My best friend moved over to the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana a couple of years ago to pursue a job and to be closer to his family. Being just a four hour drive away, we have maintained our friendship through various digital means and by taking numerous road trips. My friend earned a spot on the Bitterroot Blaze semi-pro football team this year, so my girlfriend and I made the trek to see him play a game and support the team.
Leaving after work on Friday, we did not reach Missoula until late in the evening. My friend drove up from Corvallis, where he lives, to meet us at the Iron Horse Pub for some dinner and brews. The Iron Horse always has a large selection of Montana-brewed beers including Bayern, Big Sky and Kettlehouse. We decided to split a pitcher of Bayern’s Dump Truck, a special Summer Bock that enticed me because Bayern is heavily influenced by the brewer’s German heritage and they brew quality beers. Pilsner malt, German sauermalt and Montana-grown spitz malt combine to give the beer a substantial mouthfeel with sweet, bready tones and using German Hallertauer and Tettnang hops round off the sweetness, making this bock an easy quaffer despite its high alcohol content. The proprietary yeast strain that was specially designed for this beer lends a myriad of nuances to the flavor profile, hinting at red berries and other fruits, citrus, green earth and caramel. Dump Truck didn’t knock my socks off, but it was an enjoyable offering from a solid brewery.
Thirsty Zymurgist Score: 39/50
Saturday saw us taking a short morning hike at nearby Lake Como and then cobbling together a late lunch before my friend had to get ready for the game. We drove him to the game and got to soak in the community that was there to support the Blaze before the game started. The stands filled up quickly even though the horizon was clearly threatening rain and we all bundled up against the wind. The game moved in fits and starts, as both the Blaze and the visiting team from Utah had solid defenses and could never quite click on offense. After being awarded a safety, the Blaze scored a touchdown late in the first quarter and were able to add to it as the game wore on and they had to fight off a desperate surge by the team from Utah in the fourth. The game ended 22-6, marking the first time the Blaze had a touchdown scored on them and their tightest margin of victory all season. All in all, it was a great game.
The team had a celebratory meal at a makeshift beer garden beyond the north end zone where the various players’ wives had thrown together a huge potluck meal and someone had provided a keg of Bud Light. My girlfriend and I snuck in our own craft beers so we were able to enjoy the evening. The Blaze invited the team from Utah to join in the fun and a couple of guys took them up on the offer. It was good to see the Montanans hospitality after such a bitter game and the Utah guys fit right in with their football and farming stories. We Washingtonians from the city were the only ones out of place (but we were never made to feel that way).
I never would have thought I would have enjoyed a semi-pro football game as much as I did and I am glad that I got the opportunity. Go Blaze!
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