Big Medicine Brewing Co. looks to open in Missoula

Fernanda Menna Barreto Krum and Robert Rivers. Photo by Eliza Wiley/Independent Record

A new Missoula brewery is in the works, although the project is still in the early stages.

The Helena Independent Record reports that Helena native Robert Rivers and partner Fernanda Menna Barreto Krum are in the process of raising funds for a brewery that incorporates their background of helping people in conflict zones around the globe. The two hope Big Medicine Brewing Co. will help promote peace through beer.

In the first year of operation, two-day workshops are planned each month, featuring subjects related to social conflict and social change initiation, as well as one-hour dialogues twice a month.

Rivers and Menna Barreto Krum plan to draw on their own expertise and experience to facilitate these programs and brew the beer. Rivers has a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies from the European Centre for Peace Studies, and Menna Barreto Krum has a master’s degree in psychology and a certificate in global mental health from Harvard.

Rivers also holds a brewing certificate from the University of Wisconsin and both have been brewing beer for the past five years. They’ve raised at least $35,000 so far and are looking for about $200,000 more.

Big Medicine hopes to brew about 1,000 barrels a year once they’re up and running with beer “inspired by breweries around the world.”

You can contact them at bigmedicinebrewing@gmail.com.

- Matt Pritchard

Big Sky runs into issue with All Souls, delayed until April

I’ve been looking forward to what would have been the 2011 version of All Souls Ale from Big Sky Brewing – especially after having a few glasses of the first batch over the past few weeks – and it looks like I’ll have to wait a bit longer. A friend told me Big Sky ran into trouble with the latest batch (supposedly issues with carbonation), and indeed the release date has been changed to April. On the bright side, in addition to April, Big Sky is on track to release the beer in 750 ml bottles again in December.

- 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

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…)

Breaking: Missoula’s newest brewery Draught Works now open

KURT WILSON/Missoulian

Paul Marshall and Jeff Grant’s Draught Works (pronounced “draft”) has opened its taps. The brewery at 915 Toole Ave. joins the likes of Bayern, Big Sky and Kettlehouse as Missoula’s proper breweries. With Flathead Lake Brewing of Missoula and Tamarack Brewing’s recent arrivals, the Garden City has turned into quite the craft-beer mecca.

On tap now is the Clothing Optional pale, Scepter Head IPA and Gwin Du stout, the Shadowcaster alt and Quill Pig czech pilsner will follow later this month. The brewery opens at noon and stays open until 8 p.m., seven days a week.

I had a chance to check it out on Thursday night and the place certainly impresses. It has an open feel with a big bar, tables, dart boards and a deck that unfortunately won’t get its proper use until next summer.

I don’t think Missoulians will have any problem drinking Paul and Jeff’s beer, and if you want to try it Friday, you’d better get there early.

- Matt Pritchard

Billings breweries take on expansions, will be neighbors

Dennis Himmelberger is remodeling a building at 3008 First Ave. N., in Billings into a brewery, tap room and coffee shop. Photo by LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette

Himmelberger Brewing Co. and Angry Hank’s of Billings are both launching separate expansions that’ll put them nearly within arm’s reach on each other.

Dennis Himmelberger of Himmelberger Brewing will be moving his operation out of a Billings home and into a building with six times the space, which will leave room for a new taproom and a coffee shop. He’s been brewing as a wholesaler for the past 17 years.

Angry Hank’s, which already has a Billings brewery/taproom, will have more than double the space at the new location and will likely keep the old taproom open for the foreseeable future.

Man, it’s tough to quench Montana’s thirst for craft beer.

The full story from the Billings Gazette is after the jump. (more…)

Cycle Pubs make rounds in Bend, Ore.

Patrons enjoy cool refreshments while peddling through downtown Bend, Ore. on the Cycle Pub recently. Photo by Pete Erickson/The Bulletin

Question: What has bicycle wheels, pedals, a bar top and allows patrons to drink beer while on the go?
Answer: Cycle Pubs.

James Watts recently brought two Cycle Pubs to the streets of Bend, Ore., where riders can sip on a beer as they pedal around town. A driver in the front man’s the steering wheel as up to 12 passengers power the “bike.” Since passengers bring their own food and drink (no hard-alcohol allowed), the traveling pubs don’t require a permit from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, and is therefore a “matter for local governments.” Hit the jump for the full story by Scott Hammers of The Bulletin. (more…)

Decemberists at Big Sky Brewing, Bitterroot Brewfest on tap this weekend

Another good weekend for beer lovers in western Montana, with a great band on Friday and a brewfest on Saturday.

First off, the Decemberists are coming back to town on Friday to play the Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater. Last I checked, tickets are still available on TicketFly.com for $30 plus fees. Should be (fingers crossed) a great night for some folksy rock.

On Saturday, the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 17th annual Bitterroot Brewfest from 3 to 10 p.m. The festivities will be held across from Legion Park on Bedford in downtown Hamilton. Music will be courtesy of Joan Zen (4-6 p.m.) and Keegan Smith & the Fam (7-10 p.m.). Tickets are $20 for a glass and three drinks. Around 30 beers will be on tap, and among them, Bitter Root Brewing will be pouring Imperial I.P.A., Huckleberry Honey Ale and American Hefeweizen, and Bayern Brewing will have Dragon’s Breath Dark Hefe, Dump Truck Summer Bock and a surprise beer, according to the Bitterroot Brewfest Facebook page.

Drink up, be safe and have fun.

- Matt Pritchard

17th annual Bitterroot Brewfest hits Hamilton on July 23

There are two great breweries in the Bitterroot Valley, and come July 23, around 30 other microbrews will join them.

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 17th annual Bitterroot Brewfest from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The festivities will be held across from Legion Park on Bedford in downtown Hamilton. Music will be courtesy of Joan Zen (4-6 p.m.) and Keegan Smith & the Fam (7-10 p.m.).

Cost is usually $20 for a commemorative glass and three tolkens, but if you hurry you can save $5 here. Enjoy.

- Matt Pritchard

A trip down memory lane and into Barrier Brewing Co.

I grew up in LaGrange, Ill., a suburb outside of Chicago, and one of my best friends back then was Craig Frymark, who lived three houses down from me. When I moved to Missoula in 1995 at age 13 with my family, we lost touch, as is bound to happen. Recently, through my parents and the wonders of Facebook, I’ve learned that my old pal Craig is now co-owner and co-brewer, along with Evan Klein, of Barrier Brewing Co. in Oceanside, N.Y. The brewery was recently featured on the Brewery Show and, in just more than a year, sounds like it’s taking off.

Having only been around for a year, Barrier Brewing Company is a young and powerful two man team, developing a vast portfolio of stylistic beers available in the New York City metropolitan area. With a strong focus on providing a unique approach to the craft beer industry, they are on the cutting edge of the craft beer wave. Visit with us as we find out what’s going on, and what the future may bring.

Wish Craig and and Evan all the best, cheers.

- Matt Pritchard