As a creative writing major, former touring musician, and the son of two entrepreneurs, it was only a matter of time until Zach Millar started an interesting business of his own. After spending 11 years at Missoula’s Big Sky Brewing, first in the taproom, then as a distribution manager for the brewery’s 26-state wholesaler network, he decided to apply his skills to the only one of the three tiers he hadn’t dipped his toes into. The Dram Shop was born.
Millar’s wife, Sarah, was working in Missoula’s startup community when the couple found themselves well-positioned to open a bar and taproom. “Sarah and I had always dreamed about running our own business together.We felt like it was good timing and the right opportunity, and so we went for it.”
When it opened in April 2015, The Dram Shop became Montana’s first standalone growler retailer. Today, its 40 taps pour classics like Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale and Petrus Aged Pale alongside selections like Moose Drool Brown Ale and Whistle Pig Red Ale from Millar’s former employer Big Sky, and smaller locals like Meadowlark Brewing,Great Burn Brewing, and Carter’s Brewing. You’ll also find wine, cider, and kombucha on tap, plus a curated selection of bottled wine and beer.
This story is from the #115 (August 2016) edition of BeerAdvocate magazine.
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This story is from the #115 (August 2016) edition of BeerAdvocate magazine.
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The Dram Shop
As a creative writing major, former touring musician, and the son of two entrepreneurs, it was only a matter of time until Zach Millar started an interesting business of his own. After spending 11 years at Missoula’s Big Sky Brewing, first in the taproom, then as a distribution manager for the brewery’s 26-state wholesaler network, he decided to apply his skills to the only one of the three tiers he hadn’t dipped his toes into. The Dram Shop was born.
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