Ahh, Summertime Montana! Time to kick back and toast to all the good things that contribute to some of the tastiest mocktails and cocktails, homemade right here at the top distilleries in Montana!
The distilling industry has expanded significantly since small-scale distilling became legal in 2005, developing into a statewide network of craft producers rooted in agriculture and local identity. For those who appreciate the craft, we have mapped out an idyllic “Tour De Pour” of the top distilleries in Big Sky Country!
Speaking of local, our family at Hollinger Real Estate in Bigfork, Montana has generations of insight into what it’s like to work and live in Northwest Montana. Contact our team today to discover how our local expertise can help you find the perfect lakefront property or build your dream home in Montana.
Top Distilleries in Montana
While the number of distilleries in Montana continues to grow, they remain unified by a shared focus on “local ingredients, craftsmanship and innovation.” Together, they capture Montana’s independent spirit—both culturally and literally—through a diverse and evolving craft distilling industry.
Producers frequently source ingredients locally—wheat, rye, barley, cherries, and even sugar beets—creating spirits that reflect the region’s terrain.
Overall, Montana’s distilleries emphasize quality over scale, blending traditional methods with experimentation. Many offer tasting rooms and tours, reinforcing their role in tourism as well as production.
Whitefish, Montana
Touting “Homegrown spirits for your mountain lifestyle,” Spotted Bear Spirits offers flights of traditional spirits, yet it is their expanded collection of beverages that make this distillery another good stop on your tour. Check out their Limoncello, 100 Proof Mountain Mint, or Huckleberry Agave for a change of pace.
Coram, Montana
Worthy of a way to celebrate your day in Glacier National Park, this distillery is on the way home and has a small craft distillery and tasting room located just outside the Park. Be sure to take a taste of their signature Bearproof, Montana’s original huckleberry whiskey that they craft to reflect Montana’s rugged, wild beauty.
Kalispell, Montana
Hidden Lake Grill & Distillery (prior Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits)
Taking the prize for more “Best Of” awards all in one place, Hidden Lake Grill & Distillery is another ‘must stop” on our “Tour de Pour. Among the list: Best of Montana, Best Gin in Montana, Best Kids Drinks in Montana, Best Rum in Montana, and the list continues to grow.
Bigfork, Montana
Montana’s oldest operational distillery, Whistling Andy meticulously handcrafts the finest spirits using select local grains, local cherries, true first-cut cane sugar, and locally sourced botanicals whenever possible. Stop in for a sip and savor their local menu offerings, too, for lunch or dinner.
Missoula, Montana
In western Montana, Missoula serves as a key hub. Montgomery Distillery is a family-run business with deep agricultural roots, producing small-batch spirits tied to its multi-generational farm heritage. Nearby, The Montana Distillery crafts vodka, gin, and flavored spirits using local ingredients, while newer entrants like Montana Whiskey Co. contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a distilling center.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is another major center of production. Distilleries such as Bozeman Spirits Distillery, Dry Hills Distillery, and WildRye Distilling produce a wide range of spirits, from whiskey to gin, often emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. These distilleries help define the region’s reputation for high-quality craft spirits.
Helena, Montana
Elsewhere across Montana, distilleries reflect the diversity of the state’s geography and culture. In Helena, Gulch Distillers produces a wide portfolio of spirits using Montana-grown grains, with a strong focus on craftsmanship and local identity.
Ennis, Montana
Here’s an interesting twist: if you’re looking for locally made Tequila, look no further. In addition to Willie’s Distillery’s popular whiskey, Huckleberry Vodka, and Greek Truck Gin, stop in for a shot of their Brush Wolf Agave Tequila! They have been producing a wide variety of spirits since 2012.
Other Notable Distilleries in Montana
Smaller and emerging operations further expand the landscape. These include Lolo Creek Distillery, Undammed Distilling Co. in Billings, Stonehouse Distillery in Winston, and Westslope Distillery in Hamilton. Others such as Farm Alazana Distillery, Terminus Distilling Company, Lakeside Distillery, and Meadowlark Spirits illustrate the geographic spread of distilling into rural communities.
Many of these operations are members of the Montana Distillers Guild, an organization that promotes collaboration and highlights a shared commitment to using Montana-grown grains, fruits, and botanicals.
Whether you choose to sip a mocktail by the lake or pour a perfect Manhattan to enjoy on the porch at your mountain retreat, our family at Hollinger Real Estate in Northwest Montana is here to help you find the perfect spot to toast to the good life in Big Sky Country.
Cheers!
MONTANA. LIVE IT. LOVE IT.
