Brew Tour: Neptune's Brewer of Livingston, MT

 

After stopping at Fat Jack's Tap Room and continuing forth on their journey to Gardiner, MT to meet with their friend, the Harringtons stopped in at the Thai eatery, sailor-themed Neptune's Brewery in Livingston, MT. 

Unfortunately, the couple arrived a little later than desirable, had only about half an hour to sample a few brews (likely something hoppy for the man and something dark for the lady) before the each drank a half pint of super strong Mead Ale and bought a growler to share with friends in Gardiner.

Brew Tour: Fat Jack's of Laurel, Montana

Continuing forth with the Brew Tour and once again in route to see a dear Korean friend, the Harrington duo was thrilled to stop in at Fat Jack's Tap Room in Laurel, MT.

Set up to allow numerous home brewers in the region to develop recipes and brew them in professional equipment, Fat Jack's provided a wide array of brews and a great atmosphere in which to grab a drink. Friendly staff was eager to share some pulled-pork with the duo and a few others at the bar and had tangible love for their own brews as well as beer in general.

In a process of research, as all of the brew trips have honestly been in anticipation of opening The Burlington Place, the Harringtons picked up the idea to involve local home brewers and are looking forward to see what kind of participation they may drag forth out of the Big Horn Basin!

Brew Tour: Bozeman Brewing of Bozeman, Montana

In order to break up the drive from Missoula, MT to Worland, WY, the Harrington duo decided to stop for dinner and a drink in Bozeman -- drinks first, of course.

Since the couple had already stopped at 406 Brewing on the way to Missoula, the logical choice was to stop at Bozeman Brewing on the way back down. It was also obvious that the couple should call up their dear friend, Becca Skinner and catch-up on her wild and beautiful life.

Much to the Harringtons pleasure, considering the positive experiences they'd had around the state, Bozeman Brewing was as incredible as desired. With something along the the Java-Coffee Porter or Stout lines, Melissa felt like she was entering that blissful place between a caffeine buzz and drink buzz. Meanwhile, Mike sipped on a CDA - Black IPA and the duo spent some time being inspired by Ms. Skinner and sharing their own plans for a wild and crazy future.

As the couple pulled across the state-lines they knew that they had just enjoyed some of the country's best brews and were fully inspired for their home-brewing (and other brewing) adventures!

Brew Tour: Big Sky Brewing of Missoula, Montana

Perhaps the most famous of Missoula's Brewery's, Big Sky Brewing is home of Moose Drool and one of Melissa's more embarrassing mid-day blunders.

Having hardly sipped her first, free sample of Biere de Noel (fabulous brew!) Melissa thought she'd get all instagram-cutesy and take a photographic shot of the taps...and elbowed her sample glass right to the floor, letting it shatter, spill and break.

Needless to say, the photo never happened and Melissa spent the next five-minutes trying not to make eye-contact with anyone.

The brewery is a large ware-house and more of a tasting room with great gear and apparel and free samples (maxiumum of three...or four?) Between the Harringtons and Kim's samples of Berliner Weisse, All Souls Ale, Bucking Monk Tripel and Moose Drool were all sampled and enjoyed.

Conveniently located near the airport, this stop made for the perfect 'holding area' prior to saying farewell to Hyunhee's husband, Hakcheol.

Brew Tour: Kettle Works of Missoula, Montana

Continuing forth with a study of Missoula breweries, the Harrington's took Hyunhee and Hakcheol to Kettle Works where they shared a sampler before ordering a few pints.

True to form, Melissa ordered something dark: The Brick and Mortar Porter. Because of a difficult time distinguishing each beer on the sampler, Mike was not entirely sure what he ended up with and in their weakened ability to drink like American's the Kim's split a Lake Missouola Amber.

The brewery was filled the entire time the Harrington's and Kim's were drinking there, and the group was definitely grateful to have had entered just in time to snag a table. Although the building is quite large, it's obvious their popularity could withstand a few more tables, regardless, the real reason any one goes to a brewery is to enjoy a quality beer, and that dear readers, is exactly what you'll find at Kettle Works.

