17 Best Breweries in Montana

Montana has one of the smaller state populations but some of the best views in the country. With 48 breweries in Montana, you might even say we have the best taste, too. If you’re curiosity is piqued, there’s really only one way to quench it. Yes, trying a craft beer is the investigation and reward all in one.

In an effort to explore the best the state has to offer, we compiled a list of our favorite Montana breweries. These were picked for their flagship beers and local favorites in addition to the atmosphere.

Some of the breweries have crazy schedules, others have unique seasonal brews, and even one is open for breakfast. No matter what it is that sets them apart, though, all the breweries in Montana have beer lovers in common.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

The Best Breweries in Montana

1. Beaver Creek Brewery

Address: 104 Orgain Ave, Wibaux, MT 59353

Upon pulling up to Beaver Creek Brewery, the sign hanging from the brick wall feels like more of a challenge from the beaver himself. The public has responded with a resounding, “You’re on,” since 2008. After all, they say, “Our Beaver Tastes Better.”

The brewery may be more recent, but the building it’s in is from over a century ago. That provides added character to an already interesting part of town with a population of 450. As one of the best breweries in Montana, Beaver Creek has become such a local favorite that they invested in merchandise.

So, if you discover you love it as much as we imagine, you can show that feeling off with pride.

Must-try selections include Castor Mexican Amber Ale, Beaver Creek Pale Ale, and Rough Rider Pale Ale. Oh, let’s not leave out the Lotsa Root Beer. It’s not a craft beer but it is brewed in-house and can be served as a float!

They are open Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 8 pm in the summer, and from 4 pm to 8pm in the winter. While you’re out this way, stay at Rodeway Inn Gateway and be close to Makoshika State Park.

You might want to check out upcoming events at the Historic Gem Theatre and Pub, owned by the same people who opened the Beaver Creek Brewery. There, you will find an assortment of throwback celebrity images in a building as old as the brewery. In fact, it was the town’s first theater.

See Related: Best Things to Do in West Yellowstone, Montana

2. Blacksmith Brewing Company

Address: 114 Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870

Just a stone’s throw from Idaho, Blacksmith Brewing Company keeps some semblance of fun far from a big city. Come for the twice-weekly live music and stay for the tasty seasonal ales.

This is one of the best-located Montana breweries. The building itself is next door to antique buildings along Main Street in Stevensville. It also just so happens to be looking directly out at beautiful mountain peaks.

Once inside, you’ll discover that this building doesn’t just look like it came out of a movie, it has the history to prove it. It was built in the early 1900s and served as a blacksmith shop. The brands used by the original owner tell a story on the current walls of the brewery.

If you feel as touched by this place as the locals do, you might as well leave with souvenirs that include items like pint glasses and clothing. You can’t leave without trying at least one of the specialties such as Twisted Paddle Pale Ale, Picnic Cream Ale, or Cutthroat IPA.

3. Mighty Mo Brewing Company

Address: 412 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401

On a busy downtown Great Falls strip is the unassuming, easy-to-miss sign announcing Mighty Mo Brewing. If you’re just driving through town, you’d undoubtedly miss this perfect place to drop for a drink.

To start with, Mighty Mo has daily specials that include happy hours, discounts, and more. There’s no need to rush off after trying a new beer because there’s food. Not what you’d imagine as typical bar food, either. This is a full menu that includes things like salad and macaroni and cheese. Yes, please!

One of the reasons this place is so special is the undying need to be involved in the community. A great example is the “Raise A Pint” Night. Every Monday evening, Mighty Mo donates $1 for every pint sold. That money goes to prop up local needs such as nonprofits. To get neighbors involved, groups are encouraged to fill out a form on the website to be considered.

Guests can choose from a variety of Mo Beer, such as S’mores, Mojito Beer Cocktail, Purple Nurple, and Dam Fog. Need a keg? You can order one online with up to 13 flavor options.

Check out this Great Falls brewery Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana

4. Harvest Moon Brewing Company

Address: Harvest Moon Brewing Co, 7 5th St N, Belt, MT 59412

Not from around here? It might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Once you try one of these pale ales, you know you’re actually in the middle of a beer oasis.

Opened in the mid-90s, Harvest Moon in Belt gets its water supply from the Madison aquifer. It’s so pure that the water isn’t treated or filtered. Other craft breweries only wish they had such a sweet supply of the good stuff.

