There are some experiences that feel that I’m intuitively guided to have. When I landed in Montana, I arrived at the car rental section of the airport a bit tired – but excited for what was to come over my time at Glacier National Park. Not only was the manager that I rented my car from exceptionally friendly and great to work with. But – most importantly – when I asked him “So, where is your favorite place in Kalispell for dinner?” he handed me a pre printed sheet of “Employee’s Top Picks for Food” which included suggestions for where to dine – not only in Kalispell – but the surrounding towns of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Bigfork.
All I could do was thank him, profusely, for making my life so much easier after my flight from Los Angeles.
After nestling myself in my rental, I looked over the list and picked the restaurant that felt right for the mood I was in. The clear winner? Big Mountain Ciderworks.
The drive to Big Mountain Ciderworks was stunningly gorgeous. I felt the tension of Los Angeles city life melt away as I drove under Montana’s big beautiful sky. When I arrived at Big Mountain Ciderworks, I quickly found parking and made my way inside.
I was quickly led to a table and began browsing the menu. My server – Kyler – was friendly, attentive and effortlessly guided me on the best things to order off the menu.
I ordered the Combo flight (Arkansas Black, McIntosh, Blackberry, Snow Devil). However, instead of the Arkansas Black cider, I took Kyler’s advice and substituted the Cherry Blossom.
The tasting notes:
- Cherry Blossom (6.0% ABV – Branch out and try our full-bodied cherry blossom cider: a flavor burst of sweet, juicy cherries, nicely balanced with a touch of tartness.)
This was one of my favorites of the selections. I greatly enjoyed the slight sweet and tart and effervescent nature on my mouth. - Mcintosh (8.4% ABV – Crafted from Montana Mclintosh apples, this single-varietal cider offers a lively blend of sweet and tart flavors.)
- Blackberry (6.0% ABV – Our latest seasonal offering. Experience the delightful fusion of crisp apple and ripe blackberries. This deep red cider is the perfect balance of sweet and tart with slight earthy undertones.)
- Snow Devil (6.0% ABV – Our bestseller features an aromatic profile with a touch of cinnamon and a delicate oak undertone. It is easy drinking and semi-sweet. Won the Governor’s cider award!)
This was one of my favorites of the selections as well. It was easy drinking and delicious. Easy to see why it won the Governor’s cider award.
The winner for dinner? Well, one look at the seasonal special menu and my eyes locked on The Big Ben (House-smoked pulled pork, grilled pineapple, pineapple habanero sauce and crisp lettuce on toasted ciabatta bread).
For my side, I upgraded to the Thai Fries (Thai-inspired fries drizzled with spicy aioli and sweet and spicy Thai sauce. Garnished with chopped peanuts, green onions, and black sesame seeds).
If I could order the Thai fries once a month, I would gladly renew my yearly membership to the Big Back community.
Everything was so damn good. Needless to say, I devoured everything.
But what truly set Big Mountain Ciderworks apart wasn’t just the food – it was Kyler. When I asked if he’d been to Glacier National Park, he immediately shared some wonderful local tips.
After teaching me about huckleberry and how it’s the state fruit of Montana, he suggested that while I was in Glacier, I head north to Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery for one of their famous huckleberry bear claws.
So of course, the very next day, that’s exactly what I did. And I was better for it, for the bear claw and the photos I took along the way.
Walking out of Big Mountain Ciderworks that evening, I felt so content. From the excellent service at when I rented my car to a dinner that inspired the following day’s adventure, I was reminded once again how much I appreciate not knowing where my next “hello” will lead me.
Such is the beauty of my life.
Big Mountain Ciderworks
1051 Old Reserve Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901Kalispell, Montana 59901
