St. Patrick’s Day fun: Quarry Brewing, Missoula Firkin Tour

Illustration by Detroit Free Press

I’ve been to the St. Patrick’s Day party in Butte only once, and I think that’s about all I can handle. I made it until about 5 p.m. and then the fun got the best of me.

Anyway, if you can pace yourself better than me, and you’re heading to Butte on Thursday, stop by Quarry Brewing. They’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will have specials on Emerald Isle (green beer) and Sandstone Stout. It’s also kilt day, anyone who wears a kilt into the brewery gets $1 off each pint.

In Missoula, Bayern Brewing is hosting a Firkin Tour, with firkins filled with Killarney Red Lager. Here’s the schedule:

- Matt Pritchard

Quarry Brewing to expand, move into Butte’s Grand Hotel

Butte’s only craft brewery is getting bigger.

Chuck and Lyza Schnabel, owners of Quarry Brewing, purchased the 10,000 square foot Grand Hotel on Monday afternoon, a six story building in uptown Butte located at 124 W. Broadway, just a few blocks from the current brewery.

The Schanbels plan to start remodeling in two to four weeks and hope to have the brewery up and running by the end of the summer.

The new area will dwarf the size of its current digs, with the bottom floor housing the brewery and taproom. Chuck said the setup will double the size of the brewery to 600 square feet, which will eventually lead to increased distribution in Butte, Bozeman and other areas, plus possibly a bottling operation. The taproom will expand as well, with about 2,500 square feet of space.

The couple also have grand plans for the other floors. Chuck said he looking to lease out a portion of the first floor to a coffee shop, and hopes to put a restaurant and lounge in there. The second floor will be a bed and breakfast with 10 rooms, in the theme of McMenamins in Portland, Ore. The third and fourth floors will be turned into condos, and Chuck hopes to turn the fifth floor into a space for his family. The entire project will last about 10 years, he said.

It’s a big move for a brewery that’s only been around for three and a half years. Chuck said with the purchase he can now truly focus on growing the business, and there’s nowhere to go but up.

- Matt Pritchard

Weekend excursion through Quarry, Lone Peak

I’m back in the office after a nice, long weekend of beer and snowboarding at Moonlight Basin and Big Sky. The weather cooperated and we had some great snow.

On Friday evening, my girlfriend and I stopped by Quarry Brewing in Butte. I’ve had their beer before but never had the chance to visit the taproom. Head brewer and owner Chuck Schnabel was nice enough to take me through the beers on tap, in between serving the thirsty crowd.

A couple that stood out were the Open Cab Copper, an Irish Ale that’s well balanced and slightly sweet, and the Gneiss IPA, an American-style India Pale Ale with citrus undertones that reminded me a lot of Big Swell IPA from Maui Brewing Co. The most exotic beer on tap was the Smokey Quartz Rauch, which lives up to its name. It packs a sweet, smoky flavor that’s interesting, but I couldn’t see myself finishing a pint of it.

On Sunday, we hit up Lone Peak Brewery in Big Sky and it was a less-than-memorable experience. I’ve been to Lone Peak before and had a great time. The beer is tasty and the space boasts a shuffleboard table –  always an added bonus. I had the new Sheepeater Bock, which has an amber hue and a black liquorice finish, and the Headplant Pale Ale, an inviting blend of malt and hops that’s very easy to take down.

This time around though the problem was the service. Just as I started on my second beer, the staff all decided to take shots. The area is set up so the brewery portion is split away from the restaurant/taproom, so they can serve food and liquor. Now I’m all for having a good time, but it was 6:30 p.m. and having the people pouring me craft beer turn around and down vodka just wasn’t working. It’s not going to stop me from going there again, I just may go earlier next time.

- Matt Pritchard

Celebrate New Year’s early at Quarry Brewing

Quarry Brewing is holding a New Year’s Eve party on Friday from 5-8 p.m. in their taproom. There’ll be appetizers, live music and of course their selection of fine craft beers. If you’re in Butte, ring in the new year early with a pint or two. Also, might want to check out their revamped website.

- Matt Pritchard

Groundhog Day at Quarry Brewing Co.

The latest information from our friends at Butte’s Quarry Brewing Co.

Greetings to Everyone on this Snowy Winter Day!

Here are few upcoming dates of Events happening @ the Quarry!

Feb. 2 Tues is “GROUNDHOG DAY”(Chuck’s favorite celebration) the Smokey Quartz Rauch will be back on tap that day, but we will also have a post celebration party on Feb 6 Sat. 5-8pm w/ live music (Mike Tierney) & great beers.So come on down.

