Heritage built in the wild.
As Montanans we come from families where our love of the outdoors often begins with our parents. They drag us outside, hand us a fly rod or strap on our hiking boots, or skis, put us on a horse or mountain bike and say “this is amazing, you’re going to love this!”
Our brewery is a celebration of that heritage which has been passed on to us and that we’re passing on to our children. A heritage we can all relate to in Montana. It’s a reflection of everyone’s special place outside…, everyone’s Sacred Waters.
When our founder (Jordan) lost her mother to cancer, she decided to establish Sacred Waters Brewing Company as a way to keep celebrating her mom’s love of wild places and people.
Our brewery is a celebration of that heritage which has been passed on to us and that we’re passing on to our children. A heritage we can all relate to in Montana. It’s a reflection of everyone’s special place outside…, everyone’s Sacred Waters.
When our founder (Jordan) lost her mother to cancer, she decided to establish Sacred Waters Brewing Company as a way to keep celebrating her mom’s love of wild places and people.
join us and raise a glass – For the Wild Ones!
OUR CREW
Jordan Gentry
Founder
Born in Fort Collins, CO, Jordan moved to the Flathead Valley when she was three. Her parents bought Spotted Bear Ranch, a renowned fly fishing lodge located at the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Having grown up in a business-oriented family, Jordan went on to receive a degree in business management from the University of Montana before working various hospitality related jobs. The community spirit of small breweries was a big part of what motivated Jordan to enter the beer industry. She went on to work at Highlander Brewing Co. in Missoula to gain firsthand experience in the industry. After finalizing her business plan, she contacted Joe Byers, director of the Brewing Academy of Montana at Flathead Valley Community College. The rest is history!
Sacred Waters is inspired by Jordan’s mother, Cathy Gentry, who had been an outdoor enthusiast before she passed away on January 30, 2015. The logo featuring the silhouette of a fly-fishing woman celebrates and honors her mother’s memory. She’s excited to share the beauty and hospitality of Montana with others, just as her mom did. Come raise a glass for Cathy!
Get to know Jordan
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: No doubts – IPAs for days!
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dogs all the way.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Your life is your responsibility. Make it count!
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Leopard
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: Our incredible crew, customers, beer, and atmosphere. It feels like home away from home.
Kirk Gentry
Co-Founder
Kirk considers himself lucky enough to have made a living sharing Montana the last 25 years in the outfitting and guest ranch business at Spotted Bear Ranch, Gentry River Ranch, and most recently at the North Forty Resort. He’s our business conscience and capital investor. He plans on being our number one customer because he thinks the customer should always be the boss. Cheers to Captain Kirk!
With that, we named our pale ale after Kirk’s Guts n’ Grit poem to honor those who are willing to pursue their dreams and have the grit to see them through.
Guts n’ Grit
You know I’ve often wondered why some have done so well
When so many others hardly get started before they stumbled and fell
Is the reason that those who go so far know exactly where they’re heading
Or is it because their fear of failure just won’t let ’em
I’ve see those with talent that never reached their mark
When others with nothing but try hit it clear out of the park
I guess you can have all the talent and even develop the skill
But there is no substitute for determination and will
It seems it boils down to those who are willing to get started
And the challenges along the way just make ’em try harder
Life and it’s struggles will always have its share of ups and downs
But those who just keep plugging seem to have their feet on solid ground
So no matter where you start, or if you’re a tortoise or a hare
Guts will get you going, but grit will get you there.
Get to know Cap’n Kirk
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Guts ‘Grit Hazy Pale Ale
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: What’s a cat even good for?
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Pursue your dreams. (I think I gave that advice to myself.)
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Fish
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: Our staff, happy customers, great music, and great beer. I’m one lucky dude.
