Distilleries to Visit in Western Montana

Montana’s strict liquor laws dictate that unless an establishment serves food, patrons may consume only two ounces of liquor per visit.

That sort of restrictive culture makes it surprising a craft distillery scene bubbled up at all in Western Montana, but it’s there and it’s worth checking out if you’re into consuming craft spirits. It is worth noting, though, that because the scene is relatively young, so are the spirits. You’re unlikely to find much in the way of barrel-aged spirits, and if you do, don’t expect anything very old.

Among the best is Glacier Distilling, just outside the western entrance to Glacier National Park. The distillery makes a few different types of whiskey, including a rye version, and a “light whiskey” that is minimally aged. There’s also a signature huckleberry gin, made from local, wild-harvested huckleberries.

Newcomer Spotted Bear makes several cellos: lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, plus coffee liquor, vodka and gin. Their Whitefish tasting room also mixes several outstanding cocktails featuring local and organic ingredients, and locally-roasted coffee.

Small batch producer Montgomery Distillery has a tasting room in Missoula where it shows off its rye, gin, aquavit, vodka and single malt. Cocktails are available here, too.