What Draught Works Brewery does

Draught Works Brewery is an independent craft beer producer and community-oriented taproom operator founded in 2011 in Missoula, Montana, by co-founders Jeff Grant and Paul Marshall. The company operates from a single 19-tap taproom and headquarters at 915 Toole Ave, housed in a restored 1931 recycling center in Missoula's Westside neighborhood, and serves adult craft beer enthusiasts, families, University of Montana Griz fans, and Montana retail and on-premise consumers. Its product portfolio spans year-round flagship beers (Scepter IPA, Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, My Ruca APA, Pineapple Express Tropical IPA, That's What She Said Cream Ale, Up With Premium Lager), the trimester-scheduled Mountain Funk Sour Program (Blood Orange Gose, Lemon Meringue Sour, Dill Pickle Sour), a Water Works hard seltzer sub-brand (Tropical Express, Mountain Berry, Citrus Cowboy), and non-alcoholic options including housemade Faith's Root Beer. The brewing operation uses traditional ale and lager methods augmented by a kettle-souring process adopted in 2015, a small-batch barrel-aged sour program, and a proprietary hard seltzer fermentation process that ferments sugar in-house and filters through Missoula Aquifer water.

The business model is a hybrid direct-to-consumer and wholesale operation. The Missoula taproom generates the majority of revenue through walk-in pint, flight, growler, crowler, and merchandise sales, supported by rotating food trucks (March-October), weekly live music programming, trivia, vinyl nights, and annual signature events (St. Paddy's Day, Customer Appreciation, Christmas Steamer, Mountain Funk Sour Week, Missoula Pride). Packaged beer and Water Works seltzers are distributed statewide across Montana through seven regional distributors covering Missoula, Butte, Kalispell, Helena, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Billings, and are sold at retail chains (Albertsons, Town Pump, Rosauers) and poured on draught at 70+ on-premise accounts including Ogren Park stadium and restaurants such as Biga Pizza, Claim Jumper, and The Rhino. Kegs are sold direct to consumers and events in 1/4 bbl and 1/2 bbl sizes with required deposits. Cause-marketing collaborations with the Good Ol' Grizzlies NIL Collective (Up With Lager), Missoula Pride (Say Gay Juicy Pale Ale), Watson Children's Shelter (Snowflake Challenge), and local food trucks extend the brand's community positioning and create differentiated revenue streams. Following a December 2023 Beer and Wine License expansion, the taproom now also serves wine, Western Cider, and additional non-alcoholic options and operates with extended hours (12-11 PM Thurs-Sat).

Name

Draught Works Brewery

Legal name

Draught Works Brewery

Website

https://draughtworksbrewery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Draught Works Brewery is an independent Missoula, Montana craft brewery and taproom founded in 2011 that produces award-winning beer and hard seltzer for adult consumers, families, and University of Montana fans, distributed statewide across Montana via seven regional distributors and a 19-tap community taproom.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer Brewery

NAICS

Breweries (312120), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224), Beverage Manufacturing (3121)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Microbreweries & Craft Breweries (THAFALAC), Bar & Beverage Catering (Mobile Bar, Bartending) (HSACAGAF), Beer, Brewery & Craft Beverage Tastings (THAJAGAE)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewery
• Hard seltzer
• Sour beer
• Taproom
• Keg sales