Seth Orr
Head Brewer
In 2020, Seth took on the role of Brewmaster at Sacred Waters and said, “this feels like coming home”. That’s because he helped design the place as a consultant before it was even built! He has spent so many years making great craft beer that we can’t even count that high. And he has won so many awards and medals in his craft that if he wore them while swimming, he would sink straight to the bottom. When he is not making magical liquids for our taste buds, Seth can be found enjoying life in the mountains with his wife, three red-headed children, and various animal companions.
Next time you kick back and enjoy an amazing Sacred Waters beer on the river, by the campfire or in the tap room just close your eyes and whisper, “I love you, Seth.” We say it all the time.
Get to know Seth
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Imperial Hazy IPA
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Bow-wow. Dogs!
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Wolf
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: It’s one big happy family!
JACKIE EVANS
General Manager
Jackie has been working with small and local businesses since 2012 but the craft brewing industry stole her heart in 2019. Jackie first met Jordan, not knowing who she was at the time, up the South Fork of the Flathead River and when they met again to interview for the General Manager position she couldn’t remember Jordan’s name, but she did remember her dog’s name! And so Danaher’s mom and Jackie made quick friends, created awesome plans for Sacred Waters and of course shared pictures of their dogs. And that sums up a lot of who Jackie is; a lover of good beer, good dogs and the great outdoors.
Jackie has been a huge fan of Sacred Waters since she moved here and is so excited to be a part of the family.
Get to know Jackie
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Just one?! Horrible thought – either a lager or a sour beer – please don’t make me dwindle it down even further
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dogs forever and ever and ever.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: For better or worse, everything ends. So for the good stuff be present and enjoy the ride. And the bad stuff…well it’s almost over.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Maybe a horse; but a wild one.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: The people and the atmosphere. If you have to be inside I want to be surrounded by photos of the outdoors and by some of the best people (and beer) in Montana!
ERIN KRUEGER
Tap Room Manager
Tap Room Manager, Erin is responsible for making the taproom experience nothing short of exceptional. And she nails it! Ahem…she was voted the best bartender in Flathead Valley. Just sayin’!
Erin ensures the smooth operation of the taproom wrangling staff and customers when needed, that beer tenders have everything they need to successfully and efficiently complete their tasks, that the taproom environment is comfortable, that the beers are at their absolute best, and that unforeseen needs are addressed quickly. You’ll be sure to see her at the bar and running all around the taproom. Need something? She’s your gal! She truly is exceptional!
Get to know Erin
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: IPA all day! (without any hesitation in her reply)
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Def dogs
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Just slow down a little bit.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Dolphin
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: I get to help make people happy and encourage new friendships behind the bar. I’m pretty lucky!
MARTY VOLLMER
Beertender, Assistant Brewer
To know Marty is to admire his Casio watch. Okay and his hair, too. That’s all there is to say about Marty. Always smiling, always upbeat, always enjoying his beer. Not only is he a great beertender, but he adds a lotta spice to the brewing den in the back of the house with his beer craft stylings. If you haven’t met Marty yet, git on in here and say hello!
Get to know Marty
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Hot damn, those IPAs are so delicious!
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dawgs, duh!
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: If one beer a night feels right, maybe ten is even better.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Weasel
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: I get to brew the best beer in the valley and share that with all the people I know, have met and have yet to meet at Sacred Waters. That’s pretty much a dream job.
kylie mortenson
Assistant Brewer
Kylie grew up in Great Falls and learned how to ski over at Showdown which helped her transition to the ski hill in Whitefish once upon a time. I didn’t take long for Kylie to discover the Brewing Science program at Flathead Valley Community College and she whizzed right through the beer, um…curriculum, to make a change from ski bum to beer bum. Ha! Kylie began working at Sacred Waters during the summer of 2020 and has been an invaluable asset to the dream team ever since!
In her free time, Kylie is usually found on the slopes friends or out and about with the cutest golden retriever on this planet.
Get to know Kylie
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Give me a good lager, and I’ll be happy for days.
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dogs, 365 days a year!
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s when you grow, and do things you never thought of doing.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Probably a wolf.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: Our staff is one tight knit group, and definitely helping make some of the best beer in the valley.
