Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 30 Cathy refers to her brew- ers as "artists." The one-barrel system allows them to play with recipes and create unique blends using ingredients like spruce tips, cardamom and mace. They have found a way to supplement the taproom income by being prolific bottlers of beer. Their unique aluminum bottles can be found across the state. Cathy and Nolan have come up with another creative solution to supplement their income. The Springs is their second location and sits a half-mile hike uphill from the original taproom. Outside of the large production facility sits a concert space, kitchen and gardens. But it's what under the space that really adds to the bottom line. A natural spring flows beneath the building and the Smiths have used this to tap into the revenue stream of bottling spring water. They are half owners of the springs and the town owns the other half. According to Nolan, the spring water now accounts for one third of their revenues. Despite bottling, the small taproom in the heart of colorful Philipsburg is still the mainstay of the brewery's business and a source of great pride for the nine hundred-strong population. Cathy says, "It's their brewery. All you have to do is ask them." Two blocks off Highway 93 in Darby, Julia mans the bar at BANDIT BREWING COMPANY, the smallest taproom in the state. If you ask nicely Julia might just whip up her inside special, Sunshine Pale Ale and Orange Pearl IPA topped with Kolsch. Actually, you don't even have to ask. Julia will just offer because that's the kind of person she is. Owner JC McDowell says his business model is based on this service and the quality of his beers. A common thread among the profiled brewery owners runs through JC as well. He enjoyed homebrewing and inviting friends over for samples who then suggested he open a brewery. "I did that for three months," says JC. "Then I ran out of money and said it's now or never." He opened to a standing room full only of locals with four beers on tap and the rest is history. JC relishes the experimental side of brewing and that side of Bandit is a one-man show. "It's a marathon that never ends," says JC. Last year he tried over 310 different recipes. At least one of all seven major styles of beers are on tap at all times. JC is grateful for the locals that frequent Bandit, but he ac- knowledges that part of owning a small business is innovation. To that end JC is opening a much larger taproom and brewing facility down the highway along the banks of the Bitterroot Riv- er. This will help him take better advantage of the tourist traffic, hire more staff and pour more beer. And hopefully heal that constant bruise he has on his shoulder from running around the tight brewing operation. But in the off seasons when rafters pull out of the river and skiers hang up their poles, the locals will still be there to ask Julia for her special pour. "During the slower periods we get to reconnect with the community," says JC. "The tourists bring the profits. The locals keep the lights on." Montana Weekend Forecast with Bottle Opener Sign Grizzly Bottle Opener with Pewter Wall Mount Leather Wildlife Beverage Grip Set It's Always Happy Hour In Montana A common thread AMONG THE PROFILED BREWERY OWNERS [IS THEY] ENJOYED HOMEBREWING AND INVITING FRIENDS OVER FOR SAMPLES WHO THEN SUGGESTED [THEY] OPEN A BREWERY. Toast Montana's breweries... www.distinctlymontana.com/beer211 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL

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