I started the day with Crow Peak brewing in Spearfish, South Dakota within the realm of the Black Hills. http://www.crowpeakbrewing.com/
One of my go to brews when I’m out west is their Pile-O-Dirt-Porter. I’ve brought it to the Bighorns via can form in the past, but this was my first time straight from the faucet. Crow Peak Brewery has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and drinking by their fireplace on a 15 degree day, was a great way to take the chill off. There’s a small farmers market in the same parking lot, along with Bunky’s BBQ who makes a pretty kick ass pulled pork sandwich.
My next two stops were in Sheridan, Wyoming. The first being Black Tooth Brewing Company, http://www.blacktoothbrewingcompany.com/
A five year old brewery, located at the base of the majestic Big Horn Mountains. Makers of Saddle Bronc, and one of my favorites- I swear you can actually taste the toffee. Black Tooth now has three of its flagship beers, Saddle Bronc (Brown Ale), Bomber Mountain (Amber Ale) and Hot Streak (IPA) available in 6-Pack Cans and Draught statewide in Wyoming as well as parts of South Dakota and Montana.
Last stop was Luminous Brewhouse http://luminousbrewhouse.com/
I tried a few samples and settled on the Uphill Brew Ale, named after the infamous local mountain road “Red Grade”. Red in color, it has a tasty hop appeal. There was live music here and the atmosphere was jumping.
All three breweries are worth trekking off highway 90 for, especially the latter two during the spring when the access roads to the Bighorn Mountains and Yellowstone are in full swing. Off to Billings and Livingston tomorrow if the weather clears.
Of note- Powder River Pizza Co. in Sheridan makes a mean Greek pizza, and if you’re there, try Tensleep Brewings “Speed Goat Golden Ale.” http://tensleepbrewingco.com/
NP
Stoutrekker.com 