Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater one of top 100 in world
This year, Big Sky Brewing Co. resurrected its Summer Concert Series and new figures show just how popular the move was. According to Pollstar, the Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater ranked 96th worldwide from Jan. 1 until Sept. 30 for amphitheater ticket sales with 13,211. The No. 1 spot on the list belongs to Red Rocks in Morrison, Colo., with 359,443 in tickets sales.
With bands like Modest Mouse, The Decemberists and Ray LaMontagne, it’s no wonder the concert series was successful. Throw in some craft beer and you have a recipe for success. Hopefully, Big Sky Brewing can continue to build upon what they’ve created. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next year.
- Matt Pritchard
Video: Big Sky Brewing bottling All Souls Ale
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling of Big Sky Brewing’s 2011 All Souls Ale, courtesy of the brewery:
- Matt Pritchard
Beer deal: Glacier Brewing Co. growler, pint glass, T-shirt
Today’s Deal has a pretty sweet beer bargain going on right now for Glacier Brewing Co. fans. For $16, you get a growler plus a fill, a pint glass and a T-shirt. Original value is said to be $32. Might not be a bad way to get some Christmas shopping done early on the cheap.
- Matt Pritchard
Missoula to host Montana Brewers Festival next year
Great news on the beer festival front for Missoulians. The Montana Brewers Association has decided to move the annual Montana Brewers Festival from Bozeman to Missoula’s Caras Park next October. This year’s festival boasted the “largest collection of Montana-made beer ever gathered in one place,” with more than 75 brews available. Hopefully, next year’s can top that.
Here’s the announcement via MBA’s Facebook page:
Montana Brewers Festival Coming To Missoula! The 4th Annual Montana Brewers Festival will be held at Caras Park in Missoula on Oct. 6, 2012. Our first three festivals were great in Bozeman, and it is now time to bring our great beer to another region of the state. So look out western Montana, here we come!
- Matt Pritchard
Bayern Brewing to celebrate Snowbowl’s 50th anniversary with new beer
With Montana Snowbowl turning 50 this year, Bayern Brewing has decided to celebrate the anniversary with a new beer called Groomer. On Tuesday, they kicked off the brewing process, and a friend who was there said the winter Marzen should be ready just before Thanksgiving, with a release party slated for Nov. 17. Can’t wait for the season to start, rumor has it that it’s going to be powdery.
Update: Click here for more info from the Missoulian.
- Matt Pritchard
Cicerone Certification testing takes place in Missoula on Dec. 7
Think you’re an expert on beer? Well, if you want to prove it you can sign up for the Cicerone Certification test at Hawthorne Suites in Missoula on Dec. 7.
The exam tests your knowledge of retail beer storage, modern beers and styles, flawed beers, beer ingredient, the brewing process, beer pairings for common foods and more. Cost is $345. In order be seated for the Cicerone Certification test you must have passed the Certified Beer Server exam in the past three years and have had at least one year of experience selling or serving beer.
In the wine world, the word “sommelier” designates those with proven expertise in selecting, acquiring and serving fine wine. Lately some beer servers have adopted the title “beer sommelier” to tie into the credibility of the wine world. But anyone can call themselves a beer sommelier regardless of knowledge or experience. And while some will be highly skilled, the only way to demonstrate that objectively is through independent testing of knowledge and tasting ability. The Cicerone Certification Program offers that independent assessment and certification so that industry professionals — as well as consumers — can be sure of the knowledge and skills possessed by current and prospective beer servers.
If you’re working in the industry, having this couldn’t hurt.
- Matt Pritchard
Kettlehouse Brewing Co.’s Barrel Aged Cold Smoke
I finally made it into the Northside Kettlehouse to check out their Barrel Aged Cold Smoke, and I’m sure glad I did.
It took a year of aging in bourbon barrels before the beer made it to tap, and the result is a 9 percent alcohol by volume Cold Smoke that has the sting of bourbon but finishes smooth like the scotch ale you know and love, with hints of black liquorice and chocolate.
Usually I’m more of a Double Haul guy, so you’ll rarely see me ordering a Cold Smoke, but this beer is definitely worth a try no matter which you prefer. There’s about two barrels (four kegs) of it left and it’s going fast, so don’t dawdle if your interested.
- Matt Pritchard
Flathead Lake Brewing Co. of Missoula fall brewer’s dinner recap
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the fall Flathead Lake Brewing Co. of Missoula brewer’s dinner on Friday night, something I’d recommend if you’re at all a fan of FLBC’s beers. Tickets certainly weren’t cheap ($68, and for full disclosure I was invited to the event), but five beers and four courses, plus the chance to hear from FLBC’s head brewer Tim Jacoby, justifies the price tag. It was the first time I’d met Jacoby. He’s a heck of a brewer and a nice guy. His only fault is that he’s a Packers fan, we can’t all be perfect. (more…)
Awesomeness: Missoula’s Rhino takes tour of 50 beers in 50 days
The Garden City’s most beer-obsessed bar has a new website called, simply, 50beersin50days.com.
The idea is straightforward, the blog will look at 50 of the Rhino’s beers and will tell a short story about each one through pictures, words and videos. There will also be interviews with bar owners, brewers and distributors. The beers profiled thus far include Framboise Lambic by Lindemans, Black Hop Rising by Sierra Nevada Brewing, Slow Elk by Big Sky Brewing and Black Butte Porter by Deschutes Brewery.
I love this idea.
- Matt Pritchard
Support Montana’s waters at Flathead Lake Brewing Co. of Missoula on Saturday
FLBC of Missoula is partnering with the Watershed Education Network this month to raise awareness about Montana’s lakes, rivers and streams.
On Saturday, the pub is hosting a pint night from 5 – 11 p.m. with $1 from every beer going toward the organization. In addition, there will be a raffle on Oct. 31 where two jackets from Patagonia, a backpack from REI, a skateboard from Edge of the World and a Monte Dolack print will be up for grabs. Tickets are $2 each, or you can get 6 for $10.
I also believe FLBC’s Holiday ale will be on tap Saturday for those in the, um, holiday spirit.
- Matt Pritchard