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