Bozeman Brewery Hop

Exploring the Bozeman Brewery Hop: A Detailed Review

If you’re curious about Montana’s thriving craft beer culture, the Bozeman Brewery Hop offers an engaging way to learn, taste, and understand what makes local brews so special. Led by Rich Higgins, a Master Cicerone — one of only 28 in the world — this tour combines education with fun, making it perfect whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just starting to explore the beverage world.

What we love about this experience are three key things: the expert guidance, the opportunity to taste at two top-tier local breweries, and learning practical tips on how to decode beer menus and flavors. Plus, the inclusion of a hot appetizer makes it feel like a well-rounded experience.

One possible consideration is the duration—just under two hours—so if you’re after a more leisurely, extensive brewery day, this might feel a bit quick. However, for a focused, information-packed session, it hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic local flavors, enjoy learning about food and drink, or want a fun activity that combines sightseeing with education. It’s also ideal for those who are new to craft beer but want to get a solid grounding from a true expert.

Good To Know

• Expert Guide: Led by Rich Higgins, a Master Cicerone, offering both insights and approachable explanations.
• Visit Two Top Breweries: Learn about beer styles, ingredients, and brewing in Montana’s finest establishments.
• Tastings Included: Four 4-oz. beers at each brewery, allowing sampling of different flavors.
• Learning Focus: Tips on decoding beer menus, tasting notes, and understanding ingredients like hops and barley.
• Food & Beverage: A hot appetizer complements the beer tasting, making the experience more satisfying.
• Small Group: Max 12 travelers ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Bozeman Brewery Hop offers more than just tasting beers; it’s about genuinely understanding what makes each brew unique. The fact that Rich Higgins is a Master Cicerone gives this experience an edge. His knowledge isn’t just theoretical—he’s a former brewery worker, which means he can speak from experience and bring a practical perspective to the tasting notes and brewing process.

This tour caters to those who want to expand their beer vocabulary and develop a more discerning palate. Reviewers mention how Rich is great at answering questions and tailoring recommendations to individual tastes. One guest noted, “Rich was a great guide and we learned so much about beer and he answered all our questions.” That kind of approachable expertise makes the tour particularly valuable.

The Itinerary: From Brewpubs to Brewing Insights

The tour kicks off at Bozeman Brewing Company, a local favorite. You’ll start in the taproom, where Rich provides your own flight of four beers, which you can select or let him curate based on your preferences. This initial tasting is a relaxed way to get familiar with local flavors and learn about different beer styles. Expect to spend around 40 minutes here, which is enough time to sip and chat without feeling rushed.

Next, it’s a quick walk — just about two minutes — to Mountains Walking Brewery. This part of the tour is particularly immersive. Rich guides you through the brewery, showing off the brewing tanks, which adds a visual element to your understanding. You’ll sample barley malts and hops directly from the source, which helps demystify the ingredients that make each beer special.

Once inside the taproom, you get another flight of four beers, chosen either by you or based on Rich’s recommendations. The fact that you get to sample different beers and learn about brewing ingredients makes this part of the tour especially valuable. Plus, a hot appetizer from Mountains Walking’s kitchen is included, giving you a satisfying bite alongside your drinks.

What Makes the Tasting Special

The focus on learning is what elevates this experience. Rich doesn’t just pour beers; he explains the flavor profiles, trends, and styles. You’ll discover how to identify different hop varieties or understand the nuances of malts. Reviewers have praised Rich’s ability to answer questions thoroughly and adjust recommendations based on individual tastes.

The inclusion of food is another plus. A hot appetizer makes the tasting less about just drinking and more about enjoying a balanced experience. It also provides a palate cleanser, which is helpful when sampling multiple beers.

Practical Details & What to Expect

The tour is priced at $88 per person, which might seem high at first glance, but considering it includes two brewery visits, tastings, a guide, and a hot appetizer, it offers significant value. The small group size ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd — Rich can tailor the experience, answer your questions, and share stories.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it manageable even for travelers with tight schedules. It starts at 504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, and finishes back there, so logistics are straightforward.

Confirmation is received immediately upon booking, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. Since most reviews highlight how knowledgeable and personable Rich is, you’re likely to find this as a fun, engaging introduction to Bozeman’s craft beer scene.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently mention the expertise of Rich, with one commenting, “Rich was a great guide and we learned so much about beer.” They also appreciate the variety of beers sampled—covering a broad spectrum of flavors and styles—and the personalized attention due to the small group size.

Guests have enjoyed the insights about brewing and ingredients and have appreciated the opportunity to ask questions freely. The inclusion of a hot appetizer was seen as a thoughtful touch that enhanced the experience and made it feel more like a social gathering than a quick tasting.

The Sum Up

The Bozeman Brewery Hop offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines education, tasting, and the chance to explore Montana’s vibrant brewing scene. It’s ideal for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of craft beer, enjoy local flavors in a friendly setting, and learn from a true expert.

While the experience is relatively short, the quality of guidance and the focus on learning make it worth the price. Whether you’re a dedicated beer lover or simply curious about what makes Montana breweries special, this tour provides excellent value.

For those who enjoy small-group experiences, expert-led tours, and the chance to taste a variety of beers with some local bites, this activity hits the sweet spot. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, learn about beer, and leave with new tasting tips — all in just a couple of hours.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be approachable for all levels. Rich Higgins is skilled at explaining beer styles and flavors, making it perfect for those new to craft beer.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the tastings and learn without feeling rushed.

Are there options for different beer tastes?
Yes, at both breweries, you can select your own four 4-oz. flights or ask Rich for recommendations based on your preferences.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes two sets of four-beer flights, a hot appetizer, and a knowledgeable in-person guide. No additional beverages are included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Is transportation provided between breweries?
No, the breweries are only about a two-minute walk apart, so guests are responsible for moving between stops.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, alcohol laws mean participants should be of legal drinking age.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it accessible for all guests.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, simplifying logistics for local guests.

The Bozeman Brewery Hop is a smart pick for those wanting an informative, fun, and taste-rich introduction to Montana’s craft beer scene. With a guide as experienced and personable as Rich Higgins, you’re guaranteed a memorable outing that elevates your appreciation for beer in just under two hours.