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Joe Legate

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    http://www.ridgedistillery.com
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    Kalispell, MT
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    http://www.ridgedistillery.com

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  1. From growing and harvesting our herbs to putting the labels on the bottles, Jules does it all at Ridge Distillery.
  2. We use a variety of high grade plastic storage bins for our herbs. They sit conveniently on the shelves, block light and humidity and are easy to work with. Large usage herbs (like anise and fennel) get multiple bins. We do not use "teabags" for our absinthe but toss the herbs directly into the pot. Clean-up is a bit of a chore but a heavy duty wet/dry vac makes it easier.
  3. Congratulations, Luke! Let me know when the first shipment goes to Helena and I'll start bothering the Flathead stores to get your hooch on the shelves. I'm looking forward to giving it a few sips!
  4. In Montana, we are allowed to sell up to 1.75 liters per adult per day from the distillery. For on-site sales, we are not required to send it to the state warehouse first. For any off-site sales (tasting parties, for example), we are required to send it to the State Warehouse but can buy it back without the 40% state markup applied.
  5. I'm sorry to hear that. I had excellent success with SupremeCorq. I haven't placed an order since January but I didn't have a complaint with their sales or service.
  6. 60 days for the Feds sounds about right. The county was much more convoluted.
  7. Welcome, ViolentBlue. I hope you stop by the next time you travel south!
  8. There is not much theft in Montana. Almost every house and business is armed and everyone knows how to shoot. Crime is a dangerous profession. On the other hand, the moose and bear are a real PITA. Seriously.
  9. That's what I was also told and I was not asked to submit a formula. That said, I would echo Todd and Gwydion's sentiments. Had the TTB requested a formula, we certainly would have complied just because it's easier than fighting a battle that ultimately doesn't matter. Getting the formula approval is too easy especially compared to the mountain of paperwork you have already survived.
  10. I am simply giddy to a "distiller." I am fortunate enough to also be the owner of a very small distillery. "Master" suggests a mastery of a particular study or "art" (I have earned two Master's degrees but not related to the Art of Distillation). "Head" might either be a supervisory position or a teacher of potential Masters. Neither of these two hats would I feel comfortable wearing at this time. Maybe in another decade or so.
  11. I understand your pain. I try to help Gwydion Stone with The Wormwood Society. We painstakingly vet each member registration. I still learn more and more about China, India, etc...as I delete applications. It can be time consuming but I appreciate the lesson in geography. <sarcasm> Point being, I empathize with your struggle and appreciate your efforts.
  12. I have bought 3 stills from Iberian Coppers (www.copper-alembic.com) and have nothing but praise for their product and their customer service. If you want a traditional alembic still, they are a great place to start. Perhaps you want something else?
  13. I'm not a fan of natural cork anymore. Between the inevitable floaties and disintegration from high proof alcohol, synthetic corks seem like the best way to go for us. SupremeCorq has excellent products and first rate customer service.
  14. Minimal information would include your two bar codes (bottle & case) plus the NABCA code and product name. I don't know how much states vary on the information they require.
  15. It has taken almost 18 months from our commitment until finally this week, we sent our first delivery to the State Liquor Warehouse in Helena, MT., sold our first bottles of Silvertip Gin and made our first deposit into the Ridge Distillery bank account. This is not for the faint of heart. Tenacity (or hard-headedness) is simply a requirement. It hasn't been especially difficult but it has been arduous from the beginning. I feel like I have earned another Master's degree. There are at least three members of ADI that have been of tremendous help and the Forum itself has provided numerous links, clues, hints and advice that have been invaluable. We are still rookies at Ridge Distillery but we have survived the first gauntlet and we're still standing. Thanks, ADI and the membership. Your help has been greatly appreciated. Santé, Joe
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