Montana

One of the reasons we went to visit Karl in Eureka is to see the brewery he started with his friends and partners Chris, Andy, and a few other investors. Chris had developed several personal recipes so good his friends encouraged him to ramp up production and start a brewery. There is no other independent brewery in area so it seemed like a good investment. Thus, Homestead Ales – known as H.A.) – was born.

We left Dickey Lake and headed to Grave Creek Road and traveled a beautiful pastoral road back in time to the homestead where the brewery was located.

When we arrived the brewery was closed. It was Tuesday and they are only open Wednesday – Sunday. Chris had just finished brewing a batch and joined us for some test tasting. The beer didn’t disappoint and bested all my expectations. Each one consistently more delicious than the previous. The girls (excited to sit at the bar) got to taste Eli’s Homemade Ginger Ale (Chris’s Son’s recipe (I think he’s 10)) as well.

Karl ensured we were outfitted with ample swag (growlers, carriers, shirts, hats, and stickers!). I certainly felt a calling to evangelize HA to the civilized world.

After tasting we headed out to the beer garden with full pints of our favorite picks to enjoy the evening sun. The girls played with the dogs. Andy showed up and joined us. It couldn’t have been a better time with old friends, and new, accompanied by a very fine brew.

Clara may have a new role as the promo girl for H.A. Brewing.

The girls tuckered Edgar (the dog) out

Things started to get a little silly…

We love H.A. Brewing…

We wandered Karl’s property as we waited for him to arrive from Colorado. We instantly made ourselves at home because the house is so familiar yet we’d never been there. Karl is such an archetypical friend…ancient…pure…perennial pal…

Its hard to describe Karl’s shabby chic eclecticism. Its one part man-of-the-world Nepalese-Soul-Searcher and equal parts Montana Mountain Man. I just wandered his house with my camera…