ABOUT US

We are a family business with Montana roots five generations deep.

The inspiration and ingredients for our spirits come from the Montana landscape, but our love of small-batch spirits has taken us far and wide.

2025

RYAN, JENNY & HEATH MONTGOMERY

OWNERS & OPERATORS

Once upon a time, Ryan and Jenny fell in love over many memorable single malts. When their son Heath was born in 2009, they began planning in earnest to establish a traditional, small-batch distillery in Missoula. In 2010, they traveled to Scotland to learn the fundamentals of the craft. There, Ryan studied under Frank McHardy at Springbank Distillery, where centuries-old techniques still endure.

During visits to small distilleries in the US, they sought out both master distillers and brilliant upstarts. Jenny obtained a certificate in herbal studies with Elaine Sheff of Green Path Herb School , which informed her choice of botanicals for Whyte Laydie gin and our tasting room cocktails. Today, the two aim to achieve a seamless blend of tradition and innovation at the distillery. Their passion is interpreting Old World spirits from around the globe using ingredients from the Montana landscape.

New York

TOM MONTGOMERY

FARMER

Ryan's parents, Tom and Chris, operate the family farm in Heath, Montana where they grow our wheat and rye with loving care. Tenacious descendants of 19th century homesteaders, Ryan's folks work harder than the rest of us put together and have fun doing it. They travel throughout Montana spreading the word about our spirits and enjoy meeting folks wherever they go—though they already know most everybody.

Tom was District Director of the USDA Farm Services Agency for 31 years, getting to know farmers and ranchers and their stories all over the state, then coming home to work his own cows in the dark. Chris taught fourth grade in Lewistown for many years. If you are a former student, she will still call you "Sweetie" when she sees you.

Our Team

CHRIS CONLEY

HEAD DISTILLER

Chris "Montucky Ninja" Conley emerged from the sticks of Aurora, Indiana with a skateboard under one arm and an enlightened glint in his soulful eyes. After moving to Ohio, where his father was employed by Seagrams, Chris fell in with a Breakfast Club-esque group of youths.

Amongst them, he met his Irish soul match, Bridey. Shortly after coming to grips with the need for a post-pubescent role in society, Chris had the opportunity to move to Oregon and took it. Realizing he had no idea what his role in society was, he noticed it rained a lot in Portland and left. In 1996, he gave a friend a ride to Missoula and never found a reason to leave. Employed as a vintner for several years, Chris was happy to make the leap to distilling spirits, which he classifies as both science and magic.

Sales Manager

GREG LOVELL

Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

Amongst them, he met his Irish soul match, Bridey. Shortly after coming to grips with the need for a post-pubescent role in society, Chris had the opportunity to move to Oregon and took it. Realizing he had no idea what his role in society was, he noticed it rained a lot in Portland and left. In 1996, he gave a friend a ride to Missoula and never found a reason to leave. Employed as a vintner for several years, Chris was happy to make the leap to distilling spirits, which he classifies as both science and magic.

DISTILLER

IAN MILLS

Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

Amongst them, he met his Irish soul match, Bridey. Shortly after coming to grips with the need for a post-pubescent role in society, Chris had the opportunity to move to Oregon and took it. Realizing he had no idea what his role in society was, he noticed it rained a lot in Portland and left. In 1996, he gave a friend a ride to Missoula and never found a reason to leave. Employed as a vintner for several years, Chris was happy to make the leap to distilling spirits, which he classifies as both science and magic.

KELSEY SPARROW

TASTING ROOM MANAGER

Kelsey Sparrow is a fifth generation Missoulian. She has worked for Montgomery Distillery since 2019 and excels at keeping the tasting room beautiful and helping guests choose the perfect cocktail.

She is an avid reader and outdoor lover. She enjoys antler and mushroom hunting in the spring and tending her gorgeous garden in the summer months. Like the majority of Missoulians, Kelsey lives for summer. She is an old soul and enjoy antiques, old films, and interesting pieces of history.She is married to her boo bear, Benjamin Sparrow, and has two cats named Edgar and Earnest. You may meet them if you are ever in her neighborhood—they charge a heavy sidewalk tax and think they rule the roost.