Cole Schneider and Maggie Doherty opened Kalispell Brewing Company less than nine months ago, but quickly growing demand has them undertaking their first expansion project. Kalispell opened with a fermentation system using four 10 barrel fermenters. The expansion project increases fermentation capacity 150% by adding two 10 barrel fermenters and two 20 barrel fermenters for…
The Montana House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee tabled further action on HB 326 and HB 336 this morning, likely spelling the end of both bills during the 2015 Montana Legislative Session. HB 326 would have allowed breweries to directly purchase a retail license (from the open market in most areas), permitting them to…
Rep. Tom Berry, Chair of the Montana House Business and Labor Committee, announced this morning the Committee would take action on House Bill 326 and House Bill 336 tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 11. The Committee was expected to take action today, but reports indicate Rep. Ryan Lynch requested the delay while amendments are being processed.…
Bozeman’s Main Street is set to get its first brewery later this spring when White Dog Brewing Co. opens its doors at 121 W. Main St. Construction was bustling when we stopped by in mid-January and visited with co-owner/brewer Joe Moore who was awaiting delivery of the rest of his brewing equipment. When completed, White…
It was standing room only in Room 172 of the Montana State Capital building today for the House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee hearing on three beer-related bills. After nearly four hours, only one thing remained clear: the tension and simmering anger that dominated the 2013 session has not dissipated, it has merely shifted…
The Montana House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee will take up three beer-related bills this Friday, February 6, at 8:00 a.m. in what will be a very action packed hearing. A fourth alcohol-related bill is also on the schedule. For those wishing to participate in person, the hearing is scheduled to take place in…
With competing beer licensing-related bills headed for a hearing before the Montana House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee this Friday, February 6, a new coalition of brewers and industry participants has formed to support an alternative to the Montana Tavern Association/Montana Brewers Association’s license-stacking bill. Calling it the Coalition for Beer Fairness, the group…
The House Business and Labor Committee of the Montana Legislature has scheduled HB 326 and HB 336 for hearings on Friday, February 6, at 8:00 a.m. The bills represent different approaches to an issue facing the brewing industry. HB 326, dubbed the “Montana Brewers Act” is supported by a coalition formed between the Montana Tavern…
Remember when the idea of “good” beer in a can seemed as foreign as a clean-shaven hipster? Today, Bozeman Brewing Co. announced the launch of their latest beer in a can: Buzz Kill Java Stout. Buzz Kill is a seasonal beer available in limited quantities and more seasonal cans are on the way. If there’s…
The text of the bill to raise the 10,000 barrel cap for on-premise sales at brewery tap rooms is now available. You’ll find the text of the bill, currently known as LC2093, at this link. (Or click on the bill itself below.) The bill will receive a new designation once it is introduced in the…