What’s brewing out west: From beers to spirits, how to sip your way through a trip

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

Winter in South Dakota brings a lot of joyful activities in the great outdoors.

But after a day of snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling, it’s definitely time to warm up indoors – and there are a ton of great breweries and distilleries in the Black Hills and Badlands region of the state that offer the perfect place for that.

We headed west of the Missouri River to sample some of the best breweries and distilleries around. If you’re thinking of visiting them, remember you can check things off your Travel South Dakota passport and be on your way to earning prizes.

The Great Finds, Peaks to Plains and State of Create passports highlight hidden gems, state parks and outdoor attractions across the state. Many of the sites on these road trips will get you one stamp closer to winning prizes as you explore unique — and delicious — destinations across the state.

Here are a few to try:

Dakota Shivers Brewing, Lead

There is a little bit of everything at Dakota Shivers Brewing in Lead. Think eclectic taproom, space for conversation and decor that leans into mining and science.

And, of course, the beer.

“We have a great selection of ales from all across the spectrum,” said owner and head brewer Nick Bennett. “Our signature line of beers includes a pale ale, several IPAs, a brown ale and a stout.”

He notes everyone should feel right at home at Dakota Shivers. They have up to 10 beers produced on-site and a diverse line of merchandise for those who want to do a little shopping.

The brewery also offers a rotating seasonal menu of about four beers.

“Right now, we have the Shivering Pumpkin – with a cinnamon-sugar rim,” Bennett said. It’s described as a malty ale with fall flavors like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

It also has two beers with Hatch chiles and a fresh-hopped red IPA.

“These are all small batch, and we tend to go through them quickly,” Bennett said.

He said the taproom, which feels like a cozy cabin, is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage. “Expect to meet new friends and maybe get some local history while you’re here,” he said.

The taproom is open from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Miner Brewing Co., Hill City

Miner Brewing Co. is in Hill City, with a view of Black Elk Peak. The brewery offers seasonal favorites as well as seltzers, sours, ciders and mead.

Miner Brewing prides itself on using local ingredients like chokecherries, rosehips, indigenous yeast and hops, said taproom manager Elliott Anderson.

And its brewmaster – Sandi Vojta – also is the winemaker for Prairie Berry Winery, which means even more variety. “She can create some of the most uniquely crafted beers, not only in the Black Hills, but in the country,” Anderson said. “Some of her experimental beers include wine-beer hybrids.”

Miner Brewing offers a full kitchen menu, including soups, pizzas and salads.

It also has live music and events throughout the year. In the summer, guests can enjoy lawn games. But there are plenty of things to do year-round, including visiting the brewery, the winery and the Addie Camp General Store, Anderson said. He noted the brewery is a family-friendly destination.

But for those 21 and older who want to try some favorites, he recommends Campfire Cocoa. “It’s a seasonal favorite that goes down super smooth,” he said. “Even guests who don’t love darker beers love Campfire Cocoa.”

If coffee is more your style, he recommends Polar Bear Coffee Porter. “It was made in collaboration with Essence of Coffee. It’s impeccably balanced between the sweet cold brew coffee and the rich Munich malts, creating a velvety smooth porter,” Anderson said.

We know you’re thinking of the holiday season right now, but let’s face it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With that in mind, Anderson recommends Dr. Valentine.

“This imperial red ale encompasses everything I love about beer in one glass: malty, hoppy and medium-bodied,” Anderson said.

Miner Brewing is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sawyer Brewing Co., Spearfish

Great beer is always great – but you need something substantial to go with it. At Sawyer Brewing Co., guests can enjoy hand-crafted, wood-fired pizzas, said owner Lee Eddy.

Sawyer Brewing offers traditional toppings but also fun combinations like the Big Dill, with white sauce, chicken, bacon, pickles and Cajun ranch seasoning. And don’t forget a cast iron skillet toffee pudding cake for dessert.

The brewery is located along Spearfish Creek. Eddy and his father are loggers, and his grandparents also were loggers.

“That’s how we decided on the name Sawyer Brewing Co. Our logo has four axes – one for each generation,” according to its website.

Eddy said a seasonal favorite is the chef special pizza and premium craft lager.

“I enjoy providing a product that brings people together and creates a moment of enjoyment,” Eddy said. “We just passed our five-year mark of being open in Spearfish. We’ve appreciated the support from people near and far!”

Sawyer Brewing is open from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Badlands Distillery, Kadoka

Maybe you want something different this winter – consider Badlands Distillery.

They make in-house, small-batch bourbon with a mash that “contains corn grown on our ranch, and the distilled whiskey is carefully aged in a new charred white oak barrel,” according to information from the distillery.

The distillery uses many local ingredients, including corn, honey and jalapenos, and offers a variety of specialty spirits and custom recipes.

Badlands Distillery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is open by appointment on Tuesdays.