MISSOULA, Mont. — If you’re a Montanan, chances are you’ve heard of the age-old college rivalry between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats. This year marked the 117th Brawl of the Wild, the annual football game between the two schools, and presented two Montana-based breweries with the opportunity to raise the stakes a bit with a friendly bet.
Draught Works Brewery, in Missoula, challenged Bozeman-based MAP Brewing Co. to a collaboration brew contingent on the results of the game that took place November 18th. The brewery located in the winning team’s town would be the host, and primary retailer of the collaboration brew, while the losing brewery would be forced to send a small team of brewers across the state, dressed in the winning teams colors.
After a week of lighthearted jokes, and back and forth banter on social media between the two breweries, game day finally arrived. Though the UM Grizzlies fought hard and took an early 3-0 lead, the MSU Bobcats ultimately took home the victory with a final score of 31-23.
Draught Works’ fate had been sealed, the bet had been lost, and the date of the collaboration was set for December 8th at MAP Brewing Co. in Bozeman, MT. Draught Works’ Head Brewer, Kyle Sillars, is thrilled for the collab.
“I can’t say we’re thrilled about wearing Bobcat gear, but we love MAP Brewing Co., and we’re excited to see how our combined interpretation of an Imperial Stout turns out,” said Sillars.
About Draught Works Brewery
Draught Works (“Draft Works”) began brewing in Missoula in October 2011. The brewery was built by founders, Jeff Grant and Paul Marshall, by redeveloping a 1931 former recycling center. Everything from the bar, barstools, doors, tables, and flooring once served a different life before being reclaimed into Draught Works’ taproom and brewery.
This industrial spirit has driven Draught Works to build better beers and produce a consistent line of craft ales and lagers. And just as draught beer is the epitome of fresh beer, the brewers at Draught Works work diligently to guarantee only the finest product leaves their brewery, one that reflects their passion for quality and the spirit of hard work. Winner of 2014 Very Small Brewing Company and Very Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year by GABF.