Craft Beer Dinner

On Sunday, November 6th at 5:00 PM Bayern Brewing and the Edelweiss Bistro will be hosting their first ever Craft Beer Dinner. Chef Mathias has planned a five-course dinner to be paired with some of the best brews Bayern has to offer (see the flyer graphic below for details). Tickets went on sale earlier this week, limited to just 20 people but there are still a few tickets left. This is a rare opportunity you won't want to miss, so get signed up today by calling the Bayern Tasting room (406) 721-1482 or stop by the brewery. You could perhaps have a beer and some of the regular, authentic German cuisine on the Edelweiss Bistro menu while you're signing up. Just an idea...

Prost!

Oktoberfest Party at Bayern

Saturday, Sep. 3, there will be a big kickoff to the Oktoberfest season at Bayern; a party with live Oom-Pah music, special beer offerings, a special menu from Edelweiss Bistro and more!

A live performance by the touring OomPah band S-Bahn (follow this link to check out their website) will entertain everyone at Bayern Brewing and this performance is planned to be in a special expanded beer garden in the parking lot and adjacent lot. Based out of the Pacific Northwest, they tour around the Western US (and beyond) and are slated to play the German Fest in Caras Park the following day. They're a lot of fun and many are excited for this performance. It is going to make a great party that much better.

Special beer offerings include the traditional wooden barrel tapping that will occur at the brewery weekly during the Oktoberfest season (September). The wooden barrel will contain (what else?) Bayern's Oktoberfest Lager, a dark "Fest Beer" fashioned after the beer that was served at the very first Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, Germany. In addition, there will also be a firkin tapped containing Bourbon Vanilla Oktoberfest. We experimented with this and a few other cask-conditioned varieties, deciding that this one would be a real crowd pleaser for "Beer Nerds" as well as anyone who appreciates something interesting and new from Bayern.

The Edelweiss Bistro is planning some special menu items for the event. I'm not sure if they will also include most of their regular items or if they're just going to create one special, traditional plate offered at the event as they have done in the past. I will update this blog post with that information as soon as I find out. No matter what, its going to be super-tasty and complementary to the beer and the celebration in general.

For those of you who are concerned about missing the Griz game that evening, we plan to have a projection screen TV to show the game on a big screen outdoors as well as in the Taproom and the Bistro. You may be a bit distracted by all the other fun going on though!

Those who show up in Oktoberfest attire, such as the traditional Lederhosen, Dirndl (or something to the effect) will receive a free draft beer!

On a bit of a side note, you might like to read the Bayern Brewsletter from Fall 2009, which contains a bit of history about the very 1st Oktoberfest and why it is actually celebrated in September, even though it is called "Oktoberfest".

This may very well be the biggest, best Oktoberfest Party Bayern Brewing has thrown thus far. You won't want to miss it. Until then, ~Prost!

Brewfest Season, Crowler Thursday and More News

Don't miss the last Crowler Thursday - buy a Crowler, filled with your choice of Bayern beer (subject to availability) and get a free pint! This special promotion is over at the end of the month so you have one Thursday left to take advantage.

Brewfest season is upon us. Just about every weekend lately there seems to be some great beer-related event and it continues through Oktoberfest season. Actually, Bayern has already started brewing Oktoberfest beer in preparation!

Two upcoming events are the Oregon Brewers Festival this week (July 28-30) in Portland, OR and the Western Montana Fair Brewers Exhibition Friday, August 12 in Missoula, MT. Lead Brewer, Justin Lee, will be traveling out to represent Bayern in Portland. Dozens of breweries will be there to share their products, many beer-related businesses will also be there offering gear, live music... Let's just put it this way: its only one of the biggest Brew Festivals in the United States. Also, the Brewers Exhibition is the first brewfest as part of the Western Montana Fair. Planned to become an annual addition to the Fair, $12 gets you a wristband, some tokens and much more.

Recently, Bayern traveled to the Bitterroot Brewfest in Hamilton, MT, and the Big Sky Brewfest at the resort. The two German interns also represented Bayern at the brewfest inVirginia City.

Speaking of interns, this is the last week Jan Albers will be working with Bayern. His term is up and we will be welcoming another new intern shortly. We will have more about the new brewer intern and our new kitchen intern, working for Edelweiss Bistro, in an upcoming blog post. Stay tuned, but in the meantime, stop by and say Auf Wiedersehen to Jan.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. ~Prost!

