Missoula, Helena breweries recognized at Montana Beer Awards

Breweries from Missoula and Helena were big winners Saturday night at the 3rd Annual Montana Beer Awards, hosted by Lewis and Clark Taproom in Helena.

The awards are put on by the nonprofit Montana Brewers Association.

Cranky Sam Brewing in Missoula won the Medium Brewery of the Year for the second year in a row. Bridger Brewing in Bozeman and Three Forks took home the title for Large Brewery, and the former Imagine Nation Brewing in Missoula was crowned for Small Brewery, even though it closed permanently earlier this year.

Lewis & Clark Brewing in Helena took home the 2026 Community Impact Award, which celebrates the "exceptional effort made by local breweries to enrich their communities."

"For nearly a quarter of a century, Lewis & Clark has served as an important gathering place and given back to the Helena community," the MBA said in a press release. "The brewery hosts numerous nonprofit events, helping to raise funds for local causes, and has become a major hub for live music in Helena. Recently, Lewis & Clark was instrumental in saving Helena's Alive at 5 free summer concert series."

There were 72 medals given out in 24 style categories for beer.

Judges made a huge sacrifice and had the extremely tough, ahem, task of judging 339 beers from 46 different breweries. Bayern Brewing, Old Bull Brewing and Cranky Sam Brewing, all of Missoula, won top prizes for different beer categories.

Copper Furrow Brewing in Helena won a gold medal for its Brandon's Brown Ale. Thirsty Street Brewing in Billings won a gold for its Thirsty's Light.

1889 Brewing Company in Billings won a gold for its Winter Sippa Porter.

Blacksmith Brewing in Stevensville won gold for its Burnt Fork Ale.

Loy Maierhauser of MAP Brewing in Bozeman won the award for "Montana Beer Champion."

“Loy represents the best of Montana's craft beer community, shaping Montana beer culture and inspiring her peers,” said MBA executive director Matt Leow. “Motivated by the community aspect of craft beer, Loy is a major force in building and strengthening community in Montana's craft beer scene. The Montana Beer Awards is Loy's brainchild and it is not an overstatement to say that this event would not exist without Loy's vision and determination.”

For a full list of winners visit online at montanabrewers.org/2026-montana-beer-awards-winners/.