Headquarters

HQ city

Missoula

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Taproom On-Site Sales: Draught Works generates the majority of revenue through direct-to-consumer sales at its Missoula taproom, selling pints, flights (4x4oz pours), growler fills (64oz), crowler fills (32oz), and merchandise (gift cards, apparel). After receiving a beer and wine license in December 2023, the taproom also sells wine and Western Cider, and lifted the previous three-pint limit.
2. Packaged Beer & Seltzer Distribution: Canned beer and Water Works hard seltzer are distributed in 6-packs and 12-packs across Montana through seven regional distributors. Year-round canned offerings include Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, My Ruca APA, Pineapple Express Tropical IPA, Scepter IPA, That's What She Said Cream Ale, Up With Premium Lager, and the three Water Works hard seltzer flavors.
3. Keg Sales: Draught Works sells all beers in 1/4 bbl (7.75 gal/62 pints) and 1/2 bbl (15.5 gal/124 pints) kegs directly to customers and events, requiring an upfront deposit on kegs and equipment ($130/keg, $55/pump, $30/tub).
4. Merchandise & Gift Cards: Gift cards are available for purchase in the taproom or online through Square. Merchandise (apparel, glassware, swag) is sold on-site and periodically discounted during events like Customer Appreciation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Draught Works Brewery is an independent craft brewery that produces and sells approximately 19 handcrafted beers on-tap at its Missoula, Montana taproom, alongside a packaged lineup of canned beer (six-packs and twelve-packs) and Water Works hard seltzer distributed statewide across Montana through seven regional distributors. The brewery operates a community-focused taproom featuring a wrap-around patio, live music several nights per week, trivia, food truck partnerships, and rotating local art exhibitions. It also sells kegs directly to customers and events, plus merchandise and gift cards, and offers non-alcoholic options including housemade Faith's Root Beer and Athletic Brewing N/A beers.

Product overview

Draught Works Brewery operates as a craft beer producer and taproom in Missoula, MT since 2011. The core product is Draught Works craft beer featuring approximately 19 handcrafted brews on-tap, including year-round flagships (Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, My Ruca APA, Pineapple Express Tropical IPA, Scepter IPA, That's What She Said Cream Ale) and seasonal releases. Supporting product lines include Water Works Hard Seltzer (Tropical Express, Mountain Berry, Citrus Cowboy - 100 cal, gluten-free), Mountain Funk Sour Program (seasonal canned sours), and non-alcoholic beverages (Faith's Root Beer, kombucha, Athletic Brewing NA beers). Special collaboration products include 'Up With' Premium Lager (supporting UM student-athletes via NIL) and 'Say Gay' Juicy Pale Ale (supporting Missoula Pride). The company also operates a family-friendly taproom with live music, hosts events, and distributes canned products statewide across Montana.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Water Works: Hard seltzer brand by Draught Works Brewery, featuring flavors: Citrus Cowboy, Mountain Berry, and Tropical Express. Gluten free, 0g sugar, 100 calories.

Products and services

• Draught Works Craft Beer (Year-Round Flagships) Year-round flagship craft beers including Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, My Ruca American Pale Ale, Pineapple Express Tropical IPA, Scepter IPA (GABF Gold Medal 2014), That's What She Said Cream Ale, and Up With Premium Lager. Brewed in Missoula, MT for on-tap pints, flights, growler/crowler fills, keg sales, and packaged 6-pack/12-pack statewide distribution.
• Mountain Funk Sour Program (Seasonal Canned Sours) Award-winning seasonal sour beer program featuring Blood Orange Gose (Nov-Feb), Lemon Meringue American Sour (Mar-Jun), and Dill Pickle American Sour (Jul-Oct), plus draft-only barrel-aged sours such as Velvet Coffin and Conceptually Adventurous. Canned sours are distributed statewide across Montana.
• Water Works Hard Seltzer Hard seltzer line crafted using a proprietary brewing and filtering process with pure filtered Montana water from the Missoula Aquifer. Three flavors (Tropical Express, Mountain Berry, Citrus Cowboy), all 5.0% ABV, 100 calories, gluten-free, 0g sugar. Available in 6-pack, 12-pack, and variety packs at retailers and on tap.
• Up With Premium Lager Crisp, effervescent 4.7% ABV premium lager brewed in partnership with the Good Ol' Grizzlies NIL Collective representing the University of Montana. A portion of all sales supports NIL efforts for UM student-athletes. Available statewide wherever Draught Works is sold and via UPTOP co-branded apparel.
• Say Gay Juicy Pale Ale Official Missoula Pride beer, a 5.0% ABV juicy pale ale with flavors of ripe citrus fruit, pineapple, and mango. $1 from each pint sold statewide in June is donated to Missoula Pride and the Western Montana Community Center. Available at the Draught Works taproom and at participating Missoula bars and restaurants during Pride Month.
• Draught Works Taproom Experience Family-friendly on-site taproom experience featuring approximately 19 handcrafted brews on-tap, wine, Western Cider, hard seltzer, kombucha, and non-alcoholic options including housemade Faith's Root Beer and Athletic Brewing N/A beers. Includes wrap-around patio, live music several nights weekly, weekly trivia, vinyl nights, comedy nights, kids' chalkboard and toy area, rotating local art on the gallery wall, and rotating food truck partners. Open 7 days per week.
• Keg Sales Keg ordering service offering all Draught Works beers in 1/4 bbl (7.75 gal/62 pints) and 1/2 bbl (15.5 gal/124 pints) sizes for pickup directly from the taproom. Requires upfront equipment deposits ($130/keg, $55/pump, $30/tub) and valid photo ID. Used for private parties, weddings, corporate events, and event bartenders.
• Draught Works Gift Cards Physical and digital gift cards redeemable at the Draught Works taproom in Missoula, MT. Available for purchase in the taproom or online securely through the Square portal, suitable for gifting and customer acquisition.

