Bozeman Brewery Hop

Bozeman Brewery Hop: A Beer Lover’s Guide to Montana’s Best Brews

If you’re looking for a way to genuinely understand and appreciate craft beer, the Bozeman Brewery Hop promises an insightful, fun, and flavorful experience. Led by Rich Higgins, one of only 28 Master Cicerones in the world, this tour takes you behind the scenes at two of Bozeman’s top breweries. Whether you’re a die-hard beer enthusiast or just someone curious about what makes great beer tick, this tour is designed to deepen your appreciation—and you’ll get plenty of tastings along the way.

One of the features we love about this experience is how Rich combines expert knowledge with approachable friendliness. He’s there to answer questions, teach tasting tips, and make sure everyone leaves with a better understanding of beer styles, ingredients, and trends. The fact that it includes visits to two well-regarded Montana breweries makes it a fantastic way to sample local flavors while learning the craft behind them.

A potential consideration is that the tour is somewhat condensed—lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes—so if you’re looking for a longer, more leisurely beer crawl, this might feel a bit quick. However, for those who want a well-rounded, educational intro to Bozeman’s brewing scene, it hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for foodies, craft beer fans, and curious travelers who enjoy a taste of local culture combined with expert insights—and it’s perfect if you want a personalized, small-group atmosphere.

Key Points

Expert guidance from a Master Cicerone adds depth to the experience
Tastings include four 4-oz. beers at each brewery, offering plenty of variety
Behind-the-scenes access at Mountains Walking Brewery reveals brewing processes
Local flavor through visits to two top Montana breweries
Educational focus helps you decode beer menus and understand styles
Affordable value considering the multiple tastings, insider tips, and tour length

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the Bozeman Brewing Company, a local favorite known for its welcoming taproom and quality beers. Here, Rich Higgins facilitates a relaxed environment where you choose or are guided through a flight of four 4-oz. beers. This allows you to try different styles, from malty ales to hoppy pale ales, and learn tasting tips directly from a pro. Cristian_B’s review captures this well: “We had a blast… Rich was a great guide and we learned so much about beer and he answered all our questions.” It’s clear from feedback that Rich’s approachable manner makes this first stop engaging and informative.

Next, the group walks just a block to Mountains Walking Brewery, a place with a more intimate, craft-focused vibe. Here, Rich takes you into the brewery itself, showing off the brewing tanks—an insider peek that many travelers find fascinating. You get to see and sample barley malts and hops, gaining a clearer picture of what goes into the beers you enjoy. This stop also includes a hot appetizer, adding a nice touch of local flavor to the tasting session.

The second round of tastings at Mountains Walking Brewery is similar to the first, with another flight of four beers, curated to match your preferences or based on Rich’s recommendations. The review mentions that Rich’s familiarity with the brewery’s history and processes enhances the experience: “Rich used to work here, so he knows the brewing process and shares interesting insights.” This behind-the-scenes access adds significant value, especially for those interested in the craft of brewing.

Throughout the tour, tasting tips and menu decoding are central themes. Rich’s approach makes it easy for guests to understand how to navigate beer menus and identify flavors they enjoy—an invaluable skill for future pub crawls or brewery visits.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The small group size—max 12 travelers—ensures personalized attention. You’re encouraged to ask questions, and Rich’s extensive knowledge means you’re likely to leave with more than just a full belly. His background as a Master Cicerone, combined with hands-on experience at local breweries, makes him an authentic guide.

The combination of learning and tasting strikes a good balance for most travelers. You’re not just drinking; you’re understanding what makes each beer unique. We loved the way Rich explained beer styles and trends, making complex ideas accessible and fun.

The value for the price ($88 per person) is quite good considering the number of tastings and the behind-the-scenes access. You also get a hot appetizer, which is a thoughtful touch to help balance the alcohol and add a local flavor.

Location-wise, the tour’s walkable, starting in downtown Bozeman, making it easy to include as part of a broader exploration of the city. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into most travel schedules.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation isn’t included, but since the stops are within a short walk of each other, you won’t need additional transit. Just plan to wear comfortable shoes—walking between breweries takes about 2 minutes. As the tour doesn’t include extra alcohol beyond the tastings, and no wine or seltzers are served, it’s focused solely on beer.

Booking in advance is recommended—on average, it’s reserved about 50 days ahead—and it’s a small group experience, so spots fill up fast. The tour operates most days, and booking is straightforward online.

The meeting point is at 504 N Broadway Ave, in downtown Bozeman, a convenient spot for visitors staying nearby. The tour ends back at the same location, perfect for continuing your day in the area.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits anyone interested in beer, from novices eager to learn to seasoned enthusiasts wanting to deepen their knowledge. It’s also a great choice for travelers with a curiosity about local Montana flavors and craft brewing traditions. If you enjoy small-group experiences with personalized attention and expert guidance, this is an excellent pick.

People who want to taste a variety of beers while learning about their ingredients and styles will find this especially rewarding. Conversely, if you’re after a longer, more leisurely pub crawl, this might feel a bit brisk. But for those who want a concise, educational, and flavorful experience, it delivers in spades.

The Sum Up

The Bozeman Brewery Hop offers a well-rounded, engaging look into Montana’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Led by Rich Higgins, a seasoned and approachable Master Cicerone, you’re guaranteed a blend of tasting, learning, and behind-the-scenes insights that elevate your appreciation of beer.

You’ll love the variety of tastings, the insider access to brewing processes, and Rich’s knack for making even complex beer styles understandable. The inclusion of a hot appetizer adds a nice touch of local hospitality, and the small group size fosters a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

This tour is ideal for those who want to deepen their beer knowledge, enjoy local flavors, and have fun in a casual setting. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting a taste of Bozeman’s craft beer craftsmanship without spending a full day or breaking the bank.

In short, if you’re curious about beer and want an expert-led experience that’s both fun and educational, the Bozeman Brewery Hop is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-beer drinkers?
Yes, even if you don’t typically drink beer, the guide’s explanations and the tasting variety can help you find flavors you enjoy, plus you’ll learn a lot about beer ingredients and styles.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including time at both breweries.

Are additional drinks or food included?
Only the four beers per brewery and a hot appetizer are included. No extra alcohol or drinks like wine or seltzer are part of the package.

Can I customize my beer flights?
Yes, at both breweries, you can choose your beers or ask Rich for recommendations tailored to your tastes.

Is the tour walkable?
Yes, the stops are only about two minutes apart, walking through downtown Bozeman.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking between breweries.

Can children join the tour?
This experience is designed for adults; alcohol service is included, so it’s not suitable for children.

What is the booking process?
You can book in advance online, with confirmation provided at the time of booking.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours before the tour start time. Last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.

How do I contact the tour provider?
You can reach Rich Higgins via email at [email protected] or call +1 415-305-9248 for inquiries.

The Bozeman Brewery Hop offers a memorable, educational experience that’s perfect for travelers eager to understand Montana’s craft beer culture—one sip at a time.