Kettlehouse Brewing (K1)

We stood barefoot on an unoccupied porch and admired the suns resilience despite a late evening down poor. Following a long conversation about the breweries role in the community, its experimental brews, and the experimental ways of serving such brews (see Pilsner on nitro note) we ventured out, satisfied with our visit to the Kettlehouse Brewing taproom (K1), one of Missoula, MT’s finest neighborhood establishments.

One of the many benefits of living in the great state of Montana is being able to purchase quality beers, such as Ketthouse’s own Double Haul IPA and Cold Smoke Scotch Ale in supermarkets and service stations across the State. Having cracked many cans of Kettlehouse beers, we taproom travelers were giddy about the opportunity to taste the full Kettlehouse line-up straight from the source. After tackling the classics mentioned above, which tasted even better at the taproom, we sampled Hopnosis American Pale Ale, Olde Bongwater, and perhaps the best tasting pilsner either of us has ever sampled, Al’s Pilsner. Rarely does one’s to order a Pilsner; we decided to give Al’s a stab based on the suggestion of the nice guy working that night. After taking a sip the only thing I could think was: “Wow! Why is that so light, crisp, and flavorful…why does this feel almost like I am drinking cotton candy?” The answer, we soon found out, was that K1 was serving Al’s on nitro…brilliant (or other Guiness tag line).

K1 one is a neighborhood taproom, defined by its resident craft brew crowd. As is such, as they go, it goes. Located in an area where Downtown Missoula gradually transitions into surrounding neighborhoods, the chances of meeting a friend or neighbor are just as likely as coming across two random guys in town for a conference. K1 has a bike rack, plays good music, and provides tables, bar seating, and a standing area for patrons to enjoy. The taproom opens up to a nice patio space for outdoor enjoyment (rain or shine) and some fresh Montana air. The energy of the loyal customer base flows like the beer, reminiscent of you and your friends’ favorite college hangout. The difference being K1 doesn’t serve rum and Coke or host a power hour, it simply offers arguably Montana’s finest beer, supports it’s community, and provides the locals with a neighborhood gathering spot.

We finished things up in Missoula with a nightcap in a can back at the hotel - courtesy of the nearby service station and the Kettlhouse brewery. What better way to re-connect with regulars who venture out across the state? With everything said and done, the Kettlehouse Taproom tested our evaluation scheme but left us the wiser. What it lacks in amenities is made up for in a huge way by excellent beer a dedicated staff, and a strong sense of community, which we agreed is what the taproom is all about.

Scores:
Beer: 84 of 100
Atmosphere: 37 of 55
People (staff & clientele): 42 of 45
Total: 163 of 200

Blacksmith Brewing

Many Montanans’ consider Missoula the craft brew capital of the state. The Garden City after all is the home base of Montana’s more famous, dare I say commercial, craft brews. Moose Drool, Cold Smoke, and Trout Slayer all call Missoula home, as do many people who are ingrained in the craft beer culture. This balance of supply and demand has established the standard for brewers and drinkers of Montana craft beer. It was only a matter of time until the “hopsanity” drifted down the Bitterroot Valley where new kid on the block, Blacksmith Brewing, of Stevensville has emerged as a must visit for beer lovers in Montana.

After navigating through acres of rural sprawl, we arrived in Stevensville around 4:00pm on a nice Saturday afternoon. Upon entering city limits, we were greeted from afar by a super-sized chalkboard advertising the “menu” on tap. We brimmed with confidence, knowing we had reached our destination. After all, locals advise to be on the lookout for the “big black chalkboard”. Available beers included the Brickhouse Blond, Pulaski Porter, Cutthroat IPA, Blackout Stout, and the P.D. Pale Ale. Blacksmith’s variety of light, dark, malty, and hoppy beers were unique and consistently good, speaking to its quality as a brewery. The Pulaski Porter and Blackout Stout were both a hit. The Pulaski Porter is a rich, yet smooth malty masterpiece. The Blackout is equally smooth, and at 8% abv, this beer is not your dad’s Guinness style stout.

Beer consistency carries a taproom only so far. Without a lively atmosphere, top-notch customer service, and staff with an exceptional beer I.Q., a taproom is destined to be average at best. Luckily for folks in the Bitterroot Valley, and anyone curious enough to take a stab at this place, the Blacksmith Brewing taproom excels in all aforementioned categories. The brewery is located in an old brick building that captures the history of “Montana’s oldest city.” The rotating collection of modern local art brings to age the historic nostalgia of the taproom. The service and care we experienced at Blacksmith was second to none as confirmed by an accompanying taster for nearly all available beers and timely delivery of snacks to our table - within a minute of sitting!

The Blacksmith Brewing taproom is a lot like the girl in high school that no one really pays attention to, but turns out to be a ten a few years later in college. All of the elements are in place –great beer, great location, awesome atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff – the key is to get the word out and let people know that this is an amazing tap room within 30 miles of what many consider to be the capital of Montana’s craft brew.

Scores:
Beer: 81 of 100
Atmosphere: 37 of 55
People (staff & clientele): 41 of 45
Total: 159 of 200 – 4 Pints