SigMT

SiG MT 79 Known for its pure spring water and supportive agricultural community, Lewistown is a good fit for a brewery, says Jeff Southworth, co-owner. "We have great water in Lewistown and a population that would support a brewery," he explains. Big Spring Brewery is a 15-barrel brewhouse capable of fermenting 452 gallons of up to six different beers at a time. e brewery is housed on three levels within the Central Feed Grilling Company restaurant, to which the beer is sold and served. "We make our beer from Lewistown tap water and two-row malt barley we get from Great Falls," says Head Brewer Aaron Sullivan. "We use specialty grains that give each beer its unique color and flavor profile." During the brewing process, the sugars are removed from the grain to be used in the beer. e remaining wet grain is given to a local pig farmer. "e grain comes into the mash ton where we pull the sugars by steeping the grain at 145 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit," says Sullivan. "We average 600 to 900 pounds one to two times a week depending on what we are brewing." Hops and other ingredients are added according to the Big Spring recipes, developed with input from sister brewery, Julius Lehrkind Brewing Company of Bozeman, Mont., explains Sullivan. e beer is then fermented for two weeks to two months depending on the type of beer. "e ales ferment faster than the lagers," says Aaron. "Ales average 12 to 14 days, some lagers take two months." Central Feed Grilling Company restaurant booths feature modern design that highlights the historic building's architecture while buffering sound to provide privacy. The architectural design of the restaurant gives it a big city, yet inviting atmosphere.

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