If you want to try something unique, try Broken Bale Nut American Brown Ale, Get Lost Ale, or Pigs Ass Porter. If you feel inspired by what you’ve tasted, there’s always the option to suggest a new brew.

A great benefit of falling in love at first sip at Harvest Moon Brewing is that you can find the brand all over Montana and parts of Wyoming, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

The tap room is open from 10 to 4 pm on weekdays, and from 11 to 8 pm on weekends.

See Related: Best Restaurants in Gardiner, Montana

5. Neptune’s Brewery

Address: 119 N L St, Livingston, MT 59047

Drink like a god? Yes, please! Because who doesn’t love a good sea theme? After all, the brewery is named after the god of the sea.

You really can drink like a god without the expense when you buy into the Shellback Club. As a member, you pick which level you want as a subscriber. Of the three levels, you can get up to 10 pints a week included. If that’s not the deal of the century, what is?

Get the party started with a River Nymph Golden Ale, Siren Song Honey Rye, and Knotty Lotty Latte Stout.

Stop by in Livingston daily. Opening hours are Monday through Thursday from 2 to 8 pm and Friday through Sunday from 12 to 8 pm.

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6. Bozeman Brewing Company

Address: 504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715

This isn’t the only Bozeman brewery but there is a reason it bears the name of the city; it might have something to do with the 92 flavors. Bozeman Brewing Company has so much going on. From a multitude of traditional ales and new inventions, the brewery may have helped build this area as one of the top beer-making regions.

Their popularity doesn’t stop with beer, though. First, there’s Sunday FUNDay. This is when 10% of all sales will be used to support the local community. If you were looking for an excuse to enjoy a cold one, there it is.

Next, this brewing company has made a pact to become more sustainable. Bozeman Brewing has invested in renewable energy with 182 solar panels, which make up for 30% of the building’s power needs. The tasting room waste has decreased by 95% since a local composter has been part of the program. All possible materials are taken to be recycled.

Last, but not least, Bozeman Brewing Company has twice been given the EcoStar Award. Naturally, it inspired an IPA. There is more but it might be better to go in person and have a good chat about it.

If you’re already here, you might as well try one of the local favorites such as Bozone Amber Ale, Plum Street Porter, or EcoStar IPA. Oh, let’s not forget seasonal beers such as BuzzKill Java Stout or Sad Snowman Vienna Style Lager.

Bozeman’s namesake brewery is open daily from 2 through 8 pm.

7. Draught Works Brewery

Address: 915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT 59802

This award-winning brewery has 22 drinks on tap, including a nonalcoholic option, root beer. As exciting as that is for a beer lover, there’s actually good reason to find yourself at Draught Works Brewery on a regular basis.

Not only is there music every week, they also host artist showcases, Sunday Brunches, Growler Monday, and Cheers for Charity. That doesn’t even cover the seasonal events throughout the year.

Try such fantastic blends as That’s What She Said Cream Ale, Pineapple Express Tropical Ale, and Till Death Do Us Party Toasted Rice Lager.

Draught Works Brewery is open every day from 12 to 9 pm, and Sunday Brunch is from 10 to 2 pm.

See Related: Best Things to do in Bozeman, Montana

8. Philipsburg Brewing Company

Address: 101 W Broadway St, Philipsburg, MT 59858

For over a decade, Philipsburg Brewing Company has made it its goal to be a self-sustaining and ingrained part of the community. So much so that each ingredient in their beers was locally sourced. That recipe for success was a good one and enabled a second location to be opened.

Something else that has gotten a lot of notoriety is the monthly Pint Nights. The owner picks an organization to donate $1 from every pint.

Philipsburg Brewing also wants to give back the Earth. A 2019 EcoStar Pollution Prevention Award sits proudly on a shelf. One of the few ways this brewery was noticed had to do with cardboard. Thanks to a new design, Philipsburg Brewing was able to save a massive amount of cardboard in its operations. To help support this and other green initiatives, you can also purchase a number of apparel items.

Try something unique like Love Tractor Wheat Beer, Don’t Think Twice, or Otter Water Pale Ale. Each person is limited to 48 0z. of beer a day in the tap room.

Come see Philipsburg Brewing Company in person daily from 10 am through 8 pm.