Mug Club Party and Citra Dump Truck

Join us at Bayern Brewing this Saturday 4-8pm for a fun party thrown for our Mug Club members. Eat some tasty BBQ food and something from the potluck, drink an Unfiltered Pilsener (available for a limited time) or Citra Dump Truck, listen to music provided by a DJ, play some games and maybe win some cool prizes. Mug Club membership gets you a wristband to get in the door, a free beer and a brat or burger. Sorry - the deadline to get entered in the prize drawing has already passed but you could still become a Mug Club member. If you bring a dish to contribute to the potluck, you can get an extra chance to win in the prize drawing.

Citra Dump Truck is now available in the Bayern Tasting Room and, for the first time ever, in 6-packs in most markets (look for the "Brewmasters' Limited Release" carrier in stores). Dry-hopped with Citra hops, it adds an extra citrus flavor and aroma to delicious Dump Truck while still adhering to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law).

There's a great new deal available in the Tasting Room on Thursdays: get a free beer when you get a crowler filled! A crowler, in case you didn't know, is a 32 oz can you can get filled with any beer you choose to take it with you. They are great for taking on the river or any situation where you'd like to bring beer in a recyclable container. Also, check out out new insulated growlers (pictured at left) - we only have a few left so get one while you still can!

More news to share with you soon so check back!

~Prost!

Firkin Fest 2016!

This week, May 16-21, is American Craft Beer Week!  To celebrate, Bayern has crafted a special firkin to be tapped each day during the week. Trying new things is great and Bayern's staff would love for you to join in and give your input on the new beers. By the way, a firkin is a small, hand-filled keg (in this case, very specially prepared and cask-conditioned). Your input could influence a new beer offered by Bayern!
 

Monday- 20 liter firkin of Pilsner dry hopped with Sterling (Sterling is a US hop to replace the German Saaz hop normally used in Pilseners, it has more citrus and spicy notes)

Tuesday-  41 liter English firkin of St. Wilbur Weizen triple-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria hops to give it a more refreshing summer finish.

Wednesday-  41 liter firkin of Helles dry hopped with a Hallertau Blanc - a new bold German variety with floral and fruity, passion fruit, grapefruit, pineapple, grape and lemongrass overtones. (very excited for this one!)

Thursday-  30 liter firkin of Dump Truck hopped with El Dorado, which shows fruity notes, specifically tropical fruit flavors. Other fruit notes offered have been pear, watermelon and stone fruit.

Friday-  30 liter firkin of Dancing Trout double-hopped with Jarrylo. Paired with a crisp, Pilsner malt base, Jarrylo shines with banana, pear, orange, and fruity spice.

Saturday-  20 liter firkin of Amber hopped with Amarillo. 

Also, on Monday, Juergen will be tapping a wooden barrel of Unfiltered Pilsener at the Iron Horse as we help them celebrate their 25th anniversary.

~Prost!

Craft Beer Week Events!

Missoula Craft Beer Week is April 30-May 7 and Bayern will be featuring Doppelbock (Maibock isn't available) and a sneak-peek of Citra-charged Dump Truck all week (while supplies last) at the brewery. Bayern will also be joining the celebration at the following events:

• Friday April 29, 5-9pm Brews Cruise packet pick-up party at Bayern Brewing. A wooden barrel of Dump Truck will be tapped around 5pm. If you're interested in the Brews Cruise come down to inquire or and sign up or see the link below.
• Saturday April 30, Brews Cruise starting at 12:00 p.m. A bicycling poker run to kick off Missoula Craft Beer Week! Proceeds benefit MTB Missoula. $15 per rider. Grand prizes are new cruiser bikes courtesy Missoula Bicycle Works.
• Thursday May 5, 5-10pm Craft Brewers Cup. Mini Golf tournament that roams around Missoula! Bayern will be manning the hole at Charlie's Bar downtown (you know where it is...). 
• Friday May 6, 5pm - Jürgen will be tapping a wooden barrel of Dump Truck at the Depot Bar & Restaurant located at 201 Railroad Street W. Missoula
• Saturday May 7, 3pm(ish) Garden City Brewfest Bayern will be tapping a wooden barrel of some of the last Maibock for the season. This festival, which was actually started jointly between Bayern, The Rhino, Iron Horse Brewpub and Worden's Market (so its actually called a B.R.I.W.-fest) has now become a champion of the wonderful Missoula Downtown Association. Craft Beer from all around the Northwest (and some other places too). Click here for more info.

