Bozeman, Montana—nestled in the heart of Big Sky Country—isn’t just a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts; it’s also become a hot spot for craft beer lovers.
With its booming brewery scene, Bozeman offers something special for everyone, whether you’re into hops, sours, or lagers. It’s more than just great beer; it’s about the unique experiences and vibrant community each brewery provides.
Let’s talk about some of the must-try breweries in Bozeman if you’re planning to swing by in 2024.
1. Mountains Walking Brewery
Address: 422 Plum Ave
Starting off with one of Bozeman’s most creative spots, Mountains Walking Brewery. If you enjoy exploring new flavors and innovative brews, Mountains Walking is an absolute must.
What’s impressive here is their approach to brewing—combining old-world traditions with modern techniques. You’ll find some crazy experimental beers that push the boundaries of what beer can be.
Signature brews like the Tin Sky New England IPA and the Sweets cherry chocolate sour ale are prime examples.
And don’t even get me started on their food menu—think wood-fired pizzas and something they call “Tachos,” which are essentially nachos but made with tater tots. Heaven in every bite. The place feels vibrant, and there’s always a buzz in the air.
What to Try
- Tin Sky New England IPA
- Sweets Cherry Chocolate Sour Ale
- Wood-fired pizza and Tachos
2. Map Brewing Company
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Address: 510 Manley Rd
When it comes to enjoying a pint with a stunning backdrop, Map Brewing Company is hard to beat. Overlooking the Bridger Mountain range, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and soak in Montana’s natural beauty with a beer in hand.
The brewery’s motto, “brewed to explore,” speaks volumes about their adventurous spirit. Map Brewing offers a mix of styles, but their Midas Crush pale ale is a crowd favorite. Pair it with some food from their locally sourced menu, and you’re golden.
The taproom has a relaxed, open vibe with plenty of seating both indoors and out. So, whether you’re fresh off a hike or just passing through town, it’s a great spot to unwind.
What to Try
- Midas Crush Pale Ale
- Locally sourced food menu
3. Bozeman Brewing Company
Address: 504 N Broadway Ave
If you’re looking for a true Bozeman original, look no further than Bozeman Brewing Company—affectionately known as The Bozone. Established way back in 2001, it holds the title as the oldest brewery in the Gallatin Valley.
It’s a local staple, and for good reason. Their Bozone Amber Ale is a must-try, but if you’re into more complex and experimental brews, their barrel-aged sours will blow your mind.
The space itself is cozy, and the addition of a popcorn machine adds a quirky, fun touch. While the tasting room is on the smaller side, the beer more than makes up for it.
What to Try
- Bozone Amber Ale
- Barrel-aged sours (limited releases)
- Free popcorn
4. Outlaw Brewing
Address: 2876 N 27th Ave
As the name suggests, Outlaw Brewing doesn’t play by the rules. Initially starting in the corner of a BBQ joint, Outlaw has now grown into its own spacious taproom with a laid-back atmosphere and some serious flavor experimentation going on.
Their Jungle Flair sour, bursting with tangerine, guava, and mango, is a fruity punch to the senses. For those who love IPAs, Rainsticks & Whales is an excellent New England IPA.
Outlaw also regularly hosts food trucks, so you can grab a bite while sipping on something bold and adventurous. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends, try something different, and just kick back.
What to Try
- Jungle Flair Tangerine, Guava, Mango Sour
- Rainsticks & Whales New England IPA
- Food trucks
5. Bridger Brewing
Address: 1609 S 11th Ave
Beer and pizza are a match made in heaven, and Bridger Brewing nails both. Founded in 2013, this spot quickly became a favorite, especially with the Montana State University crowd.
Bridger Brewing emphasizes local ingredients, which you can taste in both their beer and food. Their Bridger Pale Ale and Fresh Hop IPA are perfect companions to their handcrafted pizzas, which are seriously some of the best in town.
If you happen to visit during warmer months, the rooftop patio offers breathtaking mountain views. It’s a lively, welcoming place where you can easily spend a whole afternoon.
What to Try
- Bridger Pale Ale
- Fresh Hop IPA
- Handcrafted pizza
6. Bunkhouse Brewery
Address: 7715 Shedhorn Dr
On the west side of town, Bunkhouse Brewery offers an eclectic mix of both traditional and experimental beers. They’ve grown from a smaller operation into a two-story taproom that’s perfect for those wanting to explore a variety of flavors in a laid-back setting.
The Kaleidoscope Sour and Lemon Drop Grisette are standout beers, and the constantly rotating taps mean there’s always something new to try. The atmosphere here feels more intimate and relaxed, making it a great place to go if you want a quieter vibe while enjoying a flight of beers.
What to Try
- Kaleidoscope Sour
- Lemon Drop Grisette
- Rotating beer flights
7. Last Best Place Brewing Company
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Address: 605 N 7th Ave
Though newer on the scene, Last Best Place Brewing Company has quickly made a name for itself since opening in 2021. They focus on sourcing local ingredients and have already built a loyal following thanks to their fresh and creative brews.
One of their most popular beers is Tourist Trap, a huckleberry lemon grass sour that’s both tart and refreshing. Last Best Place has a casual, friendly vibe, and with food trucks frequently parked outside, it’s a cool spot to chill with friends or family.
What to Try
- Tourist Trap Huckleberry Lemon Grass Sour
- Food trucks on-site
8. FreeFall Brewery
Address: 806 N 7th Ave
Another brewery that’s big on pairing beer with food is FreeFall Brewery, located right next to Audrey’s Pizza Oven. It’s the perfect spot if you want to sip on great beer while enjoying a slice of pizza from a local favorite.
The brewery’s selection includes a range of styles, with the Oh Wow IPA and SweetPea Butterfly Flower Witbier standing out. While FreeFall may not have the same craft beer “wow” factor as some of the other breweries in town, the experience of combining fresh pizza and cold beer makes it worth a visit.
What to Try
- Oh Wow IPA
- SweetPea Butterfly Flower Witbier
- Pizza from Audrey’s Pizza Oven
9. Shine Beer Sanctuary
Address: 451 E Main St A
For those who want to explore a wide variety of beers in one place, Shine Beer Sanctuary is a must-visit. With 30 rotating taps and a bottle shop offering both local and international beers, it’s a paradise for beer enthusiasts.
Shine also has an attached restaurant where you can order burritos, tacos, and salads, making it a full-on experience. Whether you’re into lagers, stouts, or sours, you’ll find something to love here. The space is designed to be relaxing, a true sanctuary for those looking to savor their beer.
What to Try
- Explore the rotating taps
- Burritos and tacos from the restaurant
Final Words
Bozeman’s craft beer scene is flourishing, and 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for local breweries. Whether you’re after a laid-back atmosphere, experimental flavors, or the perfect beer-and-food combo, this town has it all.
Each brewery offers its own unique twist on the craft beer experience, making Bozeman a destination that every beer lover should have on their radar. Also, Bozeman is quite busy place when it comes to hiking.
I’m Noel Massey, your not-so-typical trailblazer who’s been into hiking for years while herding two mini adventurers, a.k.a. my sons. We’ve tackled trails that would make your GPS do a double-take. Join me as I share tales from the great outdoors, and share some handy tips you could use in the future.
