{"title":"Big Sky Brewing","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"big-sky-ivan-the-terrible-4pk","title":"Big Sky Ivan The Terrible 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Sky Ivan The Terrible 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Russian Imperial Stout from Big Sky Brewing Company in Montana, bottled at 9.5% ABV in a four-pack of 12 oz bottles. Scoring 97 on RateBeer, this heavyweight stout has earned a devoted following since its accidental birth nearly three decades ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 9.5%  |  Origin: Montana, USA  |  Style: Russian Imperial Stout  |  Brewery: Big Sky Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBig Sky Brewing Company, based in Missoula, Montana, has been brewing since the mid-1990s. Ivan The Terrible was born from a happy accident in 1996 when a batch of the brewery's flagship Moose Drool Brown Ale went off course during a power outage — the resulting gravity was too high for Moose Drool, so brewers pivoted by adding dark malts, and the imperial stout was born. Brewed in the traditional English style, Ivan uses English hops and premium American malt, producing a rich, full-bodied stout that stays true to its imperial roots while carrying a distinctly American craft identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted malt leads the nose, followed by layers of milk chocolate and a subtle undercurrent of dark fruit. A faint warmth from the 9.5% ABV rounds out the aromatics without becoming boozy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich with dark chocolate and slightly sweetened black coffee, moving through the mid-palate with bittersweet cocoa and roasted grain. Dried fruit — particularly prune — emerges toward the peak, adding depth and balancing the roast character with natural sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of roasted cocoa and a dry, slightly bitter edge. A touch of dark fruit sweetness persists, keeping the beer balanced through the final sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ivan The Terrible\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour Ivan into a snifter or tulip glass at around 50–55°F to let the complex aromatics open fully; this stout rewards slow, contemplative sipping. A Stout Float pairs Ivan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, where the dark chocolate and coffee notes play beautifully against the cream. A Black Russian cocktail riff can incorporate a splash of Ivan in place of a traditional stout for added roast complexity. For a beer cocktail, a simple Ivan and Espresso blend — equal parts chilled espresso and stout — intensifies the coffee dimension into a rich after-dinner drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold-weather evening sessions when a lighter beer simply will not do\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates bold, high-gravity stouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping as a dessert accompaniment alongside chocolate or rich pastries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVertical tasting nights alongside other Russian Imperial Stouts for style comparison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Ivan The Terrible taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ivan The Terrible delivers a rich, layered profile dominated by dark chocolate, bittersweet coffee, and roasted cocoa, with supporting notes of dried fruit and prune adding complexity and sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ivan The Terrible compare to Bell's Expedition Stout?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are highly regarded American-brewed Russian Imperial Stouts, but Ivan The Terrible leans more toward English-style tradition with its use of English hops, while Bell's Expedition Stout tends toward a more aggressively hopped, American-forward approach. Ivan also clocks in at 9.5% ABV compared to Expedition's approximately 10.5%, making it slightly more approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ivan The Terrible good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ivan The Terrible is ideally suited for sipping on its own, poured into a proper glass at cellar temperature to let its layered chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit notes develop fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ivan The Terrible made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ivan The Terrible is brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana, a craft brewery that has been operating since the mid-1990s in the heart of the Northern Rockies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ivan The Terrible?\u003c\/strong\u003e Flourless chocolate cake amplifies the stout's cocoa and coffee notes. Smoked brisket stands up to the beer's roast intensity while complementing its dried fruit character. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory, tangy counterpoint to the malt sweetness. Crème brûlée echoes the caramelized sugar undertones, and dark chocolate truffles create a rich, indulgent pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ivan The Terrible come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in a four-pack of 12 oz bottles; a bourbon barrel-aged version has been released separately in 750 ml bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ivan The Terrible worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ivan The Terrible positions as a premium craft imperial stout, and its 97 RateBeer score, distinctive origin story, and complex flavor profile place it firmly among the best values in the high-gravity stout category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ivan The Terrible?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew imperial stouts carry an origin story as genuine as Ivan's — a 1996 power outage turned a failed batch of Moose Drool into one of Montana's most celebrated beers. That accident-turned-recipe has been refined over nearly three decades, earning a 97 on RateBeer and a loyal following among stout devotees. Its commitment to traditional English-style brewing with English hops and American malt gives it a balance and drinkability that many imperial stouts at similar ABVs lack. For anyone serious about the Russian Imperial Stout style, Ivan The Terrible remains a benchmark worth returning to.