WildRye Distilling, the Bozeman-based craft distillery, has claimed the title of Montana’s most awarded distillery after earning seven medals at SIP Magazine’s 14th Annual Best of the Northwest competition. The small-batch producer’s haul included two Platinum “Best in Show” awards, more medals than any other Montana distillery in the competition’s history.
The seven accolades bring WildRye’s total to 17 awards in 2025 alone and more than 30 national and regional medals overall.
Five Drops Montana Straight Bourbon and WildRye Apple Pie Liqueur each earned Platinum “Best in Show” honors. Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Barrel Rye Whiskey and EichenKirsch Flathead Cherry Brandy received Double-Gold medals.
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READ THE STORYGold medals went to Metcalf American Single-Malt Whiskey and Boss Tweed Old Tom Gin. Queen Bee Honey Gin took a Silver medal.
“These awards represent years of dedication to our craft and commitment to showcasing what Montana terroir can bring to exceptional spirits,” said Sten Anderson. “Every bottle we produce reflects the abundant landscapes and independent spirit of Montana. Having that recognized on this scale is incredibly meaningful to our team.”
SIP Magazine’s Best of the Northwest competition evaluates craft spirits from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. A panel of industry professionals—including mixologists, beverage buyers, spirit writers, distributors, and distillers—judges all entries through a rigorous blind-tasting process.
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WildRye Distilling produces its spirits using locally grown Montana ingredients, including sweet corn, barley, Flathead cherries, honey, juniper, and huckleberries.
“We’re not just making spirits, we’re telling Montana’s story in every bottle,” Anderson added. “These awards validate our approach of sourcing the best local ingredients and applying traditional distilling methods with a creative Montana twist.”
The distillery’s tasting room at 111 E. Oak Street in Bozeman is open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. WildRye’s award-winning spirits are also available through select Montana retailers and nationwide on their website.
Montana’s craft distilling scene has grown steadily in recent years, with the state now home to more than 40 licensed distilleries. WildRye’s dominance at the regional level underscores Bozeman’s emergence as a notable hub for small-batch spirits production in the Northern Rockies.