9. Montana Brewing Company

Address: 113 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101

Montana’s first brewpub sprouted up in the mid-90s right here in Billings. No one waits for happy hour, locals start arriving at lunch. That might be why it has been voted the best lunch in Billings for several years in a row.

If you haven’t gathered already, Montana Brewing Company is more than a place to grab a beer. It’s also a place that brings locals together.

On a regular basis, the brewery is participating in some sort of event. From downtown fun to harvest festivals, they have become part of the fabric of Billings. Part of that includes this being the place to watch a game and bring the kids. The outdoor seating and centralized location make it easy to get to and close to home.

Specialties using Montana-grown barley include Fatbelly Amber, Sharptail Pale Ale, and Custers Last Stout. Not into beer? Order a craft cocktail instead.

Find out if this brewery lives up to being named after the state by stopping by daily between 11 and 2 am.

See Related: Best Things to do in Gardiner, Montana

10. Blackfoot River Brewing Co

Address: 66 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Do you know what goes well with beer? Free popcorn. That’s what you get at the taproom when you come to have a drink, which also includes anything without alcohol. This two-story brewery is a fun place to unwind, if not a touch inspiring. Along the wall where the tables are is an aerial view of the town where Blackfoot River Brewing Co was opened in 1998.

To solidify the brewery’s status as a local place of great things, they regularly open up the building to events, such as art shows. While you’re here, get one of these tasty brews on tap; Frankenstein Porter, Tartanic Scottish Ale, or Cream Ale.

Monday through Thursday from 2 until 8 pm and Friday through Sunday from 12 until 8 pm. Why not stay overnight? Close by is the Doubletree By Hilton, so you can enjoy the area afterward.

11. Flathead Lake Brewing Company

Address: 116 Holt Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911

Since 2004, Flathead Lake Brewing has taken beer making up a notch. That tenacity is what helped propel them to worldwide status. Only two years later, Flathead became the youngest brewery to win a World Beer Cup award. They took home two, actually.

That probably contributed to the wider distribution that Flathead currently enjoys. You can purchase their signature beers all across Montana, as well as in Washington and Idaho.

Don’t let the alcohol fool you; this is a place for everyone thanks to the pub house, kids included. In fact, they have their own menu. You can chow down with one of the 16 beers on tap as well as a litany of other beverage options.

Get ready for great beer at Flathead Lake Brewing Company in the form of Painted Rock Porter, Captain Black Perle Baltic Porter, and Zero Day Double IPA.

Try a new beverage here in Bigfork, Wednesday through Saturday from 12 until 8 pm.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Billings, Montana

12. Bayern Brewing, Inc.

Address: 1507 Montana St, Missoula, MT 59801

In 2022, Bayern Brewing celebrated 35 years of serving the finest beer in Missoula. It may be a long-term establishment in Montana but the brewery’s roots are overseas.

The owner hails from Germany and Bayern Brewing is inspired by his home state of Bavaria. Tasting beer here is like drinking a pint in Europe. It feels that way not only because of Bavaria but because of the German Law of Purity.

When the law was enacted in 1516, it changed what was allowed in beer. That tradition carries itself here to Bayern. There’s nothing other than malted barley, yeast, hops, and water in these beers.

At Bayern Brewery, there is a whole schedule of revolving and mainstay Montana beer. If there’s anything that keeps you coming back, it’s the opportunity to have seasonal beers such as Oktoberfest or Dancing Trout, as well as year-round options like Dragon’s Breath and St. Wilbur Weizen On Tap.

Bring a friend to Bayern daily from 11 am to 8 pm.

13. Lewis & Clark Brewing Company

Address: 1517 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT 59601

For over two decades, Lewis and Clark Brewing has been on an expedition to churn out some spectacular pale ale options and more.

Using a name that is as important to history as Lewis and Clark, it seems only natural that the building the brewery is in happens to be partially from 1885. A smokehouse was here first. Now, there are 25,000 gallons of beer ready to quench everyone’s thirst.

The taproom is one of the more exciting things to experience in Helena. Not only can you rent it out but there is a regular dose of live music, comedy, or bingo for all. Don’t forget trivia nights!