Quantifiable outcome

• Missoula's Best Brewery 8 consecutive years (2018–2025)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Good Ol' Grizzlies NIL Collective (University of Montana)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 February 2024Draught Works partnered with the Good Ol' Grizzlies NIL Collective (representing University of Montana student-athletes) to create 'Up With' Premium Lager — a co-branded lager supporting NIL efforts. A portion of all 'Up With' sales benefits the collective. Co-founder Jeff Grant, a UM alum, leads the partnership. The beer is available statewide wherever Draught Works is sold. The partnership also includes an official release party/fundraiser at Draught Works, and a clothing collaboration with UPTOP for branded apparel.
• Western CidercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 December 2023Following the December 2023 expansion to a beer and wine license, Draught Works began serving Western Cider products at the taproom as part of its expanded non-beer beverage offerings. This local craft collaboration supports the Missoula cider maker and broadens Draught Works' portfolio for non-beer-drinking guests.
• Missoula Pride / Western Montana Community CentercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2022Draught Works brews 'Say Gay Juicy Pale Ale' as the official beer of Missoula Pride in collaboration with Missoula Pride and the Western Montana Community Center (WMCC). $1 from every pint sold statewide in June is donated to support both organizations. The beer was created in response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and serves as a beacon of solidarity. Participating Missoula bars and restaurants also pour the beer during Pride Month.
• Food Truck Partners (A Taste of My Roots, Madeline's Mediterranean, Big Thai Country, Mai City)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFrom March to October, Draught Works hosts rotating food trucks outside the taproom daily 5–8 PM. The schedule: Mon – A Taste of My Roots; Tues/Wed – Madeline's Mediterranean; Thurs/Sat/Sun – Big Thai Country; Fri – Mai City. These partnerships provide on-site food, drive taproom traffic, and create an authentic community experience. Food trucks also serve at major annual events (St. Paddy's Day, Customer Appreciation, Christmas Steamer).
• Black Cat Bake ShopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlack Cat Bake Shop partnered with Draught Works for the Valentine's Day Four Play Beer & Dessert Pairing event. Draught Works provided the beer pairings; Black Cat provided the desserts. Ticket price was $25, with limited availability for an intimate tasting experience.
• Burns St. BistrominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBurns St. Bistro prepared fresh mussels for Draught Works' Annual Christmas Steamer event (launched 2012), providing food alongside the Tuba Santas live music and bierstacheln tradition.
• UPTOP (clothing brand)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUPTOP collaborated with Draught Works to produce an 'Up With Premium Lager' apparel collection. Proceeds from apparel sales benefit the Good Ol' Grizzlies NIL Collective, extending the NIL partnership into branded merchandise.
• Summit Beverage (Missoula & Butte)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSummit Beverage distributes Draught Works canned beer and hard seltzer throughout Missoula and Butte, MT. Contact: (406) 541-3900, 3305 Great Northern Way, Missoula MT 59808.
• Fun Beverage (Kalispell)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFun Beverage distributes Draught Works products in Kalispell and the Flathead Valley region of Montana. Contact: (406) 752-1455, 175 Schoolhouse Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901.
