For the 4th of July Weekend we headed up to Rollins on Flathead Lake for some chilly camping. In Montana you never know what you’re going to get for any particular holiday. Snow tends to usher in Memorial Day even if the previous week has seen 80 degree temperatures.  By coincidence, I spent my first 4th of July in Montana summer in Montana back in 1993 also near Rollins.  That weekend never never made it out of the 40s. The rain and low clouds kept the ceiling low and I didn’t see the mountains ringing the lake until the following year.  This trip was much improved, with temperatures in the 60s and some nice sunshine in the mornings, followed by frequent showers in the evenings.

Rollins is about 10 miles south of Lakeside and that ensures we make it to the Tamarack Brewery every time we’re in the area. The food is great and they’ve turned out some great beers too.  I’ve heard they’re scouting out a location for a restaurant in Missoula and that gives me mixed emotions. You can bet I’ll be a frequent patron, but it takes away that special treat we get every time we head up to the Flathead. Well, it doesn’t take it away, but you get the point.

I can guess why, but it took me quite a long while to getting around to trying Tamarack’s Hat Trick Hop IPA. I think I made the mistake early on in my craft beer exploration days of trying a couple of IPAs that burned my tongue on the excess hop bitterness. I figured that must be the measure of an IPA, so I swore them off for years.  Tamarack’s IPA proves just how good an IPA can be when it features all there is to love about a hop without going overboard on any one part. It is a copper/orangish color with a white head. I get a cascade hop aroma and a fairly strong malt backbone in the initial taste, perhaps even some biscuit flavors. There is a moderate amount of floral hop flavor and bitterness that carries through to the finish.  It is extremely well balanced and one of my favorites along with Blackfoot River Brewing’s IPA which has a much different flavor profile, but is also well balanced. Hat Trick Hop IPA is 6.9% abv with 60 IBUs.

While there I also tried one of Tamarack’s newest brews, Save the Trails Black Ale.  I made a mistake in trying it after a pint of the IPA. It poured a dark red with an off white head. The flavor was a bit earthy with even a hint of smoke and a slightly bitter finish.  At 4.6% abv and 21 IBUs it would likely make a good session beer, but it was overwhelmed by the potent IPA I’d just finished. Perhaps that just means I’ll have to think of an excuse to head back to Tamarack. Also, while you’re in the area, head up to Somers and stop in at Buns By the Lake, also owned by the Tamarack Family.  Hands down it has the best breakfast and lunch on the lake and for many miles beyond.