Montana ranks second nationwide for the number of breweries per capita, so the next great craft brew is always close at hand. That means that in just about any corner of the state, you’ll find a flood of hoppy goodness ready to sip, whether as a winter warmer or a summer refresher. Grab your growlers, and check out some of these Montana breweries.
Located in the windiest city in Montana, Katabatic Brewing pays homage to Livingston’s bluster with its name. A katabatic is a cold, downslope wind that is often severe, perfect for Montana’s windy city. You’ll find their standards always on tap, with several rotators swapping out with the seasons.
Landlocked Montana might not be the most likely option for a nautical-themed brewery, but Neptune’s Brewery makes a delightful surprise. Drink like a god from offerings like the Siren Song Honey Rye or the River Nymph Golden Ale. You can also try out the collaborative restaurant, Neptune’s Taphouse and Eatery, for sushi and other Asian-themed eats.
Drink ‘til MT at Bozeman Brewing Company. You might also hear them called Bozone after their classic amber ale. The taproom is spare and cozy, focused on the brews and local pub ambiance. They’re also responsible for Montana’s largest sour production, so get ready to pucker up when you sip your way through the sour rotators
Known for craft beer and award-winning pizza, Bridger Brewing draws inspiration from wild places to create its beers. Between their airy space, good eats, and favorite rotators and flagships, you’ll find something to love at Bridger. You can also check out their new location in Three Forks.
Small, local, and craft are the name of the game at Bunkhouse. With weekly events and specials to keep things interesting, not to mention a selection of brews to tease your palate, Bunkhouse warms up its cozy atmosphere with big flavor. Visit them near the university and in Four Corners.
MAP makes beer to get excited about, served in front of a mountain backdrop that will have you craving patio weather. It’s all about community and quality in this place, fueled by good eats and weekly live music.
Mountains Walking makes a play for adventurous brews in wide-open spaces. It’s all about finding the center of tradition and innovation with global inspiration.
Inspired by the outlaw spirit of the vigilante days in Montana, Outlaw Brewing offers up a Montana flavor to savor. You’ll typically find a wide selection on tap at this neighborhood tasting room, and you’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one favorite.
Montana is a four-season spot, and Polar embraces that in their beer selection. They ride the line between tried and true traditional and cutting-edge new American style. Try a flight to get a taste of all the rotators, and grab a six pack for the trail.
It may get chilly here from time to time, as Nordic’s name implies, but that’s why the brewery tour of Bozeman wouldn’t be complete without a stop here. Warm up with a plate of dirty potatoes and a pint of one of their classics, and enjoy the lofty modern space.
With coffee roasted and beers brewed right here in Bozeman, Shred Monk does justice to the culture of the town. And since many of their brews have a lower ABV than you might find elsewhere, you can enjoy a glass without worrying about missing out on morning adventures.
With local beers and live music, Last Best Place Brewing is the scene to experience in Midtown Bozeman. Bring your own food or enjoy food truck fare, but just be sure you pair your meal with their flagship Pika Pale Ale.
Madison River Brewing in Belgrade is the perfect post-fishing stop. In true Montana style, you don’t even need to take off your waders to wade right into the tasty array of brews found here.
Since 1875, brewers have been hard at work on the site of today’s Butte Brewing Company. And with well over a century of brewing history to play around with, you can taste the richness of this space that plays homage to the Richest Hill on Earth. As you sip, enjoy some bites of their carefully crafted Neapolitan-style pizza.
Embrace the mining culture in Quarry’s basement brewery, where each brew gives a nod to Butte’s history. A speakeasy feel only adds to the flavor, with plenty on tap to try. With their flagships going strong alongside seasonals to taste, pour a pint and sip back and relax.
Backslope Brewing is the jewel of Columbia Falls, with craft brews that share unique flavors, and a food menu that will make you want to come back for more. This is the spot for swapping stories, sharing tales of the trail, over a cold pint.
Not far from Columbia Falls, Sacred Waters Brewing gives you an easy choice after you come in off the river. Grab a seat indoors, out in the sun, or on the covered front patio. And Sacred Eats dishes up some good eating to keep you fueled for your next adventure. Plus, Glacier Sun Winery and Rough Cut Hard Cider share the same building, so there’s a wide range of beverages to taste, all in one place.