This week 19 years ago Big Sky Brewing Company brewed it’s first batch of beer. In the last 19 years… not a lot has changed, actually. The biggest difference is we brew more beer than we used to, which is a good thing. Otherwise, we’re still doing what we love: making world class beers and having as much fun as possible. It’s amusing to take a look back and see where we were THEN and where we are NOW.
1. Location
Then: 120 Hickory St. Our home until we ran out of room in 2003.
Now: Our original home is now the Montana Natural History Center, who we’ve partnered with for 2014 Summer Concert Series Giving. They’ll use these proceeds to buy new buses for field trips. Last year, we raised money for BMX parks and new youthhomes.
2. Team
Then: Bjorn Nabozney, Kris Nabozney, Neal Leathers, & Brad Robinson
Now: All but Brad–and he’s a FOB (friend of brewery)–are clocking into Big Sky Brewing Company daily. We’ve also added another 40+ of finest Americans you’ll ever meet.
3. Bar
Then: Our first account was The Rhino in downtown Missoula.
Now: 19 years later we still have our first customer. In fact, the Rhino is generously offering shuttles to and from our 2014 Summer Concerts. And they’re still pouring our beers so stop by and say hi.
4. Brewhouse
Then: A two vessel, 30 barrel brew house that we used tirelessly for 18 years, 15,000 brews and 500,000 barrels.
Now: A four vessel, 60 barrel Newlands brew house. It’sawesome.
5. Fermenters
Then: Two, 60 barrel fermenters
Now: We still have them both. They allow us to always tinker with new brews. We’ve also added 23, 180 barrel fermenters to the tankfarm.
In short, we’re proud of growth we’ve achieved in the last 19 years, and we’re proud of the roots that we’ve kept deep in the ground in Missoula, MONTANA. We’re glad we still make water fun, and frankly, we can’t wait to turn 21.