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Sky Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838082609321,"sku":"27223","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"big-sky-moose-drool-brown-ale-12pk","title":"Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 12Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 12Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 12-pack of the flagship American brown ale from Big Sky Brewing Company, brewed in Missoula, Montana, at 5.3% ABV. Widely regarded as one of the most popular American brown ales in the country, Moose Drool has earned more than 131,000 ratings on Untappd and remains a benchmark for the style in the American craft beer landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.3%  |  Origin: Missoula, Montana, USA  |  Style: American Brown Ale  |  Brewery: Big Sky Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBig Sky Brewing Company operates out of Missoula, Montana, and has built its reputation largely on the strength of Moose Drool, the brewery's best-known release. The grain bill features a four-malt combination of pale, caramel, chocolate, and whole black malts, which generates the ale's layered malt complexity. Hop additions come from East Kent Goldings, Willamette, and Liberty varieties — a restrained, traditionally rooted hop trio chosen to balance the malt sweetness rather than compete with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet molasses and chocolate chip cookies dominate the nose, supported by a subtle spice contributed by the hop additions. There is an underlying warmth of toasted grain that rounds out the initial impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is medium-bodied and decidedly malty, with chocolate chip cookie and caramel flavors arriving first. Mid-palate, cocoa and toasted nut notes develop, followed by a gentle molasses sweetness. The hops provide just enough bitterness to prevent the malt from becoming cloying, creating a well-balanced center of gravity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is light and satisfying, with lingering cocoa and a trace of coffee-like roast. It fades clean, inviting another sip without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Moose Drool\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoose Drool is best served at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, in a pint glass or English-style tulip to concentrate its malt aromas. A \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Ale Float\u003c\/strong\u003e — pairing the beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — plays off the chocolate and caramel malt sweetness for a dessert-style serve. A \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e variation using Moose Drool brings its toasted malt notes into a savory, spiced context. For a simple beer cocktail, a \u003cstrong\u003eBlack and Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e — layering a stout over Moose Drool — adds roast depth while keeping the nutty, caramel foundation intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a fall or winter fridge with a reliable, everyday brown ale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone new to craft beer with a malt-forward, approachable style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with grilled or smoked foods at a backyard cookout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Montana beer enthusiast or someone exploring American brown ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Moose Drool taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is a malt-driven brown ale with dominant chocolate, caramel, and toasted nut flavors balanced by subtle hop bitterness. It finishes light and clean with lingering cocoa notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Moose Drool compare to Bell's Best Brown Ale?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are leading American brown ales, but Moose Drool leans more heavily into chocolate and caramel malt sweetness with a lighter finish, while Bell's Best Brown tends toward a slightly hoppier, nuttier profile. Moose Drool's four-malt grain bill gives it a richer malt complexity at a comparable ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moose Drool good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is an excellent entry point into craft beer — its malt sweetness and moderate 5.3% ABV make it approachable without sacrificing flavor depth or complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Moose Drool made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana. The brewery is one of Montana's most recognized craft operations and distributes across much of the western and central United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Moose Drool?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the beer's caramel and toasted malt character. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda mirrors its nutty notes. Grilled burgers work naturally alongside its medium body. Chocolate brownies or pecan pie echo the cocoa and nut flavors in the grain bill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Moose Drool come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is widely available in 12-packs of 12 oz cans or bottles, as well as six-packs and individual pints on draft at many bars and restaurants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moose Drool worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool positions as a solid everyday craft beer at a mainstream price tier, delivering more malt complexity than most macro brown ales while remaining accessible in 12-pack format for regular drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Moose Drool?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of four specialty malts — pale, caramel, chocolate, and whole black — gives Moose Drool a layered malt profile that most brown ales in its price range simply don't achieve. Its three-hop blend of East Kent Goldings, Willamette, and Liberty adds structure without pulling the beer away from its malt-forward identity. With over 131,000 Untappd ratings and a reputation as one of America's top brown ales, Moose Drool has proven its staying power in a category where many competitors come and go. It remains a reliable standard-bearer for what a well-executed American brown ale should taste like.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Sky Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838082674857,"sku":"18352","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/big-sky-brewing-big-sky-moose-drool-brown-ale-12pk-bottle.webp?v=1776695185"},{"product_id":"big-sky-moose-drool-brown-ale-6pk","title":"Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 6-Pack\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 5.3% ABV American brown ale from Missoula, Montana, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Widely regarded as one of the most popular American brown ales in the country, Moose Drool holds an 84 score on BeerAdvocate across nearly 3,000 ratings and reviews.