• George's Distributing (Helena)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGeorge's Distributing handles Draught Works distribution in Helena, MT. Contact: (406) 442-3980, 2710 Broadwater Avenue, Helena, MT 59602.
• Gusto Distributing (Great Falls)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGusto Distributing distributes Draught Works products in Great Falls, MT. Contact: (406) 727-2618, 501 Crescent Circle, Great Falls, MT 59404.
• Cardinal Distributing (Bozeman)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCardinal Distributing handles Draught Works distribution in Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley, MT. Contact: (406) 586-0241, 269 Jackrabbit Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718.
• Briggs Distributing (Billings)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBriggs Distributing distributes Draught Works products in Billings, MT. Contact: (406) 294-2337, 3545 Hesper Rd, Billings, Montana 59102.
• Ear Candy MusicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEar Candy Music partners with Draught Works for Vinyl Night events (first Thursday of each month), bringing vinyl records and music curation to the taproom atmosphere.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kettlehouse Brewing Company: Missoula-based craft brewery and direct local competitor. Operates taprooms in Missoula and Bonner with statewide Montana distribution, sharing the same primary market, distribution channels, and consumer base as Draught Works.
• Bayern Brewing: Missoula-based German-style craft brewery with on-site taproom and statewide Montana distribution. Directly competes for Missoula taproom traffic and on-premise draft placements.
• Big Sky Brewing Company: Montana's largest independent craft brewery, distributed statewide and into regional markets. Competes with Draught Works on retail shelf space, on-premise draft, and brand awareness within Montana.
• Lewis & Clark Brewing Company: Helena-based Montana craft brewery with taproom and statewide distribution. Comparable in scale, distribution model, and craft portfolio to Draught Works.
• Flathead Lake Brewing Company: Polson/Kalispell-area Montana craft brewery with pub locations and regional distribution. Competes for the same Montana craft beer consumer and retail/on-premise accounts.
• Tree House Brewing Company: Massachusetts-based independent craft brewery renowned for award-winning IPAs and a community-focused, taproom-centric model that draws long lines of destination visitors — directly analogous to Draught Works' community-programmed taproom strategy.
• Russian River Brewing Company: Independent, award-winning craft brewery famous for its sour program (Supplication, Consecration) and destination taprooms. Comparable to Draught Works in independent ownership, award pedigree, and barrel-aged sour focus.

Emerging players

• Athletic Brewing Company: Fast-growing independent craft brewer focused on non-alcoholic beer. Comparable to Draught Works in independent craft ethos, and overlapping on Draught Works' Athletic Brewing NA lineup offering — illustrating the broader craft NA opportunity.

Broad incumbents

• Boston Beer Company: NYSE-listed craft beverage parent of Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, and Angry Orchard. Competes directly with Draught Works' beer portfolio (Samuel Adams) and Water Works hard seltzer line (Truly) on Montana retail shelves.
• Mark Anthony Brands (White Claw): Owner of White Claw, the dominant U.S. hard seltzer brand. Directly competes with Water Works in the Montana retail hard seltzer category, with vastly larger marketing budgets and trade spend.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DraughtWorks
• Facebookfacebook.com/DraughtWorks
• Instagraminstagram.com/draughtworks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/draught-works-brewery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Draught Works Brewery