Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. to tap interest with July opening

Construction is under way, gutting the building formerly occupied by Cabinet Mountain Furniture on Mineral Avenue to make way for Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co.’s equipment. If all goes according to plan, customers will be sucking suds inside by July.

It was less than a year ago when Sarah Dinning and Kristin Smith decided to go ahead and form a Libby brewing company. The book-club buddies received applications from around the globe for a brewmaster and hired Grant Golden out of Portland’s Lompoc Brewing Co.

“He rose to the top after he visited Libby with his girlfriend,” Smith said. “They skied Turner and said they are excited to make Libby their new home. They’ll be here at the beginning of May.”

Smith said six beers are currently in research and development, a process which sounds awfully enjoyable. Libby High School art teacher Patty Rambo designed the brewery’s logo, which depicts a beautiful mountain view framed by hops and barley.

“I sought Patty out because I have worked with her before and knew she was up to the task,” Smith said. “We are very happy with how it turned out.”

Dinning and Smith plan to hire at least four servers, beginning the hiring process in May. The business received a $125,000 loan through the Community Development Block Grant-Economic Development Authority. Part of the agreement was a signed commitment to employ the equivalent of at least five full-time employees.

“The rubber is hitting the road,” Dinning said. “It’s really happening and we are excited to see the residual interest develop in downtown Libby.”

Designs call for a vat to be prominently displayed in the front window of the building, attracting passersby as they watch the brewing process in action. The brewery will serve light snacks and observe state law requiring a 48-ounce limit on service per patron. The duo plans to offer seasonal brews to complement their six staple beers.

“We’re working on a summer beer and an Oktoberfest,” Smith said.