Goodbye Lang Creek Brewery
Yes, they were the most remote brewery in North America, and I’m not sure how much that contributed to their demise. A volunteer picking up spent grain at the defunct Thompson River Valley brewery told me the owners closed the doors last Thursday.
He also said the economy played a big role in the brewery’s closing.
So, no more Manderin Hefeweizen or Lang Creek Brewery’s wonderful Zeppelin Imperial Ale, which makes me sad. I’m just hoping that this doesn’t represent any sort of a trend. How are all you other Montana breweries doing?
From the last brewery tour:
Ciao for now,
GG
R.I.P. Lang Creek
My brother first introduced me to their exceptional beer and I soon became a fan especially of their Windsock Pale Ale. I was sorry to see many of its unique beers seem to disappear from Missoula except for its old standard Tri-motor. Last summer, I was able to stay at the Bend Ranger Station up the Thompson River and made a special trip to the nations most remote brewery and dispite being closed was invited inside for some tastes and several growler fills. I was impressed with the addition of many of their new beers especially Spitfire IPA – a TRUE English IPA. I hope to get out soon to raise a final glass of Spitfire to a true MT original.
I loved the Zeppelin Imperial Ale, they used to serve it at the now defunct 505 in Missoula… or was it 550. Oh Lang Creek we hardly knew ye.
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So sad – Skydiver Blonde is (was)the most thirst-quenching beer on the planet – thanks for the memories.
How do I get some of the remaining inventory?
-Kelley
I was at Huckleberries in Spokane yesterday, wanted to buy a bottle of Scud Runner or Tri Motor…couldn’t find it. The guy next to me said he too loved Tri Motor. Wondering why I couldn’t find it, I decided to email the brewery today. Came upon the link to this blog post… I have many good memories of the brewery…brewing once with John; his ever-cheerful wife Sandy; Joe the head brewer and his wife Pam. And the beer – truly unique, terrific beer. Please keep supporting local breweries like Tim’s Kettle House and Neil and Bjorn’s Big Sky!
Used to work at the brewery as a part timer in 1996. I cannot even put into words the beer and fellowship of John Campbell. I will never forget his words of wisdom big smile and great brew. Lang Creek is a treasure that will be truly be missed if you ever tasted or were a part of Spirit of Lang Ale. Thank you!
Cheers John
Love your friend,
Jared
The Mandarin Orange was my favorite. Found it going to Big Mtn Snowboarding in 2008, and they had it on tap at the lodge on top of the mountain. What a bummer.. and yes the economy kept me from visiting from Virginia and dropping $100 at the brewery, which we went too… That was cool! Just showed up, they gave us a tour tastes, bought some cases, a vest and off we went!
Very nice people.
Sad to see them go! I just Googled Lang Creek and came upon this post. I had taken a tour just a few years ago and still have some Lang Creek pint glasses and t-shirts. I was looking for some delectable concoctions after looking at a Lang Creek glass in our kitchen. I hope they find a new home.