Rich Higgins is the
Montana Hopfitter
Expert beer outfitter for Montana weddings, events, fly fishing trips, office parties, teambuilding and more.

Rich is a Bozeman local, Master Cicerone, certified sommelier and former brewmaster
outfitting
weddings,
fly fishing trips,
office parties,
team building
and more
with the right beers for a memorable Montana event
I’ll work with your
event organizer
— your wedding planner, caterer, venue, guide, distributor or other —
to coordinate the perfect beer experiences to complement your event.

I’ll guide your wedding party, fly fishing group or office team through a fun beer tasting, full of great beer, tasting tips, surprising beer facts and lots of laughs, leaving your group with great memories.
Learn about the beer styles, ingredients and flavors of Montana’s best craft beers, with optional pairings of local nibbles.

Make your own selections from my descriptive menu of Montana beers available at your venue or ask me for a custom set based on your group’s preferences!
I’m happy to provide a descriptive written beer menu for guests to order from at your reception bar or as a memento.

My popular Bozeman Brewery Hop includes visits to two award-winning Bozeman breweries, multiple beers, a hot appetizer and a backstage brewery tour (1.5 hours total), with an option to add on a third taproom visit to taste even more Montana beer (3.5 hours total).
Not in Bozeman? I’m happy to offer brewery and taproom experiences in other Montana locales.

A frosty cold one always tastes good on the river and at a wedding reception on the ranch, but trust me to find the perfect Montana beers to pair with your chef’s menu.
Pricing
Contact me
with details about your event and beer opportunities,
and I’ll be happy to put together your price quote!
Client Testimonials & Media Mentions
Rich is “incredibly eloquent and breathes his global view and avant-garde spirit into cuisine à la biere.”
– DRAFT Magazine
Rich’s tasting class is “a special class neophytes and serious drinkers can benefit from”
– The Washington Post
“Plain and simple, Rich makes beer interesting and exciting! Through every aspect of planning, he was a partner in making my corporate event a huge success, following through on every detail from contract development, sourcing, and venue relations, to help with budget compliance, promotions and set-up. Rich is a consummate professional who truly loves what he does! I wouldn’t hesitate to refer him to anyone wanting a unique program for an upcoming event.”
– Heather C., Marketing Production Mgr., Wolters Kluwer Health, Hudson, OH
“Informative, educational, entertaining; Rich Higgins’ beer classes are all that and more in a fun, supportive environment. We can’t wait for the next round!”
– Lisa Morrison, Co-Owner, Belmont Station, Portland, OR
“Rich’s thorough knowledge of beer styles and their history, paired with his dynamic and engaging class, was one of our more memorable office happy hours.”
– Bob Puccini, President + CEO, Puccini Group, San Francisco, CA
“Rich came to our office and did a tasting event with amazing beers and great chocolate pairings. Everyone at the company had a great time and was very impressed with his knowledge. I would highly recommend Rich Higgins to any company looking to provide their employees with some delicious suds.”
– Ari Marder, Social in SOMA, San Francisco, CA
“Working with Rich was very easy and the people who attended our event all had a great time. He’s a competent guide that can explain the nuances, and reasons behind them, and the event itself was an appropriate length, not too long, not too short.”
– Collin Castore, Co-Owner, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Columbus, OH
“There’s nothing like having someone whose expertise you really trust walk you through what’s going on in a glass.”
– Sam Gilbert, Founder & CEO of Temescal Brewing Co., Oakland, CA
“Rich’s event at Jimmy’s was a great time and good for all of us!”
– Jimmy Carbone, Owner, Jimmy’s No. 43, New York City
“We had such an amazing time with Rich. Super-fun conversation, amazing beers, and just a darn-lovely hour and a half. Highly recommended!!”
– Wyatt C., participant on my Bozeman Brewery Hop
“I really appreciate how approachable Rich is and I felt comfortable asking any questions. He got me out of my comfort zone and trying new beers I’d never have known that I enjoyed!”
– Michelle G., participant on my Beer Immersions to Belgium & Germany