Home Brew

Here are a couple of good questions from readers:

Hi Tim, I am new to the Missoula area, actually live in Hamilton. I was looking for a place to buy ingredients so I can make my own beer. I was wondering if you know of a place in Missoula?

Cheers, craig

Craig, thanks for reading. In Missoula, members of the local homebrew club, Zoo City Zymurgists, tend to like to buy their brewing supplies at Lolo Peak Winery and brewing supply. I’m told you can also find supplies at the Axmen store on Highway 93 on the south end of town. That might be a little closer to you, but I haven’t seen what they carry. On another note, you might want to buy your local brewer a pint or take him out to dinner. I know that some brewers here in Montana tend to support local homebrewers by allowing them to purchase small amounts of grain or other supplies for homebrewing. That’s not the case with all of them, but it never hurts to ask.

Good luck,

GG

And…

Hey, Tim. I’m on my way to Missoula for a few days during my mid-tour leave from Iraq and I wondered if you could recommend a few “don’t miss” brews for me to try during my trip. I am a budding beer enthusiast (or was before I left for Iraq) and I’d like to freshen up on my skills a little while I’m home. I’m a big fan of Fall and Winter Seasonal Ales and a good Amber Ale. Can you help me out? Thanks!

-SAM-

Sam, thanks for reading. If you’re going to be in town, you won’t want to miss Kettlehouse Brewing Co.’s Lake Missoula Amber Ale. The brewery, if you’re not familiar with it, is centrally located on Myrtle Street, about a block off of Higgins and the Hip Strip. If you’re in the mood for fall seasonals, you could ask if they have any Hemptoberspliff left, it’s a great take on Oktoberfest beer. Bayern Brewing, the only German brewery in the Rockies, has an authentic Oktoberfest lager that is amazing if you like the dark marzens. If you want to try some beers from around the area in one place, I recommend checking out the selection at the Old Post. You can try great beers from Bitterroot Brewing Co., Flathead Lake Brewing Co., and Blackfoot River Brewing Co., as well as local favorites.

Send me an E-mail when you get to town. I’d love to buy you a beer. It’s the least I can do to say thanks for your sacrifice.

tim.akimoff@lee.net

Prost,

GG