Beer tasting with a guide, not a lecture. The Bozeman Brewery Hop pairs two top local spots, Bozeman Brewing Company and Mountains Walking Brewery, with Rich Higgins Beer Master. You’ll taste beer at each stop, get help decoding the beer menu, and learn what makes each style tick.

I like that Rich keeps it hands-on. You’ll get tasting tips as you work through a flight, and you can pick the beers yourself or ask Rich for a smart set based on what you like. I also love the ingredient angle at Mountains Walking, where you’ll see the brewing tanks and even sample barley malts and hops.

One possible drawback: it’s a beer-focused tour. Wine and seltzer aren’t included or allowed, and you’re capped at the included flights, so it’s best if beer is your main event.

Key points to know before you go

• Two breweries, one short hop: the second stop is about a one-block walk.
• 8 beer tastings total: two flights of four 4-oz beers each.
• Rich Higgins does the teaching: tasting tips plus help reading a beer menu.
• You get a real brewing look: tanks, plus sampling malts and hops at the second brewery.
• Food is included once: you’ll enjoy a hot appetizer from the kitchen at the second stop.

Bozeman Brewery Hop: why this format is a smart use of your evening

Bozeman is a small city, so a brewery walk-and-taste tour can beat the usual sit-and-spin approach. This one works because it’s paced like a conversation, not a long bus ride. You start at 504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, and you end right back where you started—clean and easy.

The timing also fits real life. The hop starts at 5:00 pm and runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s long enough to learn something and actually enjoy the beers, but short enough that you still have time to do dinner after.

Most importantly, this tour is built around tasting decisions. Rich doesn’t just serve beer and move on. You’ll be guided to think about flavors, what to look for in a menu, and how to choose pours you’ll enjoy.

Starting at Bozeman Brewing Company: flight tasting and menu-decoding tips

Your first stop is Bozeman Brewing Company. You’ll head straight into the taproom with Rich Higgins. Then you’ll do a flight of four 4-oz beers, where you can select your own beers—or you can ask Rich to recommend a flight that matches your tastes.

This part matters because it trains your palate fast. A lot of beer lists can feel like code: hop names, roast levels, vague descriptors, and percentages. Rich’s approach is practical. You’ll get tasting tips, plus guidance for how to decode the beer menu so you can order with confidence later.

Here’s what to expect in the room:

• A relaxed taproom setting where you can compare styles side by side
• Time to sip and swap notes without rushing
• A guide who answers questions about what’s in the glass and why it tastes the way it does

For me, the key value of Stop 1 is that it sets you up for Stop 2. Once you know what to look for—bitterness, hop aroma, malt character—you’ll enjoy the second brewery’s ingredient talk a lot more.

The one-block walk to Mountains Walking: tiny travel time, big payoff

Between the two breweries, you’ll walk about one block (around 2 minutes). That’s a detail worth caring about.

A short transfer keeps the tour feeling like one experience. You’re not waiting on transportation. You’re not losing time to traffic or parking. You also stay in the local center of Bozeman, which is usually where the best taproom energy lives.

It’s also a nice reality check. After four 4-oz pours at the first stop, a quick walk gives your brain a reset while still keeping the momentum of tasting going.

Mountains Walking Brewery: tanks, malts, hops, and a hot appetizer

Your second stop is Mountains Walking Brewery, and it’s built around the “how is this made?” side of craft beer. Rich will lead you into the brewery area first, including a look at the brewing tanks. He’ll also talk about beer ingredients, then you’ll sample barley malts and hops.

This is the part beer nerds love, but you do not need to be one to enjoy it. Even if you just want better beer choices, understanding ingredients gives you a shortcut to flavor. Malts often show up as roast, breadiness, or sweetness. Hops can read as citrus, pine, floral, or straight-up bitterness. When you taste them directly and then connect them to the beer afterward, it clicks.

After the ingredient step, you’ll sit in the taproom with Rich for your second flight: again, four 4-oz beers. This time, you can choose your own set or let Rich recommend options based on what you liked during the first flight.

And there’s food. You’ll enjoy a hot appetizer from the Mountains Walking menu. In a tour that’s focused on beer education, I like having one warm item because it keeps the experience comfortable. It also turns the second stop into a full mini-meal moment, not only a tasting session.

Your included drinks: exactly what you’re getting (and what you’re not)

This tour includes alcoholic beverages totaling 32 oz of beer. That breaks down as:

• Four 4-oz sample beers at Bozeman Brewing Company
• Four 4-oz sample beers at Mountains Walking Brewery

So you’re tasting eight different beers in total. That’s a great number for a short tour. You get variety without turning it into a marathon.

