Roughstock distillery

Introduction to Roughstock

A distillery with passion for craft

Roughstock is a pioneering American whiskey distillery that brought authentic craft whiskey production to Montana. Nestled in the rugged landscapes of the American West, this distillery has carved out a reputation for producing spirits that capture the essence of frontier spirit and traditional craftsmanship. With a commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored methods, Roughstock has become synonymous with the new wave of American craft distilling.

Why we have a soft spot for Roughstock

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that embrace their location and heritage to create spirits with a true sense of place. Roughstock stands out for its dedication to using 100% Montana-grown grains and pure mountain water sourced from the nearby Bridger Mountains. Their small-batch approach ensures meticulous attention to detail in every bottle, resulting in whiskeys that tell the story of Montana’s agricultural bounty and pioneer spirit.

The story behind Roughstock

Origin and development

Roughstock was founded in 2008 in Bozeman, Montana, becoming the state’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition. The vision was clear: create authentic American whiskey with a distinctly Montana character. Starting with a single copper pot still and unwavering determination, the distillery quickly established itself as a trailblazer in the craft whiskey movement.

Though ownership has changed hands since its founding, the original commitment to Montana-made whiskey remains the cornerstone of Roughstock’s identity. The distillery helped pave the way for Montana’s now flourishing craft spirits scene and cemented its place in American whiskey history.

The people behind

Originally established by Bryan and Kary Schultz, Roughstock was born from a passion for authentic American whiskey and a desire to bring distilling back to Montana. The operation has always been characterized by hands-on craftsmanship, with a small team overseeing everything from grain selection to bottling.

Each person involved with Roughstock shares a commitment to preserving the rugged, independent spirit that defines both Montana and the distillery’s approach to whiskey-making.

Craftsmanship and production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Roughstock begins with carefully selected Montana-grown grains – primarily wheat, corn, rye, and barley. The distillery takes pride in supporting local agriculture, working directly with farmers to source the highest quality ingredients.

Distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills, allowing for greater control and the retention of rich grain flavors. This method, while more labor-intensive than modern column distillation, results in a more robust and character-filled spirit that captures the essence of Montana’s terroir.

Maturation and aging

Roughstock whiskeys mature in charred new American oak barrels, but with a Montana twist. The dramatic temperature fluctuations experienced in the Montana climate significantly impact the aging process, with hot summers pushing the whiskey deep into the wood and cold winters drawing it back out.

This unique aging environment accelerates the maturation process and imparts distinctive characteristics to the whiskey. The relatively small barrels used by Roughstock also increase the wood-to-whiskey contact, creating rich flavor development even in younger expressions.

Selected products from Roughstock

Roughstock Montana Pure Malt Whiskey – An introduction to the house style

This 100% malted barley whiskey serves as an excellent entry point to understand Roughstock’s approach. With notes of honey, vanilla, toasted grain, and gentle spice, it offers an approachable yet characterful profile that showcases Montana’s exceptional barley. The clean, smooth finish makes it appealing to both newcomers and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts.

Roughstock Montana Black Label Whiskey – An experience for connoisseurs

A more robust expression from the distillery, typically bottled at a higher proof and often featuring extended aging. Expect a complex interplay of caramel, dark fruits, chocolate, and a pronounced oak influence with warming spices on the finish. The fuller body and intensified flavor profile make this a favorite among those who appreciate whiskey with bold character and depth.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

While Roughstock has undergone ownership changes over the years, the whiskeys continue to represent Montana’s pioneering spirit. For those interested in experiencing Montana’s craft distilling scene, several distilleries now operate in the Bozeman area, carrying forward the legacy that Roughstock helped establish.

Frequently asked questions

What is Roughstock?

Roughstock is a whiskey distillery that made history as Montana’s first legal whiskey producer since Prohibition. Their production focuses on small-batch whiskeys made from 100% Montana-grown grains, combining traditional distilling methods with the unique environmental conditions of the American West.

Where is Roughstock located?

Roughstock was established in Bozeman, Montana, nestled in the shadow of the Bridger Mountains. This location provided not only the pure mountain water used in production but also access to Montana’s high-quality agricultural products and the dramatic climate conditions that influence their whiskey’s maturation.

What characterizes Roughstock?

Roughstock is particularly known for its commitment to local ingredients, traditional pot still distillation, and the unique influence of Montana’s extreme climate on the aging process. Each bottle reflects the rugged, independent character of Montana, with a focus on authentic production methods rather than shortcuts or additives.

Where can I buy whiskey from Roughstock?

You can find selected bottles from Roughstock at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our collection to include both core expressions and limited releases from this pioneering Montana distillery, ensuring you have access to these distinctive American whiskeys that capture the spirit of the West.