A fun way for the community to come together here is for the giant TV used for outdoor seating. There’s a great amount of people who come out to watch football every autumn. In order to keep everyone happy, aside from beer, they serve mimosas and slushies.

Prickly Pear Pale Ale, Yellowstone Golden Ale, and Pompey’s Pilsner are our favorite go-to craft beer options. Want to try something else? Seltzers are also served.

Get your adventure on daily, from 12 to 10 pm Sunday to Tuesday, and 12 to 11 pm Wednesday to Saturday.

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14. Big Sky Brewing Company

Address: 5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, MT 59808

The other Missoula brewery, Bayern Brewing, specializes in German beer. Big Sky Brewing saw an opportunity to bring in English beer. If you’re curious about the brewery and operations, feel free to take a virtual tour right from their website.

In addition to a full tap room, Big Sky Brewing likes to invite the locals to get involved with their establishment. They often sponsor local events such as United Way and the International Wildlife Film Festival.

Try Ivan the Terrible Russian Imperial IPA, Space Goat Pale Ale, or Moose Drool. Not a single moose was impacted in the making of the last brown ale.

Big Sky Brewing is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am through 8 pm and on Sunday from 12 to 6 pm.

15. Meadowlark Brewing & Public House

Address: 117 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Near the Montana-North Dakota state line, Meadowlark Brewing is sandwiched between a hardware store and an accounting office. Right across the street is a casino that doubles as a liquor store. Yet, patrons would still rather go to the real thing.

Once a Christian bookstore, Meadowlark Brewing & Public House has been in place since 2014. The property consists of a brewhouse, kitchen, and bar. The beers are divided into grouped series’ such as Year Round Beers, Fruits and Fields, Sipster, Constellation, and Flights of Fancy. Get more detailed info in person during a brewery tour.

Treasure State, Fungus Shui, and Antisocial Media. No, those aren’t the names of winning horses, these are the brewery-produced options for the tap room. Pair any flavor with a list of warm food from the kitchen like chicken noodle soup, crab rangoon egg rolls, or a chili cheese footlong.

Have a relaxing evening with a cold one Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.

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16. Mountains Walking Brewery & Pub

Address: 422 Plum Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715

Arriving in person will make the logo suddenly so perfect. If you haven’t seen it yet, that logo is basically two mirrored peaks. That just so happens to be exactly what you see from the parking lot. With a view like that, it’s likely you’ll want to extend the stay beyond just a drink or two. Luckily, there are plenty of kitchen favorites to go with any golden and amber brews.

These guys couldn’t have been more thoughtful when it comes to their patrons. Inside the brewery is a real rustic feeling with lots of wood both under your feet and above your head. But the best part is the long wall of windows that stretch almost floor to ceiling. That might be the best use of space in the region. Just brilliant.

When it comes to beer making, the owners of Mountains Walking have set out on a journey of tasting room proportions. They use 7,000-square feet to spread out a ten-barrel system. Using the latest and greatest equipment is only part of the process here, which also includes antique systems. What’s exciting, though, is the future of blending using wine barrels.

Alright, let’s analyze some of their handcrafted beers. Our recommendations are Fruited Beer Slush, Barrel Aged Stout with Macadamia Coffee and Coconut, and Chopping Wood. Can’t decide? Pick a flight with a choice of four! What a beer lover’s dream.

Drop by daily from 11:30 am through 8 pm.

17. Shred Monk Brewery and Coffeehouse

Address: 121 W Main St Unit B, Bozeman, MT 59715

There was a different goal in mind at Shred Monk Brewery that you don’t hear often. They didn’t want to make just any beer. The idea was a beer that was lower in alcohol but not any less in quality. A beer with less alcohol is basically the healthier version of beer.

The owners of Shred Monk took notice of the American purchasing trends from the last few decades. Customers are yearning to get their hands on better options. Honestly, many could relate to wanting a beer that doesn’t give the drinker a hangover of any sort. That way, you can drink tonight and still go out and climb a mountain tomorrow.

Are we at a German brewery? No. But with beers like German Pilsner and Brussels Blond, you might have thought so. There are also more domestic-inspired beers like West Coast Style IPA.

Shred Monk is open daily from 7 am to 8 pm. Get your breakfast on early or try a beverage in the evening. Be up that early with ease by staying across the street at The LARK, and then driving to southwestern Montana’s Gallatin Valley later.

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