When you come to visit us, it should feel like you’re visiting an old friend…except our beer selection is better. Sipping beer is an experience. The smells, sights, sounds and interactions you have while keeping your beverage cool on our copper chiller all combine to create the complete, unique experience of drinking a Pburg brew.

​We believe in good music, great attitudes, and even better beer.

Head Brewer: Mike Elliott

Mike graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fermentation Sciences. Yeah, that’s a real thing. After gaining experience at notable Portland area breweries, he ventured east landing in Missoula where he spent two years with the award-winning Kettlehouse Brewery. Mike met owners Cathy & Nolan Smith in January 2012 while visiting Philipsburg and nearby Discovery Ski Basin from Missoula. And thank goodness he did, because we sure like his concoctions.

When Mike isn’t thinking about or making beer, he is spending time on the river, having jam sessions with his roomies, or snuggling with our famous brewery dog "Bruce".

Favorite Pairing: Otter Water and a fly rod

Assistant Brewer: Ryan Gill

After 400 years on this earth Ryan has seen and done it all. Brewing was the last on his list before he will be allowed to return to Transylvania to peacefully live out his life with his 350 year old wife Kelly. As he explains it "It's basically Rumspringa for vampires." 

When Ryan isn't making beer or drinking blood, he can be found watching the news, watching Nebraska sports, pretending he knows more about brewing than Mike, or going to bed before the sun sets. "That whole 'allergic to sunshine' thing is a myth," he says, "but I am somewhat allergic to latex."

Favorite Pairing: There and Back Again and milling lumber

Morale Specialist: Maxwell Statler

Maxwell moved to Philipsburg summer of 2011 in pursuit of the ‘Merican dream, and boy did he find it. Max has tried his hand at most jobs within Philipsburg Brewing but has found his groove in the brewing side of things. 

Max spends his days off doing “quality control” in the taproom or checking out the nearby competition. He also enjoys spending time on Rock Creek, skiing, or snuggling his hounds, Snacks and Yeti.

Favorite Pairing: Tramway Rye PA and fresh powder on Disco’s backside

​

Pun Producer: Emily Petrovski

Emily joined the brewery team behind the scenes in 2022, after admiring from the taproom for years. She’s the brains behind the puns you’ll see across our socials and the gal running around our taproom events. 
When she’s not cajoling her co-workers into making videos or posing for photos, she can be found working on her “old lady” hobbies or off in the woods, exploring with Remington Michael and little Elaine. 

Taproom Manager & Marketing: Maranda Williams

Maranda was yet another patron-turned-employee who went from shaking as she poured her first pint to kindly ruling as Queen of the Bar. She'll likely be the first and friendliest face you'll see in the taproom and is an expert in both recommending and drinking our beer. 

When Maranda isn't behind the bar she can be found in the woods stalking prey, drinking impressive amounts of coffee, chasing around her adorable and wild daughters, and modeling for local businesses.

Favorite Pairing: Corners Porter Coffee Porter and Venison Jerky

Beerologist & Sales: Trent Laird

Trent is our weekend & road warrior. He's your go-to beer guy and is here to answer questions and sell you suds. You'll see him at promo nights, brewfests, and typically anywhere in this fine state that sells our products. 

When he's not slangin' beer he can be found adventuring around the state with his two sons. Or sampling beers in his hometown of Missoula. 

Favorite Pairing: Montana 1 and a sunny patio 

Assistant Brewer: Brandon Harvey

Brandon joined us from “Music City” in 2021 after only a zoom call with Cathy and Nolan and a phone call with the brewers. He’s filled the brewer’s boots well, maybe having something to do with his family-like similarities to our other brewers, picking up the ins and outs quickly and with good humor, albeit with weak ankles. 
When not workin up a sweat at the brewery, Brandon can be found running in good weather or snowboarding in the winter, or cuddled up with his rescue pup Dakota.

Unpaid Intern: Pete!
Bruce’s younger brother, Pete is learning the ropes as brewery dog, with a more welcoming tail wag than his mentor’s surly stare.

Safety Officer: Ellie

Little Ellie is digging into learning about all aspects of the brewery. The sign of her work can be seen in the drool she leaves on her tools. 


Staff Philosopher: Uncle Ted

If you know, you know. Enough said.