Willie's Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Willie’s Distillery is located in Ennis in Madison Valley, Montana. Founded in 2012 by Willie and Robin Blazer, the distillery has since focused on artisanal production in small batches with on-site milling, mashing, fermentation and distillation. A custom-made copper pot still from Bavarian Holstein is at the heart of the production equipment, and many processes are done by hand. Blending and selection of casks in several sizes is a central part of the work, and the tasting room is open to guests nearly all week.

History

Willie Blazer grew up in the Appalachian farming culture in western North Carolina, where homemade spirits traditions were common. After military service and work for the U.S. Forest Service he moved to Montana in 1997 and worked as a wildland firefighter and smokejumper. After six to seven years of research, Willie and Robin Blazer established the distillery in 2012 to create spirits that reflect the character of the American West while supporting the local community. Over the years the company has grown into a regional destination, distributing to about eight states and shipping online to a larger number of states. Robin Hensley Blazer died in January 2022 and is remembered as a central figure in business development.

Raw materials and Production

The distillery's production includes milling, mashing, fermentation and distillation of corn, barley, oats and rye. A custom-made copper pot still from Bavarian Holstein is used for distillation, and each batch is tasted to select "hearts" for aging and bottling. In addition to grain-based whiskies, vodka, gin and brandy are also produced, as well as specialty products, where ingredients such as molasses, honey, cream, chokecherries and apples appear in some products. Non-chill filtration, manual bottling and blending of casks in different sizes are integrated parts of the craft.

Maturation and barrel types

Maturation takes place in barrels of various sizes, typically from about 10 to 53 gallons, where the distillery prioritizes selecting the best wood for the casks. The Madison Valley climate with fluctuating temperatures, humidity and high elevation is noted as favorable for aging. Blending and "marrying" of casks is actively used to achieve the desired flavor balance, and some products can age in casks for two, three, four or up to eight years.

Whiskies

The range consists of craft batches of grain-based whiskies, brandies as well as vodka and gin, supplemented by special small-series products. The products are often presented as results of blending casks of different sizes rather than as large standardized labels. Distribution combines regional wholesale distribution with online sales to a broader number of states.

Visit the Distillery

The tasting room is open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm, and the distillery encourages guests to drop by, as they are on site almost all the time. Visits can be made without a fixed booking, but contact via telephone or email is available for questions, donations and sponsorship requests. The address, phone number and P.O. box are provided for inquiries.

The stated opening hours are Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm.

Philosophy and Craft

The distillery's philosophy is based on authentic, independent and practical production with a focus on local ingredients and craftsmanship in small batches. Ownership and decisions are influenced by the founders' experience with long-term planning, financial prudence and understanding of regulation, and the company emphasizes quality over quantity.