From Philosophy to a Place to Gather

The name Mountains Walking comes from a Zen text by Japanese philosopher Dōgen, centered on awareness, movement, and understanding one’s place in the world. For Gustav, that philosophy shapes not only how he brews beer but how he thinks about creating space.

Born in Taiwan to a Japanese mother, Gustav spent much of his early life in Asia and Europe. Sarah met him while teaching in Taiwan — on their first date, he shared his dream of one day owning a brewery. Years later, that dream became Mountains Walking, a place designed to bring people together in Bozeman’s historic brewing district.

A Family Business Rooted in Community

Today, Gustav and Sarah run the brewery while raising their three children in Bozeman. Like many small business owners, their roles overlap daily: Gustav focuses on brewing, problem-solving, and finances, while Sarah manages payroll, hosting, and operations. Their care extends to their team as well, with several employees staying eight years or more — a reflection of the supportive culture they’ve built.

More than a brewery, Mountains Walking is a place where life happens. Over the years, the taproom has hosted birthdays, graduations, first dates, engagements, and deeply meaningful moments — including one guest who chose the brewery to celebrate being cleared from cancer treatment.

“That’s what makes this work meaningful,” Sarah shared. “Being part of those moments.”

Brewing with Intention and Story

Every beer at Mountains Walking reflects thoughtfulness — from ingredients and fermentation to the stories told on each label. Gustav honors ancient brewing traditions and experiments with living cultures, creating beers naturally lower in alcohol and sugar.

New Hokkaido, inspired by Japan’s northernmost island, blends Gustav’s heritage with his global brewing experience. Labels draw from Japanese folklore, mythology, and even Gustav’s family crest. Every beer tells a story, connecting modern brewing with centuries-old traditions.

That same intention carries into the kitchen. Mountains Walking’s menu focuses on quality over quantity, from hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza dough cold-fermented for 48 hours to scratch-made pretzels, wings, fries, and house-made sauces. Every detail reflects the same care found in the beer.

How Shopping Local Creates a Ripple Effect

This is where shopping local truly matters.

When you choose to visit Mountains Walking or buy their beer, you’re supporting far more than a single business.

You’re supporting:

• Nearly 48 local employees, whose livelihoods are rooted right here in Bozeman

• Gustav and Sarah’s family, helping them raise their three children in the community they call home

• Other local businesses and producers, including Grotto Meats, Wickens Ranch, and On the Rise Bakery, who supply Mountains Walking week after week

That support extends even further.

Mountains Walking regularly partners with and gives back to local nonprofits. Sarah has volunteered with Haven for about eight years, and for the past several years the brewery has hosted an annual Giving Tree fundraiser. This past holiday season alone, their Giving Tree raised over $5,000 in gift cards for survivors, helping cover essentials like groceries, gas, and gifts for children.

Shopping local creates a ripple effect — one choice leading to stronger families, thriving small businesses, and meaningful community support.

Supporting the Northside Bozeman Neighborhood

When you visit Mountains Walking, you’re also stepping into the heart of Bozeman’s Northside neighborhood — an area filled with small, family-owned, and owner-operated businesses.

Sarah actively encourages people to explore beyond their taproom and even started a Northside Bozeman Facebook page dedicated to highlighting local spots in the area. Every visit helps strengthen this tight-knit business community.

Find Mountains Walking & New Hokkaido Beer at the Co-op!