Big Lost Meadery & Brewery -Gillette
Written By: Sarah Reish
This story is possible because of our amazing sponsor, Juli, from Libations in Cody. Juli is an avid friend and supporter of the Live WYld movement, but also an avid supporter of Wyoming breweries, wineries and distilleries. Her support ensures we can continue to bring you an inside look into the amazing Wyoming spirits and the entrepreneurs who continue to create and bring us their amazing craft spirits. This month we visited Wyoming’s very first Meadery, Big Lost Meadery & Brewery.
The Backstory
It all began back in 2007 when Sam Clikeman brewed his first beer in an isolated Forest Service cabin. They had no running water and little amounts of electricity, if that is any indication as to what the process might have been like. The batch he dubbed as “Okay”. His friend asked him if he would make mead to which Sam said “no” for several reasons. First a carboy is only five gallons, and it takes over a year to make mead. If it is good, its only five gallons. If it is bad, you have wasted the carboy space, over a year, and the honey which is expensive. Well, Sam’s friend Shane Anderson problem solved and hooked Sam up with 125 lbs. of Montana Honey that turned into amazing mead. In 2014 Big Lost Meadery was officially founded. Shortly after Sam’s sister started dating Bob Hewitt-Gafney. As Bob grew closer to both Nicole and her brother Sam he became more and more involved the business. Today Bob is married to Nicole and partners with Sam.
Big Lost - The Brand
The Big Lost Cabin is said to be lost in the back country of western Wyoming. It is an ideal, a place modern society overlooked. The cabin is worn from time; however, the fire is always burning keeping ready for the party to arrive. There is a crusty old barkeep who awaits the arrival of Wild Man, Crazy Woman, and others look to get Big Lost from the stresses and trials of life.
The Location
The Meadery and brewery has moved around a bit as they have grown. We were able to tour their newest location, which is fantastic! The courtyard welcomes people to relax on the patio and enjoy a beer or mead from Big Lost. The interior of Big Lost is like nothing we have ever seen. There you will find Sam and Bob’s hand made tables and chair each unique and set throughout the Meadery and brewery. The bar, both the main and the back bar from their originally space are hand made by the guys as well. Small leather straps can be found nailed to the tables and it took us a moment to catch onto the theme of Vikings.
We were able to tour the facility with Bob and learned they just increased to a five barrel system.
The Drinking Experience
More than drinks or a bar, Big Lost offers an experience. Mead is served in a horn, yes - Viking style. Today you can opt for glassware, but why would anyone want to do that? They went an entire year with only offering horns to drink from. The horn can be held, sit in the leather strap nailed to the tables, or there is a wooden holder that your horn of mead can rest in. Let’s not forget the viking helmet or swords and axes. While Sam and Bob did not take the theme this far, their loyal customers did. They have received real viking style swords, axes, and even wooden shields.
The Flavors
I’ll quit talking about all the details and focus in on the spirits. We shared a beer flight, tried samples of the mead, and enjoyed a couple of craft mead cocktails. Everything was delicious.
Beer Flight
Big Lost brews their own beer, but also carries a selection of other Wyoming beers available to enjoy. Our flight included Big Lost beers of course!
Black Alt
Peach Blonde
Irish Red
Pale Ale
The Peach Blonde had a fun peachy flavor and the Irish Red carried coffee notes that were super fun.
Mead Sampling
This is what we had been waiting for! While I have had mead before, this was Steve’s first time tasting it. Our samples included the current mead available.
Crazy Woman - a hibiscus mead, this was Steve’s favorite.
Sweet Dame - a lemon ginger mead.
Mead Cocktails
We tried a couple of the mead craft cocktails from Big Lost and they were delicious.
Viking Mule - Both Steve and I really enjoyed this cocktail. This delicious drink features the Sweet Dame mead, ginger beer, lime, and mint.
Summer Maiden - This was one of Steve’s favorites. The drink features Crazy Woman mead, raspberry, lime, mint and soda.
Blushing Dame - Sweet Dame, sour, and raspberry. This drink is refreshing and also pink!
Hit the Road!
We had a blast visiting the Meadery and brewery. Be sure to head out and visit them next time your are in Gillette. Across the courtyard is the Ranch & Roost, be sure to order food, they deliver to the bar! Post your photos on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
