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!
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
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
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 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.
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
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.
