Bozeman Brewery Hop

If you’re curious about craft beer or simply want to enjoy a fun, educational experience in Bozeman, the Bozeman Brewery Hop offers a perfect combination of tasting and learning. For $88 per person, this 1 hour and 30 minutes tour takes you through two of the best breweries in Montana, guided by Rich Higgins, a Master Cicerone—one of only 28 in the world. The tour balances sample tastings, brewery insights, and food, making it ideal for those interested in flavor, brewing techniques, or just a relaxed social outing. While the small group size (maximum 12 travelers) ensures intimacy, it’s worth noting that alcohol is the only beverage included; no seltzers or wines are offered.

This experience is booked about 50 days in advance on average, reflecting its popularity among visitors seeking an authentic, expert-led beer adventure in Bozeman. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or new to the world of craft brews, the guided insights and hands-on tastings promise a fresh perspective on Montana’s thriving beer scene.

Key Points

• Expert-led tour with Master Cicerone Rich Higgins provides in-depth beer knowledge
• Visit two top Bozeman breweries with tastings of 8 four-ounce beers in total
• Includes a hot appetizer at Mountains Walking Brewery to complement beer tastings
• Small group size (up to 12 guests) ensures personalized attention
• Learn tasting tips and decode beer menus for future visits
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

Discover Bozeman Brewing Company and Its Tasting Experience

The tour begins at Bozeman Brewing Company, located at 504 N Broadway Ave. Here, guests are welcomed into the taproom with Rich Higgins, who guides you through a flight of four 4-oz beers. You can select your preferred styles or have Rich curate the flight for you, ensuring everyone gets a personalized tasting experience.

Rich shares valuable tasting tips and explains how to interpret beer menus, making this tour as educational as it is enjoyable. The 40-minute session at this brewery offers a relaxed atmosphere to sample different beers, learn about barley malts, hops, and brewing techniques, laying the groundwork for the rest of the experience.

This stop is an excellent introduction for those new to beer tasting, and even seasoned enthusiasts appreciate the expert guidance. The admission ticket for this stop is included, making it straightforward to participate in this portion of the tour.

Walking to Mountains Walking Brewery and Its Brewing Insights

After the initial tasting, the group walks just one block (roughly 2 minutes) to Mountains Walking Brewery. This brewery holds special significance, as Rich Higgins used to work there, adding a personal touch to the visit.

At Mountains Walking, Rich leads guests inside the brewing area to see the brewing tanks up close. Here, visitors can observe the ingredients—such as barley malts and hops—and learn about the brewing process directly from an expert. The 45-minute stop includes a flight of four beers of your choice, or Rich can recommend beers based on your preferences.

Plus, guests enjoy a hot appetizer from the brewery’s kitchen, which pairs perfectly with the tastings. This added food component enhances the experience, turning it into a satisfying and flavorful outing.

Tasting a Variety of Beers from Montana’s Best Breweries

The tour’s highlight is the sampling of 8 beers in total—four from each brewery. Guests get to try a diverse range of styles, gaining insight into beer flavor profiles, trends, and styles.

Rich Higgins, with his Master Cicerone expertise, answers questions and shares tips for decoding beer menus, so you’ll leave better equipped to choose beers on your own. These tastings are designed to deepen understanding of beer ingredients and brewing techniques, making the experience valuable whether you’re a novice or a seasoned beer lover.

The hot appetizer at Mountains Walking Brewery adds a welcome savory touch, making the tasting more satisfying. The combination of tastings and food provides a well-rounded experience that balances flavor exploration with learning.

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics in Bozeman

The tour begins at 504 N Broadway Ave in Bozeman, where you’ll meet your guide, Rich Higgins. The small group size of up to 12 participants ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

The tour ends back at the starting point, making it easy to plan your day afterward. The mobile ticket format allows for convenient check-in, and most travelers can participate, including those with service animals.

Since most bookings are made around 50 days in advance, it’s advisable to reserve early to secure a spot, especially during peak times.

What’s Included and What’s Not in the Price

The $88 per person fee covers all tastings—a total of 32 oz of beer—across the two breweries, as well as a hot appetizer at Mountains Walking Brewery. The guided experience is led in person by Rich Higgins, ensuring expert insights throughout.

However, the tour does not include additional beverages such as seltzers or wine, nor does it cover any extra food or drinks outside the provided hot appetizer. This straightforward arrangement keeps the focus on craft beer and learning.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

Booking this tour offers free cancellation, allowing full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Less than 24 hours’ notice results in no refund, so plan accordingly.

The policy emphasizes flexibility and peace of mind, especially for visitors unsure about their plans or facing changes.

Why Choose the Bozeman Brewery Hop Tour

This guided tour excels in blending beer tastings with educational insight from a Master Cicerone. The small group size ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, perfect for those wanting to understand beer styles, ingredients, and trends.

The two breweries visited are among the best in Montana, and the hot appetizer adds a nice touch of comfort to the experience. For anyone interested in craft beer or wants to learn from an expert, this tour offers great value and memorable moments in Bozeman.

While it’s focused on beer, the tour’s emphasis on tasting tips, brewing processes, and flavor profiles makes it a worthwhile choice for anyone curious about beverages and brewing. It’s especially suited for those who want a small-group, educational, and flavorful outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price for the Bozeman Brewery Hop?
The tour costs $88 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy tastings of 8 four-ounce beers, a hot appetizer, and guided instruction from a Master Cicerone.

Are additional drinks or food included?
No, only the tastings and the hot appetizer are included; extra beverages like seltzers or wine are not.

Where do the stops take place?
The tour starts at Bozeman Brewing Company and then walks just one block to Mountains Walking Brewery.

Is there an age restriction?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions are not stated; alcohol consumption is involved.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

How many people participate in each tour?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, since bookings are typically made about 50 days ahead, early reservations are recommended.

Can I customize my beer choices?
At both breweries, you can choose your own beers or have Rich recommend based on your preferences.

This Bozeman Brewery Hop combines expert-led education, flavorful tastings, and visits to Montana’s top breweries in under two hours, making it an engaging choice for beer enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.