EBS STAFF
BIG SKY – Once the capital city of the Montana Territory,
Virginia City was, for a time, plagued by the constant raids by gangs of
criminal frontiersmen. In response, the Montana Vigilantes were formed, using
the numbers 3-7-77—the dimensions for a standard grave of 3 feet by 7 feet by
77 inches—as both an informal symbol and as a deterrent for criminals; the
vigilantes would paint the numbers on a tent, house or cabin, threatening
delinquents of the West with the wrath of the vigilantes should they not leave
at once.
Today, the number appears on the crest of the Montana
Highway Patrol. The organization claims to be unaware of the original meaning,
but according to their website, “Regardless of its meaning, however, 3-7-77 is
emblematic of the first organized law enforcement in Montana. The Montana
Highway Patrol, in adopting this early symbol, honors the first men in the
Montana Territory who organized for the safety and welfare of the people. For
that same reason, the Association of Montana Troopers has carried on that
tradition by placing the legendary 3-7-77 on their patch as well.”
Hailing from the Ruby Valley, brewed by the appropriately
named Ruby Valley Brew, the 3-7-77 Kölsch carries that legacy in a delicious
4.8 percent ABV with a 24 IBU rating. Kölsch first originated in Germany and is
a warm fermented beer that is conditioned at a cold temperature, yielding a
pale, hoppy and bright brew.
The 3-7-77 is light and crisp, bursting with flavor. Pints
are available at Lone Mountain Ranch’s Horn and Cantle Saloon.
