The labels have all been approved. Now they just need to arrive at the brewery and Flathead Lake Brewing Co. will enter a new phase. Starting any day now, Flathead Lake Brewing will be putting their fine brews in 22 oz. bombers for retail sale. They’ll be starting with their IPA2 and eventually expanding to include their pale ale, wheat, porter, and amber.  I’m sorry their brown ale, one of my favorites, isn’t on the current list. From what I understand, the brewery will self distribute the bottles to a variety of local retail outlets, but no word yet on where. Like Tamarack Brewing of Lakeside, Flathead Brewing is putting a tap room in Missoula which causes mixed emotions.  For me, their beer becomes that much more accessible, but somewhat diminishes the “treat” that comes with making the pilgrimage north to the breweries.

I stopped in on a recent Sunday afternoon to see how the reopened brewery was faring. The deck was full of folks enjoying the sunshine and plenty of food was flowing out of the kitchen. Eight beers lined the taps: wheat, saison, porter, espresso porter, amber, ipa2, pale and brown.  It occurred to me that I’d never tried Flathead’s pale ale, so I ordered a pint.  I’m not sure what took me so long to try it. It is a medium gold color with a thicker white head.  The light floral hop aroma pares perfectly with the crisp hop flavor and mid-level bitterness. It is a very balanced beer and perfect on a hot day. 5.8% abv and 35 ibus.