For more details on the Brews Cruise or Craft Brewers Cup, you can visit the Missoula Craft Beer Week website: http://missoulabeerweek.com

It should also be noted that Bayern is getting some national recognition at the Brewers Association Craft Brew Conference in Philadelphia, PA next week. Bayern's Brewmaster, Thorsten Geuer, will be speaking about our bottle washer and other sustainability efforts at the conference. Bayern even got a cool write-up in Beer Advocate magazine that has recently gained more attention.

Oh - check this out! The website myrecipes.com recently posted a list of the best breweries in each of the 50 States. Guess who was #1 in Montana?! Follow this link to see the article. It was re-posted on MSNBC and other sources. Very cool.

Hope you all take part in at least part of Missoula Craft Beer Week and, no matter what, enjoy your life, springtime and some good beer.

~Prost!

Dump Truck, Dancing Trout and Concert Photos

Fishing and floating season in the Northwest has officially begun. So we packaged a LOT of Dump Truck this week. It will be showing up in stores and at taverns/restaurants in many markets soon. Dancing Trout will be shipping soon as well. Both are eagerly anticipated by many as they are refreshing, tasty, and quite unique. Dump Truck especially is one-of-a-kind: it somewhat defies categorization. Decoction brewed, unfiltered with a high gravity, yet you'd hardly know it with its golden color and champagne-like qualities. Dancing Trout is a "Kristall-Weizen", which is a style you don't hear about very often in markets rather saturated with IPAs and other, more English types of styles. Grab a six-pack or growler of either of these for your next float or fishing expedition. We doubt you'll be disappointed.

It was a fun Sunday night at the brewery when the rock band Royal Bliss gave a very special, intimate performance upstairs. Tickets sold out, the band and attendees all had a great time. Some fans who had seen the band before were surprised that their style sounded a bit more country than the last time they had seen them. While they call their style "Heartland Rock" with classic and southern rock roots, they've recently had a little more influence from Nashville. The newest member of the band, Sean “Memphis” Hennesy (guitar/banjo, has a lot to do with this Nashville influence. The crowd was pretty excited when he jumped up on the bar during one of their songs (see photo). 

One more bit of information to add along the lines of current events at Bayern Brewing; we have even more new Beer Gear (new logowear - hats and shirts) available in our Tasting Room. You can order then over the phone too, if you're not able to visit us at the brewery. See below for a pic of current hats available and visit the Beer Gear section of www.bayernbrewery.com to learn more.

~Prost!

St. Patricks Day, Maibock "Preview" and Upcoming Concert

Lots of upcoming events at Bayern Brewing and Edelweiss Bistro to tell you about so let's get into it!

Maibock will be available this weekend (Friday-Sunday) in the Tasting Room at Bayern. The delicious, malty spring seasonal (click here to read the Spring 2009 Bayern Brewsletter featuring the story of Maibock) is the seasonal beer typically offered after St. Patrick's Day.

Shawna models one of our new t-shirts

New logowear is available in the Tasting Room and Gift Shop. New T-shirts (including Edelweiss Cafe shirts!) and even a new Edelweiss Cafe dress. A couple of the options are pictured.

St. Patrick's Day, Edelweiss Cafe will be serving $10 plates of corned-beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots (exclusively - due to high-demand, they will not be serving items on the regular menu). There will be a wooden barrel of Killarney tapped around 5:30pm with a special discount for glasses of beer from the wooden barrel - $2 each! There will probably be some bagpipe music and other fun stuff too so come down and spend part of your St. Patty's Day at Bayern!

Sunday, March 20, the nationally-touring rock band Royal Bliss will be doing a meet-and-greet at Bayern from 5-7pm followed by an hour-long acoustic performance in the Edelweiss Bistro (upstairs). Tickets are $7 and very limited. Call the Tasting Room (406.721.1482) during business hours (11am-8pm) for more information or to purchase your ticket.

Hope to see you at the brewery taking advantage of one (or all!) of these great events.

~Prost!

German Intern Changes

Bayern Brewing will be saying goodbye to the German intern, Broder Kallsen (pictured at right), who has been with us for the past year. While his coworkers and the friends he has made here in Montana will be sad to see him go, we will soon be welcoming a new intern from Germany, Raven Fritscher.

