Sipping Your Way Through Yellowstone Country
Photo by Reid Ramsey
You won't go thirsty in Montana's Yellowstone Country - the region boasts over twenty breweries, three distilleries, a cider house, and a meadery. And Montana, as a whole, has more breweries per capita than any other state in the country. Pretty impressive for those who appreciate a good craft beer or cocktail.
Brewers and distillers treat their craft as an art form more than a job, and the results speak for themselves. While the brewing community is highly collaborative, a bit of friendly competition keeps them constantly evolving, producing creative, delicious, and unique flavors season after season. And while you'll find all the traditional favorites such as IPA, pilsner, and amber ales, you'll also find a variety of sour brews, gose, dessert stouts, hard seltzers, and even slushies!
Many taprooms also have great restaurants featuring various items from pizza to BBQ to even sushi! And you'll most likely find the locals in one of these establishments enjoying friends' camaraderie and a cold beer after working or playing hard.
Remember, Montana liquor laws require all tap rooms to close by 8:00 p.m., so plan accordingly!
Breweries and Distilleries in Montana's Yellowstone Country
Belgrade
Madison River Brewing
One of the original breweries in the Gallatin Valley, Madison River Brewing consistently produces quality beer. Their tap room has a low-key vibe and is conveniently located close to the airport!
Bar 3 Brewing
Nothing compliments a good beer like terrific BBQ, and Bar 3 has both! Platters of ribs and chicken, all the sides, and one of their traditionally brewed beers hit the spot most any day.
Big Timber
Crazy Peak Brewing Company
If you haven't made the trip to Big Timber, put it on your bucket list. The drive is gorgeous, with the backdrop of the Crazy Mountain Range, and the town is quiet and peaceful. Crazy Peak Brewing has excellent outdoor seating, with cornhole and other games. Plus, Meats of Montana is just across the street; you won't want to miss their summer sausage.
Big Sky
Beehive Basin Brewery
The small, custom-made brewing system at Beehive Basin Brewery allows them to change the brews constantly. Plus, you can enjoy mountain views and watch the brewing process from the brewery viewing window.
Bozeman
Bridger Brewing
This Bridger Brewing is a favorite for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon beer across the street from Montana State University. Their rotating selections are always delicious, and their pizza and salads are some of the best in town.
Bozeman Brewing Company
Another OG, Bozeman Brewing, is often compared to the local Cheers. The taproom and brewery are on Bozeman's north side, in the historic Brewery District. The beers are always solid, the popcorn hot, and the conversation lively.
Bozeman Spirits Distillery
If you're exploring Main Street in Bozeman, don't miss Bozeman Spirits Distillery. Ten different products are distilled here, including their famous huckleberry vodka – delicious on a hot summer day!
Bunkhouse Brewery
Now with two locations, next to MSU and in Four Corners, Bunkhouse Brewery keeps spreading the love. And while they say the people are the best part of the brewery, we think their beer is pretty stellar.
Dry Hills Distillery
Started by fifth-generation Montana farmers, Dry Hills Distillery produces a variety of Montana-made whiskey, vodka, and gin sourced from their farms. It doesn't get more local than this. (And they will ship it to you!)
Freefall Brewery
Freefall Brewery and Audrey's Pizza are family-owned and operated. Their beer menu includes classic mainstays, limited editions, and a constantly rotating list of specialty brews. In addition, they have the recipes for the original Audrey's Pizza, one of Bozeman's iconic pizza parlors, and the game room is a longstanding family favorite.
Last Best Place Brewing Co.
Although it is one of the newest breweries, the brewmaster at Last Best Place Brewing is no rookie in brewing. He has garnered experience from two other local breweries before setting out on his own brewing path. Located just down the street from the ELM, it's a great place to enjoy a beer before their live music!
Lockhorn Cider House
Featuring a variety of ciders, Lockhorn Cider House has tried and true favorites like Bone Dry, along with seasonal editions like the Huckleberry Mojito Cider. In the fall, they gather apples donated from Bozeman residents and make a unique Bozeman blend. Soon, their orchards will be in full maturity, and they will be able to create cider from their apples!
Mountains Walking Brewery and Pub
One of the most unique and prolific breweries in town, Mountains Walking uses ancient traditions in brewing, including spontaneous fermentation, to create their impressive lineup. The taproom is cozy, the food is delicious, and the beer brings you back.
MAP Brewing
Hands down, MAP has the best patio in town, sitting on the edge of the pond at Glen Lake Rotary Park and offering an outstanding view of the Bridger Mountain Range; this brewery is often the favorite during the warmer months. Inside, their taproom and restaurant serve great food in a cozy atmosphere that can accommodate many people.
Nordic Brew Works
Serving Polar Brewing beer, along with great food, craft cocktails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Nordic has quickly become one of Bozeman's west side's most well-loved breweries.
New Ventures Brewing
If you're interested in brewing, this innovative, interactive brewery is the one for you! In addition to their brews, they operate Gallatin Home Brew Supplies and offer hands-on classes, brewing on-premise, internships, and private bar space for rent. As their slogan says, "Be adventurous in brewing."
Outlaw Brewing
Located just off 19th Ave, behind Target, this longstanding brewery is known for its wide variety of brews due to its ability to produce both large and small batches. In addition, they have a great outdoor seating area and a rotating schedule of seasonal food trucks.
Shred Monk Brewery and Coffeehouse
The specialty at Shred Monk is that most of their beers have a lower alcohol content than most craft brews. (They also have some great higher ABV beers.) And, they put just as much care into their coffee and food as they do their brewing, so you can't go wrong no matter what you order!
Valhalla Meadery
Valhalla's locally crafted meade using Montana honey ranges in flavor from traditional dry or sweet to infused blends using berries, teas, and other unique combinations such as beet and ginger. They also serve Scandinavian-style cuisine, a delicious rarity.
Wildrye Distillery
Whenever possible, Wildrye uses Montana-grown ingredients in its ten different products. Their tasting room, located in the Cannery District, features unique cocktails, and they happily give you the recipes on their website so you can replicate them at home!
Zesty Beverages
Kombucha lovers can't get enough of Zesty Beverages' hard kombucha, non-alcoholic kombucha, and their newest release, Party Hard Tea. These libations have fewer calories, lots of probiotics, and are made with all-natural or organic ingredients, a somewhat healthier option!
Photo by Andy Austin
Livingston
Katabatic Brewing Company
While the beer here is the priority, Katabatic's goal is to provide a social hub for the vibrant town of Livingston, and between their cozy taproom and ongoing event schedule, they are doing a bang-up job. There's always something happening at this little gem between brew fests, farmer's markets, BBQ, and harvest festivals.
Neptune's Taphouse and Eatery
This quaint, sea-themed oasis has a great selection of time-tested beers, plus a menu of coastal cuisine, bright, fresh salads, juicy burgers, and incredible sushi. The vibe in the taproom matches the theme, laid-back and fun.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge Ales
Another one of the early adopters, Red Lodge Ales, has been brewing exceptional beers since 1998. In addition, their taproom features an event space (available for rent) and is often full of fun events like Oktoberfest!
Three Forks
Bridger Brewing, Three Forks Pub, and Grill
Bridger Brewing's second location, Three Forks Pub, and Grill, in Three Forks, features their well-loved beer, plus thin-cut, street-style meats from local ranchers and butchers. The new location features an events venue hosting live music, fundraisers, and other special occasions.