This is very much a working production brewery, and, when you drive up, the overwhelming impression is one of the immensity of the facility. You know there's a lot going on. When you walk in, the tasting rooms feels far more like a gift shop than a bar. You can schedule a tour in advance, but if you just show up, you can at least peek through the windows in the tasting room as well as upstairs. Downstairs you can see the fermenters; upstairs, the bottling line, barrels, and bright tanks.
The merch is impressive--in addition to the usual t-shirts, sweatshirts, and bottle openers, you get the coozies, the multitudes of glassware, coffee mugs AND Big-Sky-labelled coffee beans. Well, actually, it's Hunter Bay coffee, and you can also get bags of it ground. But you get the idea--TONS of different Big Sky schwag.
The tastes are free. 4 ounces of complimentary goodness. They will sell you growlers, growler fills, and I believe bottles to go. They have four faucets going on a given day. It's a nice operation for a bustling regional brewery, though it's definitely not a bar--just a tasting room.
I enjoyed the tasting room experience at Big Sky. When I was in Missoula I stopped here and at Bayern. Both tasting rooms had "regulars" stopping in for their daily beer, but the staff at Big Sky was much friendlier.
I enjoy a craft beer so it was cool to sample some beer and check out the production area from an upstairs window into the warehouse. No tours, but a chance to sample.
I was not crazy about the beer, but the staff was helpful in suggesting beers. The location near the airport is nice for a visit heading in or out of Missoula.
We always stop at Big Sky Brewing when in Missoula. Â I am a big fan of Summer Honey, Scapegoat and when I can get it, the Heavy Horse Scotch Ale. It is usually very crowded on a Friday night. But, why not, when they are giving away free samples. Â And really, when I go, I am not there for the atmosphere, it's to taste what's fresh on tap and to bring home some beer.
Review Source:You've heard of Moose Drool--and for good reason. Â It's solid. Â Summer Honey and Trout Slayer are also go-to's.
But there's just something about Big Sky that doesn't jive with me. Â I think it's how awful their duds are. Â When a Big Sky beer isn't good--they aren't just bad, they're gaggable. (see, Cowboy Porter)
If you're gonna grab a brew from these guys (and shame on you for not doing your Yelpsearch) it's probably because they have the best ads and best swag. Â But do yourself a favor and avoid the seasonals.
I love this brewery's products. Â I have been consuming them since the mid-90's. Â Winter Seasonal, Scape Goat, Summer Honey, and Slow Elk are all fine products that I would be glad to put on my table at any time of the year. Â I love that this local microbrewery has done so well that I can find its products all over the west. Â It is a little bit of home everywhere I go.
Review Source:Big Sky was the first stop after we moved out to Missoula, since it was right across from our hotel. We met the owners back in Michigan, because they went to Michigan State University, I think. Their winter seasonal Russian imperial stout, Ivan the Terrible, is really dark and delicious, with an alcoholic punch and chocolaty malts. Anyway, the first time we went there, the sample server was very nice and told us a few good places to go around town. The samples you get are super fresh and the brewery always smells like wort. You can sometimes get specialty beers by going to the brewery, like their elephant rock saison (11.5% abv) and recently they brewed a limited release double IPA. Even though the samples are free, you should still tip the servers.
Downside: it can be kind of touristy and busy at times
Tip: Growler fill on Tuesdays is only $5!
A visit to Missoula isn't complete without a stop to Big Sky Brewings Tap Room. Â Be sure to try the Moose Drool (and as many of the others on tap as you can safely consume in sample size) and grab some logo wear to take home. Â Wonderful staff, plenty of parking and great product. Â Tuesdays are $5 growler fills so get there early to avoid the rush.
Review Source:
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