A Mid-Winter Vacation: On the Road and In the Breweries

While it may seem the Harringtons only made their way to Montana to drink fine beer (such as those from 406 Brewing, or Draught Works, or Tamarack's) the truth is they made the long haul in order to see their dearest Korean friends one of whom was in Montana for a month of study the other of whom, her husband, was in for just a short visit, so the Harrington duo requested a couple of personal days and set out to see these two gems. You may remember the couple from THT events such as visiting Beartree Park, learning to Play Go-Stop at the Farm, watching the kickin' good show Jump, Sleepovers, trips to the DMZ and Final Farewells at the Airport. Needless to say, this is a couple which the Harringtons have many fond memories with and whom they cherish greatly. So, while Montana provides great beer, for a time, the state also housed some great friends.

Having survived some less than perfect driving conditions and a sample of beers at 406 Brewing, the Harrington duo was ready to meet up with the dear Koreans for whom they had made the long, crazy haul. Upon pulling into Missoula, the couple headed to the University campus to pick-up Hyunhee. Having exchanged hugs and words of greeting, the little trio was en route to the airport in order to retrieve Hak-cheol who had spent a lovely day or two exploring San Francisco. 

Upon reuniting with the entire crew, it was off to enjoy some fine American beer, food and of course chatting. The couples first made their way to Draught Works where they shared a double sampler followed by a few pints. As the representatives of good American brews, the Harringtons pushed and prodded the Korean couple to enjoy the fine flavors which can (and should) exist in a pint of beer. Hakcheol came around quickly in terms of enjoying quality libations, while Hyunhee would take a bit longer, always hindered by her inability to get much further than a half-pint. All jokes and teasing aside, the couples raised their glasses to being reunited at last and began plotting the course of the evening, dinner plans and the following days that they would all spend together.

With both Hyunhee and Hakcheol feeling a bit jet-lagged and the Harrington duo fading fast from many hours on the road, the crew decided dinner, followed by sleeping arrangements was to be the order for the evening. They made their way across to town to one of the breweries which also served food, Tamarack's, and set to chowing down, catching up and preparing to find their bed for the night.

As part of a Korean government program to improve English ability, Hyunhee would be staying on the University campus. Fortunately, thanks to expat friends in Korea who otherwise call Missoula home, the Harringtons and Hakcheol had been set up with a local Missoulan and made their way toward his apartment where they showed up too late to meet their host and eagerly made their beds on couches, chairs and floors - all ready for a nice night of sleep and a day of exploring and enjoying Montana to come.

Brew Tour: Tamarack's Brewing of Missoula, Montana

After our first brew stop in Missoula and a bit of running around, the Harrington duo and their Korean counterparts were ready to hit up a brewery which additionally served up a nice meal.

This lead the foursome to Tamarack Brewing Company. While they opted out of ordering a sampler (although, on second thought, they should of, if even only for it's beautiful presentation) each dinner ordered a pint and plate, filled to the brim with delicious eats.

Highlights of dining at Tamarack Brewing Company include chicken sandwiches topped with brie, buffalo wings, pasta salads and more. But of course, the true joy of dining at this establishment are the brews. For the individual who has a difficult time choosing a beverage (or a meal for that matter) each main course on the menu includes a drink recommendation and can make ordering a tad easier, especially if one meal or drink seems to stand out - simply browse the menu until you find a counterpart!

Wanting to chow down on the chicken and brie sandwich, Melissa was surprised at how satisfied her stout-porter-loving-tastebuds enjoyed the light and apricot-y Sip 'N' Go Naked. Being a lightweight and a cheap date, Hyunhee hardly made it through her Bear Bottom Blonde but was a bit more eager to down (the more potent, yet easier to sip) Sour Ale.

Overall, the trip to Tamarack's left each and every diner feeling satisfied and content in terms of beer and food!