Yahi gutierrez
Beertender
Yahi is no stranger to beer and she’s no stranger to our beer-drinkin’ friends. She may be a little reserved, but that’s because she’s probably scheming something great in that pretty little head of hers. She is as smart as she is cute!
Get to know Yahi
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Gimme all the sour beers! The funkier, the better.
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dogs rule.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: It’ll all work out.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: A panda. No doubt.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: Great beer, great food, great atmosphere. What more could ya ask for?
BRYAN TREMAYNE
Beertender
He might be a little quiet, but boy! does this guy have some zingers?! Bryan is always willing to lend a hand, crack a joke with our guests, and is ever-reliable. And he does it all with a smile on his face. He makes us proud!
Get to know Bryan
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: IPAs. Definitely IPAs.
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Both. How can you not like cats OR dogs?
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life!
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: The online quiz I took said I’m mostly likely to be a deer. I guess it could be worse? At least it wasn’t a possum.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: Good beer and good people, how can you go wrong!!?
JENNIFER SAGE
Beertender
You want this gal in your corner! Don’t let that pretty smile fool you; Jen is brazen and bold and you don’t want to cross her. At the same time (don’t tell her we revealed this) she has a heart of gold and will always get your back. And she can pour a mean pint!
Get to know Jennifer
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: IPA
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Canines all the way!
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Keep your eyes peeled with a 360-degree mindset.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Haven’t met this magical animal yet.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: The crew, our awesome beer-drinking guests, and live music!
DUSTIN HAINES
Beertender
Who is this rugged, handsome, flannel-wearin’, long-haired beer slinger? Everyone wants to know. Dustin is kin to the fine folks at Sacred Waters and he’ll win you over too! He pours a tasty brew with a little twinkle ✧･ﾟ in those pearly whites. Don’t believe us? Come on in and see for yourself.
Get to know Dustin
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Belgian whites… mmmm delicious!
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Cats would kill you if they were bigger. Dogs for days.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: First with the head then with the heart, that’s how a man stays ahead from the start!
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: Bonobo
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: I get to work for and with my family. Doesn’t get better than that!
CASPIAN ASHBY
Beertender
Caspian was already in the Sacred family as she is married to our brewmaster, Seth. She says the third member of her marriage is THE BEER. Other couples may live by the motto, “Happy wife, happy life,” but these two say, “Happy yeast keeps the peace!” When she’s not pouring brewskis, she’s wrangling her three wild redheads and or trail-running. Stop in and give her a warm welcome!
Get to know Caspian
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Chile beers, the spicier the better!
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Both, 3 of each to be exact.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Make decisions from a place of LOVE not FEAR.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: I relate very much to a mama grizzly bear.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: Making people happy makes me happy, and serving beer makes people very happy.
ADAM MICHAEL
Beertender
Adam has almost never met a beer he didn’t like, and the same goes for people! He’s a good natured soul with a smile to match. Come on by and let him pour you a beer sometime!
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: I’d have to say IPAs.
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Why choose one when you can have both?
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Slower is smoother. Smoother is faster.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: A dog. Bow-wow!
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: It can’t get much better than this place. It’s a triple threat: fantastic beer, amazing food and some really great folks. Plus what’s not fun about pouring cold beers?
MEAGAN SCHMOLL
Beertender
Meagan is a jill of all trades. Need a beer? Ask Meagan. Need a custom-designed hoodie? Ask Meagan. Need to know your future? Ask Meagan. She is one interesting and friendly person!
Get to know Meagan
Q: What beer style would you choose if you can only choose one for the rest of your days?
A: Brown/Porter or Stout
Q: Dogs or cats?
A: Dogs. Woof!
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Hmmmm….what’s been showing up lately for me is: “be yourself”.
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
A: An Aye-aye.
Q: What makes you happy about working at Sacred Waters?
A: I really appreciate how much Jordan and my co-workers have cultivated community with each other and all who walk in our doors.
