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!

Lewis and Clark Expedition at Travelers’ Rest (Lolo, Montana)

Lewis and Clark Expedition at Travelers’ Rest (Lolo, Montana)

Lewis and Clark are two of the most famous explorers in American history. They mapped previously uncharted mountains, rivers, and land, filling many journals with information about Native American tribes and notes about unfamiliar animals and plants.  Their westward exploration is partly responsible for the droves of Americans who would soon attempt to settle the west. Of the more than 8,000 miles covered by Lewis, Clark, and their team, only one campsite along their route can be known for certain: Travelers’ Rest at Lolo Creek, Montana.

Lewis and Clark Expedition at Travelers’ Rest (Lolo, Montana)

Lewis and Clark are two of the most famous explorers in American history. They mapped previously uncharted mountains, rivers, and land, filling many journals with information about Native American tribes and notes about unfamiliar animals and plants.  Their westward exploration is partly responsible for the droves of Americans who would soon attempt to settle the west. Of the more than 8,000 miles covered by Lewis, Clark, and their team, only one campsite along their route can be known for certain: Travelers’ Rest at Lolo Creek, Montana.

The Anaconda Smelter Stack

The Anaconda Smelter Stack

Montana is home to many unique and beautiful sights, including one of the tallest free-standing brick structures anywhere in the world: the Anaconda Smelter Stack. Built by the Anaconda Copper Company, this brick structure has become a well-known landmark visited by thousands of people each year. It is so large that the entire Washington Monument could fit comfortably inside of it.

The Anaconda Smelter Stack

Montana is home to many unique and beautiful sights, including one of the tallest free-standing brick structures anywhere in the world: the Anaconda Smelter Stack. Built by the Anaconda Copper Company, this brick structure has become a well-known landmark visited by thousands of people each year. It is so large that the entire Washington Monument could fit comfortably inside of it.

History of Stickley Furniture and Scaling Up Craft

History of Stickley Furniture and Scaling Up Craft

Gustav Stickley, the eldest of five brothers and the proud son of first-generation German immigrants, was born in Wisconsin on March 9, 1858. He started to train as a stonemason when he was eleven and started work in his uncle’s chair factory in Pennsylvania when he was seventeen.  Gustav and his brothers Charles and Albert founded the Stickley Brothers Company in Pennsylvania in 1883. After traveling to Europe, Gustav returned home and opened his Craftsman Shop in 1898. This is where he first began experimenting with new and distinct designs.

History of Stickley Furniture and Scaling Up Craft

Gustav Stickley, the eldest of five brothers and the proud son of first-generation German immigrants, was born in Wisconsin on March 9, 1858. He started to train as a stonemason when he was eleven and started work in his uncle’s chair factory in Pennsylvania when he was seventeen.  Gustav and his brothers Charles and Albert founded the Stickley Brothers Company in Pennsylvania in 1883. After traveling to Europe, Gustav returned home and opened his Craftsman Shop in 1898. This is where he first began experimenting with new and distinct designs.

The Journey of the Charred Whiskey Barrel

The Journey of the Charred Whiskey Barrel

While the exact origin of charring whiskey barrels may never be known, one thing is for sure: it’s responsible for the signature flavor of bourbon. Some historians claim that Elijah Craig’s barrels caught on fire and, to save money, he continued using them anyways. Others believe he charred them to remove the remnants of whatever was previously stored in them.

The Journey of the Charred Whiskey Barrel

While the exact origin of charring whiskey barrels may never be known, one thing is for sure: it’s responsible for the signature flavor of bourbon. Some historians claim that Elijah Craig’s barrels caught on fire and, to save money, he continued using them anyways. Others believe he charred them to remove the remnants of whatever was previously stored in them.

Bourbon Festivals of America: The unique alcoholic beverage not just for Kentucky

Bourbon Festivals of America: The unique alcoholic beverage not just for Kentucky

Bourbon may have been born in Kentucky, but it is a beverage enjoyed across the nation, indeed around the world. Whisky is one of the world's oldest beverages, originating in Scotland over 1000 years ago, and could be considered the father of bourbon. Bourbon itself didn't come into existence until 1789 when Elijah Craig invented bourbon by aging corn whisky (also known as moonshine) in newly charred oak barrels.

Bourbon Festivals of America: The unique alcoholic beverage not just for Kentucky

Bourbon may have been born in Kentucky, but it is a beverage enjoyed across the nation, indeed around the world. Whisky is one of the world's oldest beverages, originating in Scotland over 1000 years ago, and could be considered the father of bourbon. Bourbon itself didn't come into existence until 1789 when Elijah Craig invented bourbon by aging corn whisky (also known as moonshine) in newly charred oak barrels.

History of the Old Fashioned

History of the Old Fashioned

Ever sit down to relax and enjoy your favorite drink and wonder what led to these particular ingredients coming together in a glass? Let’s look at the history and origins of one of America’s favorite cocktails, the “Old Fashioned.” Let’s start by introducing the idea of a cocktail. You’ve probably heard of a cocktail dress, a cocktail party, cocktail napkins — and for football games, cocktail weenies. These are all related. The idea of a cocktail as a drink is a simple mix of a spirit, sugar, water, and some bitters that blend well together.

History of the Old Fashioned

Ever sit down to relax and enjoy your favorite drink and wonder what led to these particular ingredients coming together in a glass? Let’s look at the history and origins of one of America’s favorite cocktails, the “Old Fashioned.” Let’s start by introducing the idea of a cocktail. You’ve probably heard of a cocktail dress, a cocktail party, cocktail napkins — and for football games, cocktail weenies. These are all related. The idea of a cocktail as a drink is a simple mix of a spirit, sugar, water, and some bitters that blend well together.