Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co

Summary: The most expensive and poorest quality beer in Billings; however, they bring in solid bands for their music

Since I work in the brewing industry, I make it a point to stop at the local watering holes as I pass through. I was astonished that Yellowstone (YVBC) lacked a proper beer sampler, but I was able to try the beers recommended to me by the staff (who didn't seem very knowledgable about beer and told me wrong information).

Every beer tasted sour or astringent, some of which I found quite wonderful if it were intentional. Each of the beers I tried lacked any foam. The beer was $4 per pint, $0.50 more than the Billings' average. The staff was playing some decent tunes, but the acoustics made it overbearing to do much but think about the poor quality of beer.

A concert started an hour into my visit at YVBC, and while the band performed well( and is the only reason I'm giving it as high as a score as I am), the acoustics ruined the experience for me. I also saw they were charging $10 per person cover. In my opinion, it wasn't worth it but the 25-30 people in attendance thought so. Many more people were turned away at the door.

Also the bar area is disgusting. There is a wall of very dirty and old beer bottles hanging on poorly constructed wooden shelves. Many of these bottles have labels falling off. The decor will remind you that you need to clean out your garage and hold a yard sale or trash day. Broken tennis rackets and dirty posters line the walls. The place could also use some paint. I don't see how a health inspector allows this establishment to exist.

Also, good luck finding the place. There are no signs marking the building, except for the Alternative Life Style store in the same building.

While the band performing was great, I just did not have a good experience and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Especially with Carter's, Angry Hank's, and Montana Brewing Company within an earshot of this place.

Good selection on tap and in bottles.  Mix and match 6 pack too!