Joe Legate

From growing and harvesting our herbs to putting the labels on the bottles, Jules does it all at Ridge Distillery.

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.

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!

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.

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.

60 days for the Feds sounds about right. The county was much more convoluted.

Welcome, ViolentBlue. I hope you stop by the next time you travel south!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

Talk to GStone. He is an amazing artist and member of this Forum but whether he has any time may be a problem. Check out his work on the bottles of Marteau absinthe, Pacifique absinthe and Voyager Gin as examples.

Nice work, Gwydion. It's always great to see my favorite absinthe evangelist even if it's only video.

That would be my experience as well. The TTB has been great to work with and happy to answer my most insignificant questions. We're pretty small, too but that was never an issue.

The slightest of updates from Northwest Montana: Ridge Distillery will begin testing our new equipment this weekend. We are the proud owners of a shiny DSP Permit from the TTB and State of Montana. Work begins in earnest now of finalizing our formulas. The last seven months have been fairly arduous although the good folks at the TTB and Helena have been patient and friendly every step of the way.

Montana requires a location separate from the home with a different mailing address and abiding by any local zoning ordinances. We also own/live on a sizable piece of property. The TTB does not have a specific distance listed that the home and business must be separated by. Thus far, working with the local and state regulations has been a pleasure.

All in all, the report is quite reaffirming. Thanks for posting.

I'm not sure what trouble Phoenix had. Because of my own clumsiness, I broke a brass casing thermometer. I emailed Iberian on a Sunday afternoon, checking on availability. David called me at 1:00am Portugal time. I explained it was my fault but I had a free replacement in 48 hours.

I'm not familiar with the Armagnac still but I know there are a couple of members here that would speak extremely well of Iberian Coppers' customer service. David is gentleman and a pleasure to work with.

Thanks for the Welcomes, old and new friends. Should you find yourself in God's Country, allow me to welcome you in return with a nice cocktail. Joe

Howdy neighbor. We're looking forward to toasting your success in Kalispell! Joe