Every six months, a new intern comes from Germany to learn and work with the Bayern Brew Crew through a Cultural Exchange program. Bayern's Brewmaster actually came to Missoula many years ago through a similar program so this is a long-standing tradition of education and opportunity. The interns who participate are typically in the process of earning their Master Brewers Diploma (or similar education) and in a journeyman phase of their education. Broder came to Bayern after doing his apprenticeship working at Flensburger Brauerei near the Baltic Sea for three years. Our other current intern from Germany, Jan Albers, worked and apprenticed at the Jever brewery. Raven Fritscher arrives in Montana soon, coming from his previous brewery experience at Koenig Pilsener in Duisburg-Wedau, Germany.

Raven Fritscher

Broder really enjoyed his time in Montana where he made many new friends, visited our national parks, played soccer and enjoyed many other outdoor activities that we have to offer here. After spending next month touring around the Western United States and particularly California, Broder's next experience brewing abroad takes him to China, where he will work for Amoy Bräu, a German brewery in Xiamen.

Please wish Broder the best of luck in his next adventure and give a warm welcome to Raven. ~Prost!

Expanded Business Hours and New Menu Items

The Tasting Room and Edelweiss Bistro are now open from 11am to 8pm. Please visit the Tasting Room any day of the week during these hours. However, Edelweiss Bistro will be closed on Sundays.

There are a number of new items on the menu at the Edelweiss Bistro. One of the most popular new items is the Jäger Gravy, a mushroom gravy sauce that can be used for dipping your fries (or smothering them). Jäger Gravy is also available as a topping for your schnitzel as in the new menu item the Jägerschnitzel, pictured above right with another recently-added side: traditional home-made Spätzel (a German noodle). Another new favorite is the appetizer, Brotzeit Teller: an assortment of sliced deli meats, two cheeses, German pickles, radishes, German rye bread, butter and hot Löwen mustard. Some people even get that one as a meal for themselves.

For a full menu, you can visit www.edelweissbistro.com.

Valentines Day is Sunday... Maybe you and your sweetie would enjoy treating yourself to some authentic German food and beer... The restaurant does have some romantic ambiance... Just sayin'...

~Prost!

Killarney is back!

Ah! The luck of the Irish is with ye' now, lads & lasses, because Bayern Killarney Irish Red Lager is here!

I might just as well let the photo do all the talking because, let's face it, you can't stop looking at that amazing red color, can you? Well, I could describe the flavor I suppose... It is 5.8% ABV, smooth, malty and complex because it is made with five different kinds of malt (Pils, Wheat, Munich, Chocolate and Cara-Red from Germany). Killarney is also medium-hopped with hops from the Hallertauer Region of Germany. Sounds rather German for an Irish Red Lager, right? That is because it is a tribute to the Irish heritage here in Montana. This beer is truly one-of-a-kind and Brewmaster Jürgen Knöller (Owner of Bayern Brewing) claims it is actually the first Irish Red Lager made in America. How can he make such a claim? Well... before I go plagiarizing myself, I'll just refer you to the Bayern Brewsletter I wrote at this same time of year back in 2009.

You can find it pouring in the Tasting Room at Bayern Brewing, as well as in bottles and on draught in the Northwest craft beer market. If you've run out of Doppelbock for your Superbowl party, no one will be too disappointed with Killarney as a substitute.

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe everyone!  ~Prost!

Last Call for Doppelbock!

Get $1 off pints and growler fills from now until Doppelbock is gone at the brewery Tasting Room! With a deal like that, you had better come get some because supplies won't last very long.

Typically, Doppelbock has it's seasonal run from late October through early February (the Superbowl) on draft and in bottles. Well...it's that time of year! That means... Killarney season is coming soon! I'll blog about Killarney in a couple of weeks.

Another great opportunity at the Tasting Room is the 2nd Annual Brewery Food Drive. Drop off any non-perishable food items and, for every 5 you bring in, you will get one entry in a drawing for a Bayern Brewing Gift Basket. The gift basket is filled with some great items (mugs, a hat, a t-shirt, a growler, a hoodie, and, of course, beer!) and you can feel good about providing food to the Missoula Food Bank who helps ensure that no one in goes hungry. By participating, you're a winner even if you don't win the gift basket. For more information on the Brewery Food Drive (founded by Bayern's own Joe Berryman), you can check out this post on the Montana Brewers Association website.

Bring a few things from your pantry, save some money on delicious Doppelbock, and enjoy the friendly environment. We hope you'll join us before these opportunities are over.  ~Prost!