About Higherground Brewing Co.
Our Story
At just 24 years old, Jasper Miller and Fenn Nelson opened Higherground Brewing Co. in Hamilton, becoming the youngest brewery owners in Montana. The lifelong friends transformed the old Grocery Emporium into a vibrant taproom offering craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and fresh salads.
When it came to choosing a location, the answer was clear. Hamilton was home. With their roots in the Bitterroot Valley and support from friends, family, and neighbors, it was the natural place to bring their vision to life.
The duo built much of the brewery themselves—most notably, a 54-foot concrete bar—blending local materials, artwork, and Bitterroot Valley character throughout the space.
Higherground Brewing Co. offers more than just craft beer and wood-fired pizza, it's a space shaped by local hands and shared history. Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, it's a place to slow down, connect, and feel part of something rooted.
Discover Higherground Brewing Co. TEAM Members
Dillon Dodson – General Manager
Dillon Dodson has been with Higherground Brewing since day one, growing alongside the brewery every step of the way. He started his journey as a dishwasher, quickly proving himself with hard work, dedication, and a deep passion for the craft. Over the years, Dillon worked his way through every role in the kitchen, steadily rising through the ranks to become manager and now General Manager. His deep understanding of both the front and back of house, combined with his commitment to the Higherground vision, make him an essential part of our leadership team.
Outside the brewery, Dillon enjoys hitting the disc golf course, skateboarding, and getting his hands dirty working on cars. His drive, creativity, and laid-back attitude carry through everything he does—on and off the clock.
Justin Gillespie- Brewer
We source only the finest ingredients for our beers, including locally grown hops and specialty malts. Each batch is brewed with care and attention to detail, ensuring a consistent and exceptional taste in every pint of Higherground Brewing Co. beer.
Kera Giese- Front of House Manager
At Higherground Brewing Co. Brewery, we are passionate about crafting high-quality, flavorful beers. Our journey began in a small garage, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create unique brews that our customers love.
Cory Hernandez- Front of House Manage
From selecting the finest hops to fermenting our beers at precise temperatures, we take great care in every step of the brewing process. Our commitment to quality ensures that each pint of Higherground Brewing Co. beer is a true delight for your taste buds.
Ann Newman- Front of House Crew
Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do at Higherground Brewing Co. Brewery. Our skilled brewers meticulously craft each batch of beer, ensuring that every sip delivers a burst of flavor and quality that you can taste with every pint.
Kristian Grey- Asst. Brewer/Kitchen Crew
Explore a diverse range of beer styles at Higherground Brewing Co. Brewery, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or new to craft beer, we have a brew that will tantalize your taste buds.