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.3%  |  Origin: Missoula, Montana, USA  |  Style: American Brown Ale  |  Brewery: Big Sky Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBig Sky Brewing Company operates out of its facility at 5417 Trumpeter Way in Missoula, Montana, founded by Bjorn Nabozney, Neal Leathers, and Brad Robinson. Moose Drool is built on a grain bill of 87% pale malt, 10% crystal malt, 2.8% chocolate malt, and 0.2% black malt — a notably higher pale malt ratio than most American brown ales, which gives the beer its clean drinkability beneath the roasted character. The hop profile relies on East Kent Goldings, Liberty, and Willamette varieties, all traditional English and American cultivars that provide restrained floral and spicy bitterness rather than aggressive hop-forward punch. Original gravity clocks in at 13 degrees Plato.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm caramel and candy sweetness rise first, followed by gentle cocoa and a hint of toasted grain. The English and American hop additions contribute a quiet floral undercurrent without dominating the malt-forward nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and malt-driven, with roasted nut and warm brown sugar flavors arriving at mid-palate. Chocolate malt and a trace of coffee bitterness build toward the peak, balanced by the pale malt backbone that keeps the beer from turning heavy. A subtle wheat-toast edge rounds out the flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a slightly dry, lightly bitter close reminiscent of burnt toast edges. Lingering cocoa and nut notes fade cleanly, inviting another sip without palate fatigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Moose Drool\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoose Drool drinks best at 45–50°F, poured into a pint glass or English-style tulip to let the malt aromas open up. It stands on its own without embellishment, but it also works well in several classic beer cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eBlack and Tan\u003c\/strong\u003e layered with a dry stout plays off the chocolate malt character beautifully. A \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Ale Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh lemonade lightens the roast notes into a refreshing warm-weather drink. A \u003cstrong\u003eBoilermaker\u003c\/strong\u003e paired alongside a pour of bourbon echoes the caramel and toasted grain notes in both the beer and the whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a craft beer newcomer to the brown ale style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a backyard barbecue or campfire cookout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a Montana-themed beer fridge for game day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGiving as a gift to a fan of malt-forward, sessionable ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Moose Drool taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is a malt-forward brown ale with prominent roasted nut, cocoa, and warm brown sugar flavors, balanced by a gentle coffee-like bitterness and a clean, slightly dry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Moose Drool compare to Bell's Best Brown Ale?\u003c\/strong\u003e In direct comparisons, reviewers consistently describe Moose Drool as maltier and hoppier than Bell's Best Brown Ale, with more pronounced roasted character. Bell's tends to lean lighter and smoother, while Moose Drool delivers a fuller malt presence at a similar ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moose Drool good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its 5.3% ABV and approachable malt sweetness make it an excellent entry point into the brown ale category without overwhelming hop bitterness or heavy body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Moose Drool made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company at their facility on Trumpeter Way in Missoula, Montana, in the heart of the Northern Rockies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Moose Drool?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the roasted malt backbone. Aged cheddar mirrors the caramel sweetness. Grilled portobello mushrooms echo the earthy cocoa tones. Pecan pie amplifies the nutty, brown sugar notes. A classic bacon cheeseburger is a natural match for the ale's balanced bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Moose Drool come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is widely available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, and Big Sky Brewing also distributes it in 12-packs and on draft.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moose Drool worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool positions as an accessible, everyday craft brown ale — priced in the entry-level craft tier, it delivers reliable quality and consistent flavor that justifies its standing as one of the top-selling American brown ales in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Moose Drool?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Moose Drool from the crowded American brown ale field is its grain bill architecture — that 87% pale malt base creates a cleaner, more drinkable frame than competitors that lean harder on specialty malts. The combination of East Kent Goldings, Liberty, and Willamette hops gives it a balanced, transatlantic hop character that nods to English tradition without abandoning American craft sensibility. With an 84 on BeerAdvocate and over 131,000 ratings on Untappd, it has earned its reputation through sheer volume of drinker approval rather than hype. For a brown ale that rewards repeated drinking without ever becoming monotonous, Moose Drool remains a benchmark of the style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Sky Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838082707625,"sku":"18833","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"big-sky-moose-drool-brown-ale-6pk-cans","title":"Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 6Pk Cans","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale 6Pk Cans\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 5.3% ABV American brown ale brewed in Missoula, Montana, packaged in a