What To Expect At 105 Brewing In Billings' Heights

I don't get up to the Heights that often. I live in Laurel and work in downtown Billings, so unless something else brings me to Montana's largest suburb, it's not typically somewhere I go.

That said, I happened to be in the Heights a few weeks ago (April 21), the day that the new 105 Brewing started pouring beer. I wanted to stop on Grand Opening day, but the parking lot was overflowing. I'm not much of a crowd guy, so "I'll stop back some other time" is what I decided.

That "other time" was this past weekend, when work brought me back to the Heights on Saturday. I was at Gainan's Heights Garden Center across the street from 105 Brewing, and when my obligations there were complete, I stopped in to sample some beers and check out 105 Brewing.

Two of my favorite things. Credit Canva

The coffee shop at 105 Brewing has been open for several months now. The brewery is brand new. However, the brewmaster/proprietor at 105 Brewing is far from a newb.

Travis Zeilstra has been in the game for more than two decades, honing his craft at places like the Montana Brewing Company, Black Tooth Brewing Co. in Sheridan, WY, and By All Means.

Zeilstra won the Small Brewery Brewer of the Year Award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2007.

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Interior at 105 Brewing. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

A great space in the Heights.

When I stopped by, the weather was gorgeous, and the large patio on the east side of the building was mostly full with customers enjoying beers, coffees, and soda drinks. Inside, it was a little quieter at the bar.

The bar doubles as a walk-up for coffee and soda drink orders, so it was a mixed crowd during the hour or so I sampled three different brews. Some customers were families, others appeared to be golfing buddies or friends. The inside space at 105 Brewing is open and inviting.

The beer menu board at 105 Brewing. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

How's the beer?

I'm not a microbrew connoisseur, nor am I a huge fan of IPAs, so take my review with a grain of salt. I tried 105 Brewing's lager, pilsner, and porter. Each was fantastic. The lager and pilsner were light and refreshing, while the porter was full of flavor.

No plans are in the works for an on-site kitchen or menu, said Zeilstra. Currently, 105 Brewing is providing a daily rotation of food trucks. You can watch for the updated food truck schedules on their Facebook page.