Montana Man Pulls Off Cross-Country Beer Run

Some things you leave Montana and soon understand, no matter how much you change, just can’t be replicated. The mountains, the pace, the people… and apparently the beer. One former Montanan who now lives in Georgia just proved that last part in a way that is ridiculous, but also completely understandable.

Steve Smith is Montana through and through. Missoula roots, grew up here, the whole deal. And like many people who’ve lived in this state, he grew to love Rainier. Not casually either. We’re talking long-neck bottle, ice cold, the works. That kind of preference doesn’t disappear just because you moved across the country.

It Began With One Visit Home

It all started after a return trip to Montana, where Steve visited the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville. Small town, one bar, the kind of place that hasn’t seen much change over the years. He reached for a Rainier in a long-neck bottle, and that was it. Hooked again.

Then he returned to Georgia and tried to get some. That’s where things fell apart.

It’s Not Quite That Simple

After making some calls, Steve learned that you can’t just ship beer across state lines without going through a maze of legal hurdles. No distributor, no license, no Rainier. And apparently, no desire to settle for anything less.

So he started making calls. U-Haul outlets, trucking companies, dispatchers, and anyone who might know someone driving Southeast from Montana. For months, Steve searched, but nothing worked. So he did something that wouldn’t occur to most people.

He bought a radio ad.

Two Days Later… Beer Delivered

This is hard evidence for anyone who has the nerve to say that "RADIO ADVERTISING DOESN'T WORK." Within 48 hours of airing the radio ad, a guy named Kevin called and said he would be happy to make the trip. Kevin was already planning a cross-country trip from Montana to Florida for a motorcycle club rendezvous.

Like something straight out of the movie Smokie and the Bandit, Kevin hand-delivered Rainier from Montana to Georgia. Just like that, problem solved. Steve even said Kevin had a well-kept mustache that could be reminiscent of Burt Reynold's glorious stache.

This Seems Like a Montana Story

It just makes sense if you’re from here. A guy refuses to give up on his favorite beer, takes it a little too far to get it, and somehow manages to make it work.

And the fact that it came together through a radio ad might be the best part.

Because if there’s one thing this proves, it’s that Montana people will show up… especially when there’s a good story and a cold beer on the table.