If you’re not paying attention while driving down the no-longer-sleepy streets of Stevensville, Montana’s oldest community, you just might miss Blacksmith Brewing Company. And that would be a crying shame. This is a great place. I wish they would lay off the hops sometimes, but that’s nitpicking. And really, I’m not just talking about the beer. Blacksmith Brewing Co. is the total package: good beer in a great setting with a great vibe.
On my third visit, after hiking in the Bitterroot several months ago, we were enjoying a Pulaski Porter when we noticed Tom Catmull setting up for some live music. It didn’t take long at all for the taproom to fill up and the music, beer and conversation flowed freely. And nothing about that is unusual at Blacksmith. Live music is a Wednesday and Saturday staple at Blacksmith – as much a staple as the consistently good beer and friendly, comfortable atmosphere.
The building once housed a blacksmith shop and many of the interior finishes were recycled or preserved from the structure during the remodel. Burned into the barnwood walls are brands from the valley’s ranches. They’ve got food from local vendors a couple nights a week and you can bring in your own or order up from some of the local restaurants and have it delivered. Even kids are welcome (there’s root beer on tap) and contribute to the welcoming, community hangout feel of this place. I’ve been to a lot of Montana’s breweries and it is hard to imagine one with a better vibe than Blacksmith.