Flathead grad takes over, rebrands Great Falls brewery

A former Flathead High School student has taken the reins of the brewery formerly known as The Front in Great Falls, and plans sweeping changes that include an increased focus on making sure his business has a footprint in the Flathead.

The first and most immediately noticeable change is the name. Jeremiah Johnson, who grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead in 1996, decided to name the place after himself.

He said the idea wasn’t his but was suggested by a branding consultant, and while at first he wasn’t keen on the idea, he eventually warmed to it. Thus, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company was born.

“When you put your name on something you want it to be perfect,” Johnson said.

Johnson and his wife are hoping to capitalize on what is largely considered to be a successful brewery in the state. He said they are going through other rebranding efforts, and in the coming years would like to see a bigger market share in Montana and even expand outside the state.

The Front’s most popular product is the Mountain Man Scotch Ale, which is distinguished by the local Montana honey in its brewing process and the aluminum lids, which crack open and peel off in a circle — sort of like a can of Vienna Sausages, but better.

That beer can be found in grocery stores across the state, and Johnson said that neither the recipe nor lids would change but they would probably reduce the size from the current 16 oz. down to the more standard 12 oz.

He said the company had done a great job of getting involved in the community in Great Falls, but because he spends a lot of time in the Flathead Valley in the summer and he would like to sell more beer here, he plans on getting involved in a lot more community efforts on this side of the state.

“I absolutely love the Flathead Valley,” he said.

They are kicking that effort off with the Bigfork brewfest, held on Electric Avenue on March 3. Johnson said both he and his wife would be there to promote their beer and tell people about their plans for the future.

He said he also plans to expand the brewery’s product line to include a greater variety of beers distributed in cans to grocery stores, and locals could expect to see those new options and new cans in the near future.

Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com.