The Blog

Welcome to the Whistling Andy blog, while we are craft distillers by trade, we are passionate about many things. Here you will find stories about things near and dear to us. Such as great cocktails, food, nature, history, and made in USA goods! Enjoy!

Destination: West Yellowstone, Montana

Destination: West Yellowstone, Montana

If you are looking for adventure, an opportunity to commune with nature, and discovering completely different experiences with the changing of each season, then West Yellowstone, Montana is your perfect destination! Campers, hikers, bikers, anglers, history buffs, nature lovers and winter sport enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities.

Destination: West Yellowstone, Montana

If you are looking for adventure, an opportunity to commune with nature, and discovering completely different experiences with the changing of each season, then West Yellowstone, Montana is your perfect destination! Campers, hikers, bikers, anglers, history buffs, nature lovers and winter sport enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities.

The Missouri River & Three Forks, MT: From Westward Expansion to a Beautiful Northwestern Treasure

The Missouri River & Three Forks, MT: From Westward Expansion to a Beautiful Northwestern Treasure

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States and expanded the country west of the Mississippi. With this expansion, President Thomas Jefferson made it a mission to officially discover and record the new western territories in order to ensure the country’s progression as a world power. Lewis and Clark were employed to explore and map out this terrain that had yet to be mapped out by settlers, and their venture led them to the discovery of the three forks of the Missouri River and what would ultimately become the beautiful town we know today as Three Forks, MT.

The Missouri River & Three Forks, MT: From Westward Expansion to a Beautiful Northwestern Treasure

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States and expanded the country west of the Mississippi. With this expansion, President Thomas Jefferson made it a mission to officially discover and record the new western territories in order to ensure the country’s progression as a world power. Lewis and Clark were employed to explore and map out this terrain that had yet to be mapped out by settlers, and their venture led them to the discovery of the three forks of the Missouri River and what would ultimately become the beautiful town we know today as Three Forks, MT.

Moonshine in Montana: From Outrageous Outlaws to a Bona Fide Business

Moonshine in Montana: From Outrageous Outlaws to a Bona Fide Business

Moonshine is a spirit with a history as powerful as the punch it packs.   When we think of the word “moonshine”, we are often transported to a time when alcohol was illegal, but that didn’t seem to stop many Americans from seeking it out. They had to have their booze by hook or by crook, and moonshine was a favorite among those whose desire for the drink was stronger than their love of the law.

Moonshine in Montana: From Outrageous Outlaws to a Bona Fide Business

Moonshine is a spirit with a history as powerful as the punch it packs.   When we think of the word “moonshine”, we are often transported to a time when alcohol was illegal, but that didn’t seem to stop many Americans from seeking it out. They had to have their booze by hook or by crook, and moonshine was a favorite among those whose desire for the drink was stronger than their love of the law.

The History of Great Falls, Montana

The History of Great Falls, Montana

During the summer of 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition that was sent out to map and record the landscape recently acquired by the Louisiana Purchase was temporarily foiled when they happened upon the falls of the Missouri River. Traveling upon the Missouri River via rafts, the falls posed such a huge issue to the explorers that it took them well over a month to traverse an area of fewer than 20 miles.  Regardless of the wild terrain, this would serve as the setting for a central hub during the United States’ westward expansion.  

The History of Great Falls, Montana

During the summer of 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition that was sent out to map and record the landscape recently acquired by the Louisiana Purchase was temporarily foiled when they happened upon the falls of the Missouri River. Traveling upon the Missouri River via rafts, the falls posed such a huge issue to the explorers that it took them well over a month to traverse an area of fewer than 20 miles.  Regardless of the wild terrain, this would serve as the setting for a central hub during the United States’ westward expansion.  

Rye vs. Wheated Bourbon

Rye vs. Wheated Bourbon

Bourbon is a distinct type of whiskey aged in a new, charred oak barrel. Different levels of char create different colors and levels of flavor, including smokiness, vanilla, and toffee.  By law, all bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. The other 49% of the mash, or the distiller’s unique combination of other ingredients, can be any combination of grains, including wheat, rye, and malted barley.

Rye vs. Wheated Bourbon

Bourbon is a distinct type of whiskey aged in a new, charred oak barrel. Different levels of char create different colors and levels of flavor, including smokiness, vanilla, and toffee.  By law, all bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. The other 49% of the mash, or the distiller’s unique combination of other ingredients, can be any combination of grains, including wheat, rye, and malted barley.

The Golden Age of Cocktails: 1806-1910's

The Golden Age of Cocktails: 1806-1910's

The 1920s may be responsible for some of the world’s most iconic drinks, but the golden age of cocktails kicked off in 1806. Cocktails found their inspiration from British punches, which consisted of spices, spirits, and fruit juices combined in large bowls.  While cocktails have likely existed in some form or another for thousands of years, the origins of the cocktail we know and love today can be traced back to a fateful mention in a New York newspaper in 1806.

The Golden Age of Cocktails: 1806-1910's

The 1920s may be responsible for some of the world’s most iconic drinks, but the golden age of cocktails kicked off in 1806. Cocktails found their inspiration from British punches, which consisted of spices, spirits, and fruit juices combined in large bowls.  While cocktails have likely existed in some form or another for thousands of years, the origins of the cocktail we know and love today can be traced back to a fateful mention in a New York newspaper in 1806.