USA, MT: The Missoula Brewing Company to return to the brewing business

A well-known piece of Missoula brewing history is returning to the Garden City. The Missoula Brewing Company (MBC) plans to open a new brewery behind Karl Tyler Chevrolet on International Drive this summer, Kpax.com reported on April 6.

MBC says they'll be reviving Montana's Highlander brand which was originally introduced in 1910. The original brewery was located at the base of Waterworks Hill and shut down in 1964 to make way for Interstate 90. MBC re-launched Highlander in 2007.

“Missoula is on the leading edge of the craft brewery culture in the northwest,” said Bob Lukes, founder of the revived Missoula Brewing Company. “We are so excited to combine new world flavors with the rich history of Highlander for the state's craft beer enthusiasts.”

Owned by Bob and Shannon Lukes of Missoula, Marc Pierce of Bozeman, and a small group of investors, the brewery will feature a new facility allowing for large-scale production.

The head brewer will be Gary Gagliardi, formerly a lead brewer at Stoud's Brewery, the oldest craft brewery in Pennsylvania.

“The opportunity to bring back such a storied Montana brand is exhilarating,” added Marc Pierce. “We all love the rich history of Highlander and we love great beer!”

08 April, 2015