 best breweries in Montana are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments?