Montana Distilleries
Although Montana is not known for its distilleries, more and more seem to be popping up all over western Montana. True to Montana’s nature, these distilleries seem to prioritize locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farmers, vendors, and family-owned businesses. The result? A thoughtfully crafted spirit with a fresh Montana taste.
From Flathead to Butte to Missoula, here are a few of our favorite distilleries throughout Montana.
The Montana Distillery
Originally located in the Flathead northern region of Montana, The Montana Distillery now sits in the founder’s hometown of Missoula. The Montana Distillery is owned and operated by Mark Hlebichuk and Sharie McDonald who distill all spirits on-site. The pair use fresh Montana ingredients to handcraft their spirits and homemade mixers. In recent years, the distillery has rebranded, changed its packaging, and added award-winning vodka flavors. Utilizing a historic building from the 1900s, the Montana Distillery offers a beautiful tasting room with original brick walls. The distillery is open year-round for Montana residents and visitors eager to get a taste of the Montana-made cocktails.
The Montgomery Distillery
Another proud Montana distillery, the Montgomery Distillery is a family-owned business that runs five generations deep in Missoula Montana. The family farm has been maintained for over 90 years and sits at the center of the state on one of the largest spring creeks in Montana.
Inspired by the landscape, Montgomery Distillery has designed a careful process for distilling small-batch spirits, which you can experience first-hand during a tour. The distillery also maintains an inviting tasting room, open from noon to 7:45 pm Monday-Saturday, and 2 pm-7:45 pm on Sundays. If you’re a whiskey drinker, make sure to order a single malt whiskey, which was awarded a “Gold Outstanding” medal by the international Whiskies of the World Competition in 2019.
Montana Whiskey Co.
Founded by northwest Montana native Todd Berg, Montana Whiskey Co. is one of Montana’s newest distilleries located in Missoula. The distillery released its first two original bottles of whiskey in December 2019 and definitely has a knack for detail. Whether it’s a story, a map, or a quote from their dog, you can expect a fun surprise alongside your whiskey or bourbon.
The attention to detail seeps into their liquor production, with carefully blended flavors producing a smooth whiskey that is easy to drink and enjoy. Montana Whiskey Co. has also announced a whiskey-oriented “rye vodka” is also in the works.
Bozeman Spirits Distillery
Tasteful and comforting on the inside, Bozeman Spirits Distillery is an award-winning distillery located in Historic Downtown Bozeman Montana. From whiskey to vodka, gin to rum, there’s a Montana-made spirit for anyone. Al spirits are distilled and bottled on-site. Native to Montana, the Bozeman Spirits Distillery sources their grains locally and supports Montana Family Farms & Agriculture. The distillery is a big supporter of local craft, and likes to use the motto “Drink Local.” Of course, Bozeman Spirits Distillery offers a tasting room inviting guests to try original drinks like the Montana Huckleberry Mule and the BSD Bloody Mary.
Whistling Andy Distillery
If there’s one thing you can say for sure about Whistling Andy Distillery, it’s that they care about their ingredients and production quality. As Montana’s oldest operational distillery, Whistling Andy uses locally sourced grains, local cherries, true first cut cane sugar, and locally sourced botanicals.
Much like most mentions on this list, Whistling Andy is a proud Montana distillery, utilizing local vendors and farmers. Its spirits are derived from unmilled grains, sourced from farmers with whom they have built real, personal relationships with over the years. Whistling Andy conducts each step of the process carefully, ensuring there is no shortcut or automation involved. Simply put, they do not believe in sacrificing quality over quantity!
Named after the father of Whistling Andy’s founder, the distillery is inspired by a great man and his surrounding in the mountains of Montana. The Whistling Andy prides itself on the importance of family and community relationships, which is made clear through its process involving personal engagements with local farmers.
