About Big Sky Brewing Co.
Big Sky Brewing brewed its first beer, Whistle Pig Red Ale, in June 1995, after founders Neal Leathers, Bjorn Nabozney and Brad Robinson turned years of homebrewing into a draft-only brewery on Hickory Street. Moose Drool Brown Ale and Scape Goat Pale Ale followed within months. Moose Drool took its name from a painting of a moose by Bjorn's mother, Jane, and it is still the brewery's best-known beer.
In 2002 the company moved to a much larger brewery on Trumpeter Way, near the Missoula airport, where it began bottling in 2003. It now sells beer in more than 20 states, and the taproom at the brewery is the place to try it close to the source. Expect about a dozen beers and hard seltzers, with Moose Drool, a fall Oktoberfest and specialty releases among them, and cans, growlers and crowlers to take home.
The taproom is open every day, from noon until about 8 pm Monday through Saturday and until about 6 pm on Sunday. The brewery offers event and catering options and answers questions about reserving tables by email. Note that dogs are not allowed in the taproom or anywhere on the brewery property, a rule the brewery ties to Missoula city code.
Big Sky Lavender Farms in Florence, in the Bitterroot Valley, is about 35 minutes south on US-93. Its lavender goods are sold through an online shop, so check whether the farm has open days before planning to combine the two.
What to do
- Order a Moose Drool at the brewery where it is made
- Try about a dozen beers and hard seltzers on tap
- Fill a growler or crowler to take home
- Ask about seasonal and specialty releases such as Oktoberfest
- Ask about holiday parties and event catering
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Taproom open daily (hours posted September 2026)
- Hours
- Posted on their website (updated September 2026): Mon–Sat noon to about 8 pm, Sun noon to about 6 pm
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Not allowed (taproom and entire property)
- Reservations
- Walk-in; email the brewery about reserving tables or space
Tips for your visit
- Leave dogs at home; they are not allowed anywhere on the property
- Closing times are approximate, so arrive well before 8 pm (6 pm on Sundays)
- Bring a growler or buy a crowler to take beer home
- Plan a designated driver before you go
Pair it with a lavender farm
Big Sky Lavender Farms · about 35 minutes away
Big Sky Lavender Farms in Florence is about 35 minutes south on US-93; confirm its visiting options before pairing it with the taproom.
Getting there
Questions
Can I bring my dog?
No. The brewery says dogs are not allowed in the taproom or anywhere on its property.
When did Big Sky Brewing start?
The first beer, Whistle Pig Red Ale, was brewed in June 1995; Moose Drool followed a couple of months later.
Can I take beer home?
Yes. The taproom sells cans, growlers and crowlers to go.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Florence & the Bitterroot Valley, Montana
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
