Beer is not just a beverage for us; it's a way of life. Our love for drinking, brewing, and sharing the rich culture of beer has been the driving force behind our journey.
It all began with Michael Uhrich, whose passion for craft beer ignited at the age of 15. While his peers indulged in mass-produced products, Michael discovered his love for Belgian Style beers brewed in Ft Collins, CO. The spark grew during his college years in Grand Junction, where a chance encounter with Rob Moore, a friend brewing Oatmeal Stout on the dry campus, laid the foundation for a lasting friendship and a shared passion for brewing.
Amidst the high desert landscape, surrounded by beer and bikes, the duo established a regular brewing schedule, focusing on creating exceptional AMBER ALES.
As life unfolded, Rob pursued teaching, and Michael, drawn to the beauty of Montana during frequent visits, decided to relocate, start a family, and embark on a new career. His seven-year tenure as Head Brewer at Yellowstone Valley Brewing fueled his passion, eventually leading him to seek his true calling.
The opportunity arose when a small vacant building came into the picture. Initially skeptical, Michael was encouraged by loyal customers who believed it was the right path. Thus began the journey to establish Billings' 4th brewery and taproom.
Over seven months, with support from family and friends, we pieced together a humble 7BBL system, utilizing modified dairy tanks and English brite tanks (Grundy). Located directly on the railroad tracks, our leased building, courtesy of Mogul Mike Schaer, became the canvas for our brewing dreams.
Our namesake, Carter James, Michael's oldest son, inspired the brewery's name when he was just a few months old. In preparation for the opening, Michael brewed three beers – Derailed IPA, Magic City Mild Ale, and Handcar Hefeweizen. On July 17, 2007, we poured our first pint to a crowd of contractors, family, and friends.
In our 17 years of existence, we have crafted over a hundred different beer styles, spanning from Saison and IPA to mixed culture beers. Throughout the journey, our commitment to fostering proper beer culture, maintaining quality, and giving back to the community that has supported us remains unwavering.