Our Story

Great Burn Brewing was originally established in April 29, 2013 by family and friends. The ¾ -part family business, consists of the Howard Brothers Mike and Greg, and Diana Garrett, Greg’s wife. They were later joined by friend Jennifer Wright to add the fourth partner to the company. Together, with our unique skill sets we have started and operated this craft beer business. This business was brain child of the Howard Brothers in honor of their fallen brother Chad Howard.

Many people ask how we got our name and decor. Our name and decor is, again, in honor of brother Chad who had the great opportunity to visit and work in the proposed Great Burn Wilderness during the 1990’s. Thanks to the Nine Mile Ranger District, Chad began his long love affair with helicopters and wildlands. His first job with the Forest Service was to conduct monitoring plots in the proposed wilderness. Shuttled into the wilderness by helicopter, Chad and co-worker got to experience the Great Burn like no one else. Chad went on with his Forest Service career to become a Lolo Hotshot and eventually heli-rappeller with the Krassel Helitack.

Our name “Great Burn Brewing” embodies elements from Chad’s life, firefighting and ruggedness of proposed Great Burn Wilderness.

All names aside this business is based on Mike Howards proven brewing skills and passion for craft beer. Our beer production and brewing is based on Michael’s 15 years of experience working as brew master in the craft brewing industry. Mike has had the fortunate opportunity to work many of the well-known local breweries in Missoula and within the region. These include Big Sky Brewing, Bayern Brewing, Kettle house, Bitterroot Brewing, Blacksmith Brewing, and Butte Brewing. He also spent 5 years working at Stone Brewing in North County San Diego.

We are happy that Mike is our master brewer here at Great Burn. It was about time his efforts went to himself and our business.