Montana Craft Beer Scene Thrives with World Beer Cup Recognition for Local Breweries

Helena’s craft beer scene has been thriving, with two local breweries recently receiving recognition at the World Beer Cup. Lewis and Clark Brewing Company won gold for their Miner’s Gold Hefeweizen American wheat beer, while Copper Furrow Brewing took home a bronze award for their Tmavé international dark lager. These accolades have raised the bar for craft beer in the area and showcased Montana’s diverse range of high-quality brews.

Lewis and Clark Brewing Company has only been in operation for a short time, but their first brew, Miner’s Gold, has already won gold twice at the World Beer Cup. Owner Max Pigman is proud of his team’s dedication to quality and consistency in creating this cloudy citrus-flavored beer that is 5% alcohol. Pigman believes that Miner’s Gold is a versatile go-to beer for any occasion.

Copper Furrow Brewing also made history by winning a medal at the World Beer Cup for the first time with their Tmavé international dark lager. Head brewer Nick Diehl emphasized the significance of this recognition from expert beer judges, stating that it was a testament to their hard work and dedication to producing top-quality beers. Tmavé is a rich Czech lager with a roasted taste similar to a pilsner but with more complexity. Diehl is the sole brewer at Copper Furrow Brewing, making his win even more meaningful for him personally.

Alongside Lewis and Clark Brewing Company and Copper Furrow Brewing, two other Montana breweries also received bronze awards at the World Beer Cup: Sacred Brewing Company in Kalispell and MAP Brewing Company in Bozeman. These awards highlight the high quality and diverse range of craft beers being produced in Montana, which continues to grow in popularity among locals and visitors alike.