1987 was a good year.  Gas cost $0.89 a gallon. A pound of bacon would set you back $1.80. We mailed stuff back then for $0.24. Lethal Weapon and Dirty Dancing were top films. The Simpsons made their debut on television. U2’s Joshua Tree album was a bit hit.

And well before the craft beer boom caught fire, Bayern Brewing started producing “microbrew” in Missoula, Montana. 

Think about that for a second.  We take it for granted that today we can go into most large cities and many small ones in Montana and find a brewery or two to explore.  In 1987, Jurgen Knoller, a German Master Brewer, became the first in Montana to start up a brewery in the modern age, well before craft beer was cool. For that bold effort, we raise a glass in toast today in celebration of Bayern Brewing’s 25th Anniversary.

Today, Saturday, August 4, 2012, from noon to 10:00 p.m., you can celebrate with Bayern at the brewery at 1507 Montana Street, Missoula, just a block west of Russell.  Live music, food, fun and, of course, beer will be on hand all day long.  There’s even a drawing for a kegerator give-away. 

Prost!