A beer that takes advantage of the agricultural abundance and creativity of breweries in Montana is on tap around the state. 

The beer Peaks to Prairie, spearheaded by the Montana Brewer’s Association, is being served locally at Sacred Waters Brewing Co. in Kalispell.  

The annual collaboration brings together Montana brewers, hop growers and maltsters. Each brewery has the creative ability to brew their own style of beer, made with Montana products, under the Peaks to Prairie name.  

“One of the great things about the Montana craft beer scene, not only do we have great local beer, but we also have great local products,” said Matt Leow, executive director of the statewide association. 

Breweries purchase discounted ingredients from Montana agricultural suppliers to create their unique brew. Some of the proceeds from the sale of each Peak to Prairie beer will go back to the Montana Brewers Association. The association is using some of the funds to support a scholarship for students at Montana State University’s Barley, Malt and Brewing Lab.  

By utilizing elements from Montana’s peaks and prairies, the beer is a fusion of the state's natural beauty and agricultural abundance, according to the brewing association.  Sacred Waters has participated in the collaboration all five years that it's been available. Seth Orr, the head brewer at the local brewery, said it is a fun chance to be creative with local ingredients.  

This year, the brewery made 24 kegs of a double IPA for its Peak to Prairie showcase. With hops from the Flathead Valley and other local providers, the beer is reflective of Montana, which was the Montana Brewing Association's goal.  

“It's just connected us a little bit more. I think it's really important to support local farms, orchards. It connects us more. That’s incredibly important,” Orr said.  

Scared Waters describes its version of the beer as tropical with an explosion of citrus, tropical and dank flavors.  

What started during the pandemic five years ago, Leow said, continues today as a way to support the association and Montana producers. At the recent Montana Beer Awards, the Peak to Prairie beer had its own category.  

This year's winners included Katabatic Brewing in Livingston, Highlander Beer in Missoula and MAP Brewing Co. in Bozeman.  

Sacred Waters is the only brewery in the Flathead Valley to have the special edition beer. Ronan Cooperative Brewery in Ronan is also participating.  

“Montana brewers and craft beer lovers are in the fortunate and unique position of living and brewing in this state,” Orr said. "This is a great opportunity to showcase Montana grown ingredients.”  

Flathead Valley Hops and Glacier Hops Ranch were both participating producers. Flathead Valley, Leow said, is a “hotspot” for hops growing.  

In the last few years, Orr said it's been great to watch the hops industry grow.   

More support came from Bell Crossing Farms, Crooked Yard Hops, Gallatin Valley Malt and more, which all offered ingredients at a reduced rate for the creation of the Peak to Prairie beer.  

It is up to the brewers to decide how much of the beer to make, and participating breweries will serve the beer while supplies last, either through one limited-edition barrel or a whole host of barrels.  

While the beer was launched this month, Leow invites other breweries to inquire about joining in on this year’s state beer.  

“Being as flexible as possible gives the opportunity to the brewers to be creative,” Leow said.  

For more information about the Montana Brewers Association or joining this year’s brew event, visit montanabrewers.org or email membership@montanabrewers.org. Visit Sacred Waters Brewing Company at 3250 U.S. 2 E. in Kalispell. 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.