Montana-made spirits featured at festival in Whitefish

Showcasing 14 distilleries from around the state, the Montana Distiller’s Festival is Friday, May 24 in Whitefish. 

Hosted by the Montana Distillers Guild the event is from 5-9 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

The guild was formed in the fall of 2014 by a group of small-batch distillers and their supporters, dedicated to promoting this fast-growing industry representing a perfect triangle of manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Montana distilleries use a diverse majority of Montana ag product process from traditional wheat, rye and barley to Flathead cherries, home-grown potatoes and locally harvested apples.

The festival includes Bozeman Spirits Distillery, Dry Hills Distillery, Glacier Distilling Company, Spotted Bear Spirits, Whistling Andy Distillery, Headframe Spirits, Willie’s Distillery, Undammed Spirits, Lakeside Distillery, Westslope Distillery, Portal Spirits Distillery, Crawford Distillery, Wild Rye Distillery and Montgomery Distillery.  

Attendees can expect samples of craft cocktails, spirits and light bites. VIP Tickets cost $60 and include early admission from 5-6 p.m., eight drink tickets, commemorative glassware and a Montana Whiskey 101 class. 

General admission tickets cost $45 with doors opening at 5 p.m. and include six drink tickets and commemorate glassware. 

“Fourteen distilleries from around the state in one room offers a unique experience for folks to sample the diverse range of spirits being made in Montana” said Guild Vice President and Director of Fundraising Lauren Oscilowski, with Spotted Bear Spirits.  

All proceeds go to support the Montana Distillers Guild’s legislative and marketing efforts.

Tickets are available online via the Montana Distiller’s Guild website

montanadistillers.org. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $50.