Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

BIGFORK- Since receiving an international award for one of their spirits, Whistling Andy Distillery owners say they've finally been able to cross over into the national market.

The local distillery received a Spirits International Prestige Award earlier this month for its hibiscus coconut rum.

Owners say business has been good since opening this past New Year's Eve, but it was difficult trying to get their products sold in other states.

But now head distiller Brian Anderson says they are doing two distillations, every day of the week, and sales of their award-winning rum have more than doubled.

"A lot of the distributors that we've been talking to were originally a little skeptical just because we're so new-they've kind of been on the fence. We'd send them samples and they liked the product but they hadn't "bitten" yet. And then, within 24 hours of winning the award, they had all contacted us again and wanted to carry our product."

The distillery plans on having their alcohol available in nine other states, and Canada, by the end of September.

Contact Laura Wilson