Whistling Andy Distilling
About the Distillery
Whistling Andy Distilling is located in Bigfork near Flathead Lake and opened on January 1, 2010. The distillery produces a range of handcrafted spirits with a focus on local ingredients: grain from nearby farms, Montana water, cherries, first-cut cane sugar, and local botanicals. The combination of local sourcing, craftsmanship, and several regional awards makes Whistling Andy relevant for those who want to experience American whiskeys and creative craft spirits series.
History
Whistling Andy began operations on New Year’s Day 2010. The name is inspired by Brian Anderson’s father, known as 'Whistling Andy' from his time in the military. Brian and co-founder Lisa Cloutier established the distillery with a clear goal of working closely with local farmers and using Montana-produced ingredients. Over the following years, the distillery has blended classic techniques with experimentation and seasonal releases, and the team includes a head distiller and a small full-time staff. At the same time, the company has received numerous regional and national accolades for both whiskey and other spirits.
Ingredients and Production
Production is based on locally grown grains from family farms a few miles away and on locally sourced Montana water. The distillery’s profile is 'grain-to-glass' and hand-built, and they use local cherries, true first-cut cane sugar, and botanicals in relevant products. Mash bills documented in sales material show variations between products: Straight Bourbon has a mash bill of 60% corn, 17.5% barley, 17.5% wheat, and 5% rye, while Harvest Select swaps traditional proportions to 40% barley, 40% wheat, 15% corn and 5% rye. The organization behind the production is a small team with a founder/distiller and a head distiller as the key people.
Maturation and Barrel Types
The distillery uses American oak barrels for their aging. Harvest Select is specifically aged 3 years in 53-gallon American oak barrels, heavily toasted and with medium char. Straight Bourbon is aged 3–4 years depending on barrel and season. The description of toast and char indicates active management of how the wood’s character develops during aging.
Whiskeys
The range covers both American whiskeys and a broader selection of handcrafted spirits. Two named whiskeys, Straight Bourbon and Harvest Select, are clearly marked in sales materials and as part of a 2-pack bundle. In addition, the distillery produces gin, rum, and vodka, and several of these products have won awards, demonstrating a versatile product range beyond whiskey.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Age | Barrel and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Straight Bourbon | 3–4 years | Mash bill: 60% corn, 17.5% barley, 17.5% wheat and 5% rye. The age range is stated as 3–4 years depending on barrel and season.; Flavor: described as balanced in sweetness with complexity and a refined finish. | Current; Core range; Sold via the distillery shop / bundles | |
| Harvest Select Whiskey | American Whiskey | 3 years | 53-gallon American oak casks | Mash bill: 40% barley, 40% wheat, 15% corn and 5% rye and aged 3 years in 53-gallon American oak barrels, heavily toasted and with medium char.; Flavor: described as soft and delicate in profile; subtle and very drinkable. | Current; Core range; Sold via the distillery shop / bundles |
The Whiskeys’ Style and Flavor Profile
The overarching style encompasses three documented directions: balanced malt-sweetness and complexity (Straight Bourbon), a soft and delicate profile (Harvest Select), and a clear influence from toasted and charred American oak in aging. External commentary describes some products as delicate, 'clean and pretty', which supports the image of a subtle and well-balanced style.
Visiting the Distillery
The distillery offers tours and tastings and encourages visitors to book a guided tour and tasting. Products can be purchased in their online shop, and there are support channels for online orders and shipping. Booking is recommended to secure a spot on tours and tastings, while specific opening hours and tour durations are provided at the time of booking.
See times and book a visit.
Philosophy and Craft
Whistling Andy highlights a grain-to-glass approach and emphasizes local engagement and collaboration with family farms. They work deliberately with Montana-produced ingredients, the revival of older recipes, and the development of seasonal blends, while also engaging in local projects.
Awards and Recognitions
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Pink Peppercorn Pear Gin – 93 pts
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Pink Peppercorn Pear Gin – 92 pts
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Hibiscus Coconut Rum – Platinum Medal
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Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold Medal (2017, Gold, Straight Bourbon Whiskey)
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Cucumber Gin – Gold (2018, Gold)
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Harvest Select Whiskey – Sip Northwest Awards (2019, Awarded, Harvest Select Whiskey)