Now the guardrails:

• No wine
• No seltzer
• No additional beer beyond the included flights

That rule is a real consideration. If you’re hoping for a mixed-drink evening or you’re bringing someone who doesn’t drink beer, this tour may not be the best fit. It’s designed to teach through beer, and the included tastings are the whole point.

Price and value: what $88 really buys you

At $88 per person, you’re paying for a guided craft beer experience with real access, not just a pour list.

Here’s what’s in the price:

• Admission tickets to both breweries
• Two guided tastings (four 4-oz beers each)
• A hot appetizer
• An in-person English guide (Rich Higgins Beer Master)
• A small group experience (maximum 12 travelers)

If you price out the ingredients of the value—guiding, admissions, food, and eight beer tastings—you can see why this often makes sense for people who like learning while they taste. Even better, you’re not stuck with a long ride or a crowd. With a cap of 12, it’s easier for Rich to answer questions and for you to actually compare beers.

Also note a small practical detail: this tour uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking time. That reduces hassle when you’re traveling.

How to choose beers on the spot (so you taste what you’ll like)

You don’t need a beer spreadsheet to enjoy this tour, but Rich’s style makes it easier to make good calls quickly. He teaches tasting tips and helps you decode a beer menu, which means you can choose with less guesswork.

A simple strategy that fits the way the tour is set up:

• At the first flight, pick a mix: one safe choice, one hop-forward option, and one maltier or darker style.
• Pay attention to aroma first, then taste. If a beer smells like something and the flavor follows, you’ll learn what your palate prefers.
• If you’re unsure, ask Rich after the second or third pour. By then, you’ve got a baseline for what you like.

If you want the guide to do more of the work, you can absolutely go that route. The tour supports that style, especially for anyone who wants to learn without overthinking.

Group size, pace, and the vibe you can expect

This is a small tour. The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which changes the experience. Rich can keep things conversational. You’re not shouting over dozens of people. It also helps with timing since both stops have set segments.

The flow is also clear:

• Stop 1 runs about 40 minutes
• Stop 2 runs about 45 minutes
• The walk between is quick

If you’re the type who enjoys asking questions and comparing tastes, you’ll likely have a good time. If you want a purely social bar crawl with zero instruction, you might find yourself wishing it went faster. But the whole point is learning while you drink—on purpose.

Who this Bozeman brewery hop suits best

This tour is a strong match for:

• Beer lovers who want more than just tasting
• People who like a guided structure with choices
• Anyone curious about brewing ingredients and how tanks and hops connect to flavor
• Visitors who want a compact plan that still feels local

It may be less ideal for:

• Travelers who want wine, seltzer, or non-beer options (the tour doesn’t include or allow them)
• People who are very sensitive to alcohol or prefer a fully non-alcoholic experience

If you’re a casual drinker, you can still enjoy it. The educational piece helps you feel like you’re participating, not just sipping. Just know the menu is beer-forward.

Should you book the Bozeman Brewery Hop?

Book it if you want an evening with clear value: two brewery stops, eight beer tastings, a hot appetizer, and a guide who helps you understand what you’re drinking. It’s also a good choice if you like small groups and short, walkable pacing.

Skip it if beer isn’t your priority, or if you need wine/seltzer or flexibility beyond the included tastings. This is not that kind of tour.

If you do book, arrive with an open mind and a couple of questions ready. Rich’s approach is easiest when you’re curious. You’ll leave knowing what you like—and you’ll order better at your next taproom stop.

FAQ

What does the Bozeman Brewery Hop include?

You get admission to both breweries, two beer flights totaling 32 oz (four 4-oz beers at each stop), an English in-person guide, and a hot appetizer from the menu at one of the breweries.

How many beers do I taste during the tour?

You’ll taste eight beers total: two separate flights with four 4-oz samples at each brewery.

Can I choose the beers in my flight?

Yes. At both stops, you can choose the beers in your flight, or you can ask Rich Higgins to recommend beers based on your tastes.

Is food included?

Yes. You’ll have a hot appetizer from the menu at one of the breweries (at the second stop).

Are wine or seltzer included?

No. Wine and seltzer are not included, and they are not allowed on this tour.

How long is the tour?

It’s about 1 hour 30 minutes, with approximately 40 minutes at the first stop and 45 minutes at the second stop.

What time does it start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 5:00 pm. You meet at 504 N Broadway Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.