I’ll be visiting Montana with family, arriving in about a week. We’ll mostly be in Whitefish, and I know about Great Northern, but I’d love any tips on other breweries, pubs, and bottle shops in the area, maybe within a half-hour or so. I’ll also be in Missoula for three days with my kids, and looking for the same, although I’ve researched the breweries and stores listed on BA and feel more or less set there. I'm also debating whether or not to bring along some Jester King or other TX beers for trades, but I haven’t seen any MT activity on the Mountain trading board. Maybe I’ll just throw something up there and see what happens. I’m into pretty much all styles, but as far as what I’d want to purchase to bring home or trade for, it would probably be sours/wilds, lambics, and barrel-aged stouts/porters. Any recommendations are much appreciated!
Kalispell has a decent brewery right on main street. Really family friendly and you can bring your own food in. There's also a killer ice cream shop across the street. My favorite brewery in Whitefish is Bonsai. It's in a house that's been repurposed/reconfigured for a business. Used to be a store, then a restaurant, now a brewery. Further north of Whitefish in Eureaka is HA Brewing (Homestead Ales). South of Kalispell there is Tamarack and Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake Brewing has pretty good food and a killer view of the lake looking south. You won't find a ton of good bottles in the area. Check out Markus Foods or Brix in Kalispell. I used to live in Missoula, but a lot has changed there since I left. Draughtworks is always good, the new growler fill station/beer bar called The Dram Shop is also pretty cool. Lots of places to find beers all around there, but still not a killer selection for what most people in real cities are used to. PM me if you're looking for any more info.
