Little known fact: Montana is ripe for apple growing and the Bitterroot Valley has rich roots in apple orchard operations; more than 70 varieties are grown under our big blue sky. And what do we do when life gives us apples? We make hard cider, of course. Craft cideries are cropping up throughout the region, and our exceptionally talented—and mildly obsessed—brewmasters are showing off their work. Sweet, dry, spiced with jalepeños, distilled with brandy, blended with peaches, pears and cherries, we’ve got it. Hard cider is having a moment, and it’s here to stay. Make your way to a local taproom and take a taste tour.
Early spring in Western Montana is a season of transition and adventure, where snow lingers in the mountains, trails begin to thaw...
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