Uncategorized
Katabatic Brewing blows into downtown Livingston
Published
10 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Tyler Allen Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
LIVINGSTON – Walking into Katabatic Brewing Co. on West Park Street in Livingston, one is struck by the taproom’s expansive space. The calm air inside may strike you as well.
A katabatic is a “cold, downslope wind that’s common on glaciers, ice fields, Antarctica and Livingston,” says Brice Jones, brewery co-owner and self-proclaimed weather geek. Jones was a smokejumper for a number of years and operated a yurt skiing operation outside of Seeley Lake until he sold it in 2007. Both occupations kept him closely tuned in to the weather and wind.
Brice and his wife LaNette opened Katabatic on Sept. 17 after moving to Livingston from Missoula in July 2013, intent on opening a brewery.
“I really like the area, the recreational opportunities, and the town,” LaNette said. “We started doing our research and wanted to go somewhere where the craft brewery market wasn’t inundated.”
The two Montana natives began renovations on the space in November 2013, completely gutting the 1882 building. It’s been home to a soda shop, coffee shop and, in recent years, a string of Chinese restaurants. The space housed the Longbranch Saloon in the 1960s and ‘70s, and the couple says a lot of people tell them stories from those days, many happy to see the location serving beer and hosting music again.
That was apparent on a recent Monday night, when the taproom was packed with revelers enjoying the weekly bluegrass jam. Katabatic also hosts live music acts Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and on Tuesdays donates a dollar from each beer sold to a local nonprofit. They advertise a board-game night every Sunday – for kids and adults alike – when families raid the toy box for Battleship, Chutes and Ladders, and Bananagrams, a fast-paced word game.
“We wanted to create a community hub, someplace to go to socialize with your neighbor,” Brice said. “Somehow we’ve been able to do that. People come down with a buddy, solo or with big parties.”
The brewery offers three or four seasonal rotators, but tries to keep four signature beers on tap at all times, including their “Katabatic” American Pale Ale, Hefeweizen and Scotch Ale. The fourth is the “Katabatic IPA.”
“I’m a huge IPA fan and this is spot on,” said Jennifer Neville, who grew up in Livingston and recently moved back after 10 years in Missoula. “I’ve done a bit of traveling and I’m drawn to breweries wherever I go – this place is really good.”
The operation may be young, but has already received accolades at November’s Harvest Montana Brewfest held in Great Falls. Katabatic earned a silver medal for its IPA and a gold for a Double Danger Imperial IPA. It’s not surprising though, as Head Brewer Jason Courtney brought an award-winning pedigree with him from Bangor, Maine. The East Coast transplant won five Great American Beer Festival medals as a brewer at Gheagan’s Pub & Craft Brewery.
Katabatic’s space is open and inviting. A long, “L”-shaped bar dominates the southwest wall, which shows the exposed, original brick – the couple lacquered it four times to keep the dust from crumbling onto patrons. The northeast wall is covered with reclaimed wood from a snow fence in Belgrade and an old barn outside of Bozeman. Custom metalwork accents many of the tables and fixtures, and the bar’s foot rail is a Montana Rail Link train track rail out of a yard in Livingston.
The wall facing the street is dominated by a giant, glassed garage door that they open “when the windy season is over,” according to LaNette.
With all the work the couple has put into the building, Katabatic Brewing Co. has a decidedly new age, rustic feel. The beauty of the space is only rivaled by the taste of your first pint.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
september, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
more
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm
Location
Len Hill Park