Montana: Moose, Mountains, & Microbrews

Montanans are sometimes thought of as "behind the times" and "a little slow" when it comes to the latest trends, but we live by a different set of rules than the rest of the country. We may set a bit slower pace, but we follow the golden rule, do deals on a handshake, and if something is broke, we fix it. These principles can be witnessed in every aspect of our lives, even down to the beer we drink.

Yes, Montanans love their beer, but some of those "Eastern" beers just didn't meet the quality standards of certain folks who decided that most of the ingredients to make beer were readily available in Montana, why not brew something that would not only satisfy the most demanding palate, but also distinctly say "Made in Montana.". Hence, the stage was set for several establishments to create their own hand-crafted brews that not only draw discerning tourists and beer connoisseurs from around the globe, but have quietly crept onto the national market. Montana has many fine microbreweries, each with their own unique blend, but we will look at three of the more recognized brew businesses. The only thing more creative than the beers themselves, are the names they possess.

Big Sky Brewing, based out of Missoula, boasts one of the state's best selling beers called Moose Drool. The name may not be too appetizing, but the beer is mighty good. Probably one of the best brown ales you'll have the pleasure of drinking. Moose Drool is a malty beer with just enough hops to keep it from being too sweet. Scape Goat Pale Ale is notable for its Gold Medal performance in the North American Brewers' Association competition. It is a very smooth English style Pale Ale. Other favorites include Trout Slayer, a wheat ale considered to be a session beer, meaning one that you stick with because of its delicate balance and moderate alcohol content. Slow Elk, a malty oatmeal stout available as one of their seasonal offerings. Brewery tours and a taproom are available to satisfy your curiosity.

Glacier Brewing, Polson, MT, produces an award winning Golden Grizzly Ale which is brewed to be light-bodied, moderately hopped and mega thirst quenching. Perfect for lunchtime or as an after dinner quaff. Another award winner, Slurry Bomber Stout which is a fairly dry but very dark ale possesses a distinct roasted chocolate creamy flavor. Flathead Cherry Ale started out to be a fruity seasonal offering, but public outcry has a year round favorite that is now being bottled for wider appeal. A taproom is available for sampling their fine wares.

Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company in Billings prides itself in their fine ales. Black Widow Stout is a smooth malty oatmeal stout and a 1998 Gold Medal winner. It's a winner in our books. Huckle-Weizen is a huckleberry wheat beer that isn't overpowering but did overpower the competition by taking the silver medal in the 2002 World Cup series. Grizzly Wulff Wheat is a clear wheat beer chosen by Playboy Magazine (July 2003) as one of the best microbrew beers across America.

The folks of Montana have seemed to "fix" what they didn't like about traditional beers. A plethora of award winning brews will testify to that. Unique tastes, unique names, made by unique people who have the distinct pleasure of saying, "It's Made in Montana!"