Feb. 8 Mon. @ 7pm will be the coming back of our HOMEBREW CLUB meeting so for all you homebrewers come & join Chuck, but Everyone is Welcome to attend!

SEASONAL BEERS ON TAP!

BAUXITE BROWN

SANDSTONE STOUT

Don’t forget we’re open 7 days a week MON-SAT 1-8PM & SUN 1-6 EVERY SUNDAY IS ALSO $1 OFF GROWLER FILL SPECIAL

Thank you all for your continuing support & loyalty to Quarry Brewery.

We appreciate it very much!

Chuck & Lyza

QUARRY BREWING

406-723-0245

Prost,

GG

Photo blog – New Year’s Eve at Quarry Brewing Co.

If you’re going to spend a day in Butte partying, most people probably think of St. Patrick’s Day, but this past New Year’s Eve at Quarry Brewing Co. looked to be a lot of fun. Check out these pictures Chuck and Lyza posted on their Facebook site.

Chuck and Lyza, owners of Quarry Brewing Co.

A little music for the evening

The crowd on New Year's Eve

Quarry Brewing Co. exemplifies community in Butte

From the first time I met Chuck and Lyza, owners of Quarry Brewing Co. in Butte, I was sincerely impressed by their commitment to seeing brewing become a family tradition again. They, perhaps more than any other brewery, exemplify one of the greatest things about living in Montana. That of a community brewery where the community comes first. I grew up with this mentality in Europe, and Montana is the first state where I’ve seen hints of that. As I was browsing these pictures of Quarry’s First Annual Holiday Potluck, I was struck by the way Chuck and Lyza have spent so much time and effort reaching out to their fellow craft beer lovers in Butte. But here, see for yourself.

Quarry Brewing Co.'s First Annual Holiday Potluck

Nice angle on the Quarry Brewing Co. taproom

The community turns out for a holiday potluck at the Quarry

Chuck and Lyza and the next generation of brewers at Quarry

Prost,

GG

Holiday happenings at Butte’s Quarry Brewing Co.

Here’s the latest update from Chuck and Lyza and the good folks at Quarry Brewing Co. Looks like they’re doing a tamer version of their Ironstone IPA for IPA connoisseurs, and the list of Christmas goodies just goes on and on. I love these guys for the amount of fun they make out of the brewing lifestyle. Good an ya!

Holiday is fast approaching, few reminders on what’s going on at Quarry Brewery!

Back on Tap- SANDSTONE STOUT, very tasty come & try one, perfect beer for this
freezing weather!definitely hits the spot.
NEW beer will be on tap Dec. 14 “GNEISS IPA” 7%alcohol, well balanced IPA not
as potent as the Ironstone IPA.

Don’t forget about the Quarry HOLIDAY POTLUCK on Dec 12 Sat. starts @ 4pm
We’ll provide the main dish if you bring a side dish or dessert.Let me know if
your coming & what you’re bringing, we have a sign-up sheet @ the brewery or call me @ 723-0245
SEE ATTACHED FLIER!

DEC. 31 Thurs. start @5PM “NEW YEARS EVE PARTY”
A reserved keg of IRONSTONE IPA will be on tap to celebrate the NEW YEAR 2010!
FOOD, FUN & LIVE MUSIC
Don’t miss it!

Holiday Brewery Hours Dec. 24 Christmas Eve. 1-6 PM
BREWERY WILL BE CLOSED BOTH CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEARS DAY!

Lastly We would like to thank you for your continuing support!
Butte’s Local Brewery
Chuck & Lyza
723-0245
www.wedigbeer.com

Prost,

GG

Spend Halloween with Quarry Brewing Co., in Butte America

Maverick BrewFest tomorrow

Don’t forget about the Maverick BrewFest, that fall reminder of football and tailgate parties along the Clark Fork River. Come on out if for nothing more than to support a good cause and to try some new brews from the likes of Quarry Brewing Co. in Butte and Bitterroot Brewing in Hamilton.

Bitterroot will have their new Oktoberfest on hand.

Here are the details:

Maverick BrewFest Sep 11th 2009 4:00PM
Location: Caras Park
Contact: Missoula Athletic Club
Join us for the 11th annual Missoula Mavericks Brew fest! We will be hosting more than 45 beers on tap, food and live music from the TOM CATS. $10 gets you in and an 8-ounce signature tasting glass with three drink tickets – additional tokens are just $1 each. Come early for best selection and remember the Missoula Athletic Council has been supporting youth athletics for over 40 years so come down for a great time and a great cause!

Prost,

GG