CDBG loan goes to brewery

Libby could soon have a beer to call its own. Two area women plan to open a brewery, Cabinet Mountain Brewing, Co., downtown sometime next summer. They plan to hire seven employees and brew six regular beers.

“This is a niche that has gone unfulfilled,” Sarah Dinning, one of the entrepreneurs, said.

Dinning met her business partner, Kristin Smith, in a local book club. Talking on the phone one night, Dinning floated the idea of a brewery to Smith. The concept took off and is now close to fruition.

“We hired a Portland brewer who is very excited to take the title of Head Brewer,” Dinning said. “He is one of the main brewers at an award-winning brewing company. We listed the opening online and got responses from around the world — India, Turkey, Puerto Rico.”

The business has applied for a loan through the Community Development Block Grant-Economic Development Authority. The loan would be for $125,000 at a four percent interest rate.

“The loan would go to working capital and buying fixed equipment,” Brigid Burke, Kootenai River Development Council Executive Director, said. “CDBGs aim to provide jobs to low- and moderate-income individuals. Kristin and Sarah signed a commitment saying they would hire the equivalent of at least five full-time employees.”

Cabinet Mountain Brewing plans to produce 800 barrels per year, focusing marketing efforts in Lincoln County, Flathead and Sanders counties, as well as northern Idaho.

The brewery’s exact location remains uncertain as negotiations continue. Once open, the brewery will include a taproom where patrons can fill growlers until 9 p.m. However, patrons looking to really get it on will have to go to area bars, as the family-friendly taproom will be required to limit patron consumption to 48 ounces.

“Local tavern owners have been very enthusiastic to get a local product on tap,” Dinning said.

Plans for bottling are years away, but kegs will be available. An India Pale Ale (IPA), a porter and a lager are certainties. The three other regular brews are yet to be determined.

“We plan to offer a wide variety for every beer drinker,” Dinning said. “My favorite is a porter. I like dark beer.”

Smith, who acts as director of the city’s Planning and Zoning Department believes the business can be a boon for Libby.

“I’m very excited to bring this to downtown,” Smith said. “I believe it can create some cross-pollination for other businesses. It is something unique for Libby.”

Chamber Executive Director Naomi Rebo is also excited.

"It's absolutely awesome," said Libby Area Chamber Director Naomi Rebo. "Libby is really starting to get to the point where it's emerging."