Ryan Montgomery, owner and operator of Montgomery Distillery in Missoula, Montana, is one of those people who epitomizes this notion. Not only does he painstakingly craft amazing spirits, he takes it a step further, finding ways to involve and motivate other craftsmen and women in both his work at the distillery and in the community at large.
One great example of this was the recent Spirits & Spokes custom motorcycle show held at the distillery on Father's Day. Spread mostly on word of mouth, the event was a huge success, with Ryan being forced to turn away a number of worthy participants, including his own Honda bobber. The top tier of bikes was put on display inside Montgomery's tasting room, while the overflow filled both sides of Front Street with a variety of personal expressions rendered in rubber and steel.
Montgomery, already reknowned for their Quicksilver vodka and White Laydie gin, has a number of interesting products in development, including collaborations with local brewers Big Sky and Draught Works, and what may be the world's only sherry casked Rye. We recommend keeping an eye on them, and tell them MicroShiner sent you!