Winters are long and summers are fast and furious in Montana, especially Livingston, where the wind blows and shapes the people who live here and the businesses that thrive. The wind is so notorious because Livingston is one of the windiest places in the USA. So, I guess we—the locals, have the wind to thank for blowing in Brice and LaNette Jones who recently opened Katabatic Brewing Company in Livingston’s historic downtown.
Named after katabatic winds that can rush down slopes at hurricane speeds—which they often seem to do in the winter and spring, Katabatic Brewing Company is located across from the historic train Depot Center. It boasts a stylish tasting room and first class brewing system. Built from the ground-up after they gutted the historic building, Brice and LaNette paid careful attention to local architectural details and incorporated re-purposed materials anywhere they could. Livingston’s history is steeped in agriculture and the railroad, and one can see that reflected in the build-out. On a nice day, the large bay door is open, inviting passerby’s to wander in and try a cold pint or two…or three.
Katabatic has four house beers on tap, India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Hefeweizen and Scotch Ale, in addition to 3-4 rotating beers that change with the season and whims of the master brewer, Jason Courtney. They also just added a nitro tap and root beer too. I have long been an IPA drinker, but with so many options, I’m looking forward to ordering a four-beer tasting paddle every so often.
So, the next time there’s a breeze, duck inside Katabatic Brewing Company and enjoy a cold craft beer while protected from those notorious Livingston winds.
Katabatic Brewing Company
Monday-Thursday 2:00-8:00pm and Friday-Sunday 12:00-8:00pm
117 W Park Street
Livingston, Montana
406-333-2855