Finally, after a long hiatus, I am finally back to brewing. I just went to the combo “garden” and homebrew shop in downtown Missoula, and picked up some interesting ingredients and winged it. Fermentables 3 lbs. – Dry Light Malt Extract 0.25 lbs. -  Smoked Pale Malt 1 lbs. –...

Ay…I feel like I should be putting on my non-existant kilt. The beer has two of my favorite phrases; oak-aged and Scottish Ale, so I just had to try it out. Bridgeport Brewing Highland Ambush Particulars 6.7% ABV ~40IBUs Bridgeport Brewing Highland Ambush Notes Appearance: Dark...

This beer is the one that I never pick up. I always see it sitting there next to the other Bitterroot Brewing brews, and yet I have never grabbed one. That was until tonight when I grabbed from the lone grocery store in Lolo as I was too lazy to drive into town. Bitterroot Brewing Nut Brown...

The 2011 Abyss Imperial Stout from Deschutes is a sensory explosion. Rich aromas, a multitude of flavors, and an intriguing color, all make the Abyss most desirable. 2011 Abyss Particulars 11% ABV 65 IBUs 2011 Abyss Notes Appearance: Poured a deep mocha with a chunky tan head. Aroma: Warmth...

Rare event for Montana, four beer geeks in the same place at the same time. The place was The Rhino (one of the best craft beer bars in the state). The geeks were Ryan Newhouse of Drink It Missoula, Alan of Growler Fills, and Curtis of Montana Beers. We had a great time talking great beer and...

C-4, that ever popular plastic explosive, is the right name for this powerful pale ale. C-4 Pale Ale Particulars 6.2% ABV 70 IBUs from Northwest hops C-4 Pale Ale Notes Appearance: The subtlest of amber tones with an one-finger white head. Aroma: Tons of resin and, perhaps,...

There is nothing like a gifted beer. Today I received such a gift in the form of Bitterroot Brewing’s Porter. Bitterroot Brewing Porter Particulars 5.6% ABV Peat-smoked malts are used Bitterroot Brewing Porter Notes Appearance: Just this side of inky black in color with a thin, tan...

A hippie on the bottle, just chilling. The campfire illuminates the ponderosa pine above him as the Bitterroots stand snow-capped in the background. The beer has to be good, right? His vector graphic hair hangs from his head like God’s dreadlocks, the path to some sort of heaven. Maybe the...

I got a great recommendation from Dan at the Thriftway Conaco, “I had to pour that down the drain.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement. But hey, the price was right. Have to say right off the get go, that I did not enjoying the first sip, but it grew on me with a few more sips. The spices...

Clean…this beer is simply clean. Just a pleasurable drink. Appearance: Poured a crisp golden with a thin white head. Fine carbonation. Aroma: Fresh baked biscuit with tinges of floral hops Mouthfeel: Just clean…hits the palette with a soft maltiness and then it’s gone. Taste: Finite...

What a Valentine’s Day gift, a bomber of Hoptimum Whole Cone Imperial IPA from Sierra Nevada. It waited in my frig until last night, and I am glad that I waited as the anticipation made the experience all the more memorable. I paired this brew with Saint Andre triple cream (yes, triple)...