About the Business
Big Sky Brewing Company is a Missoula brewery and taproom at 5417 Trumpeter Way, near the airport and I-90 Exit 99. It pours a rotating lineup of beer and hard seltzer, sells cans, growlers, crowlers and branded merchandise, and is best known for its flagship Moose Drool Brown Ale.
Founders Neal Leathers, Bjorn Nabozney and Brad Robinson developed the brewery after Leathers and Robinson moved to Missoula in 1990. Nabozney turned the idea into a University of Montana business plan, and the company released its first beer, Whistle Pig Red Ale, in June 1995. Moose Drool and Scape Goat followed later that year.
The original brewery operated at 120-A Hickory Street. Big Sky broke ground on its larger Trumpeter Way brewery in 2002, began brewing there that September and started bottling onsite in January 2003. The current taproom typically offers about a dozen beers and hard seltzers, plus packaged beverages and a broad merchandise selection.
The property also functions as a large event site, with more than three acres of outdoor space, an amphitheater, a two-level taproom and a landscaped patio. Big Sky rents the venue for private and community events and offers offsite bar catering within 100 miles of Missoula. Check the brewery’s website for current hours, tap selections, event schedules and food availability.
Profile Researched August 2026
Services Offered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Sky Brewing Company best known for?+
Moose Drool Brown Ale, the brewery’s flagship beer, introduced shortly after its first release in 1995.
What are the current Tap House hours?+
The official taproom page lists Monday through Saturday from noon to “8ish” and Sunday from noon to “6ish.” Check the brewery’s website before visiting because third-party directories show different schedules.
Can I buy beer to go?+
Yes. The brewery says it generally has about a dozen beers and hard seltzers available in cans, growlers and crowlers to go.
Are dogs allowed at Big Sky Brewing?+
No. The official taproom page says dogs are not allowed in the Tap House or elsewhere on Big Sky Brewing property. Service-animal rules apply separately.
Can Big Sky Brewing host a private event?+
Yes. The property includes more than three acres of outdoor space, an amphitheater, a gravel lot, a landscaped patio and a two-level taproom. The brewery says it can accommodate events ranging from small gatherings to large festivals.
Does Big Sky Brewing offer offsite bar catering?+
Yes. The brewery offers beer, seltzer, local cider and custom wine service for events within 100 miles of Missoula. Contact the events team for availability and licensing details.
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