six-pack of 12 oz cans. As the flagship beer from Montana's largest brewery, Moose Drool has earned an 84 on BeerAdvocate from nearly 3,000 ratings, cementing its reputation as one of the most recognized American brown ales on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.3%  |  Origin: Missoula, Montana, USA  |  Style: American Brown Ale  |  Brewery: Big Sky Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBig Sky Brewing Company operates out of Missoula, Montana, where it has grown into the state's largest brewery. All Moose Drool is brewed and packaged entirely on-site at their Missoula facility, a practice they have maintained since 2003 to ensure complete production control. The malt bill layers pale, caramel, chocolate, and whole black malts, while a trio of English and American hop varieties — East Kent Goldings, Liberty, and Willamette — provide restrained bitterness. The beer is brewed to an original gravity of 13 degrees Plato, yielding a moderate 5.3% ABV that keeps it firmly in session territory for a brown ale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm caramel leads the nose, followed by subtle cocoa and a faint candy-like sweetness. A gentle roasted grain quality sits beneath, grounding the aromatics without turning acrid.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is malty and smooth, with roasted nut and warm brown sugar flavors arriving on the mid-palate. Chocolate chip cookie-like sweetness develops alongside a hint of molasses, while the caramel and chocolate malts provide depth without heaviness. The hop presence is measured — just enough to prevent the malt from running unchecked.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e A gentle bitterness emerges at the close, driven by grassy, herbal hop character that balances the residual malt sweetness. The finish is medium in length with a clean, slightly toasted quality that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Moose Drool\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoose Drool drinks best poured into a pint glass or English tulip at around 45–50°F, where the malt complexity fully opens up. For a straightforward approach, enjoy it straight from the can on a cool evening. It also works well in these beer cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Ale Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the malt sweetness pairs naturally with fresh lemonade; a \u003cstrong\u003eBlack and Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e, layered with a dry stout for added roasted depth; and a \u003cstrong\u003eBeer-a-misu\u003c\/strong\u003e float, where a scoop of vanilla ice cream amplifies the chocolate and caramel notes already present in the ale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a friend to craft brown ales without overwhelming bitterness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a backyard barbecue or campfire cookout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a mixed craft beer fridge with a reliable, drinkable staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing to a Montana-themed gathering or cabin weekend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Moose Drool taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is a malt-forward brown ale with roasted nut, warm brown sugar, cocoa, and chocolate chip cookie flavors, balanced by gentle herbal hop bitterness on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Moose Drool compare to Bell's Best Brown Ale?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are well-regarded American brown ales, but drinkers who have compared them frequently describe Moose Drool as maltier and hoppier than Bell's Best Brown. Bell's tends to be slightly lighter in body, while Moose Drool leans into its chocolate and caramel malt character more assertively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moose Drool good for craft beer beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its moderate 5.3% ABV, smooth malt sweetness, and restrained bitterness make it an approachable entry point into the brown ale style without sacrificing flavor complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Moose Drool made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool is brewed entirely at Big Sky Brewing Company's facility in Missoula, Montana, where the brewery has maintained full in-house production and packaging since 2003.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Moose Drool?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the caramel malt complements smoky char. Sharp cheddar cheese, which contrasts the malty sweetness. Grilled burgers, a natural match for the roasted nut notes. Chocolate brownies or pecan pie, which echo the cocoa and brown sugar in the ale. Roasted root vegetables, whose earthiness aligns with the toasted malt backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Moose Drool come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This listing is a six-pack of 12 oz cans; Moose Drool is also commonly available in six-pack bottles and on draft at select locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moose Drool worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moose Drool sits comfortably in the everyday craft beer tier — priced in line with other widely distributed regional craft six-packs, it delivers more malt complexity than most macro brown ales at a fair value for the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Moose Drool?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoose Drool stands out in the American brown ale category because of its deliberately layered malt bill — four distinct malts creating a progression from caramel sweetness through chocolate and roasted grain, rather than relying on a single flavor note. The use of East Kent Goldings alongside American Liberty and Willamette hops bridges English brown ale tradition with American craft sensibility. With over 131,000 ratings on Untappd and an 84 on BeerAdvocate, it has one of the largest and most consistent track records of any beer in its style. For a brown ale that balances accessibility with genuine depth, it remains a benchmark from the Northern Rockies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Sky Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838082773161,"sku":"29058","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/big-sky-brewing-big-sky-moose-drool-brown-ale-6pk-cans-bottle.webp?v=1776695183"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/big-sky-brewing.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}