7 Idaho Distilleries You Should Know

Sawtooth Range, Idaho, photo credit Abigail Loney

The state of Idaho has a tradition of distilling, but it’s fairly recent due to the long period of Prohibition. The Anti-Saloon League had a hold on Boise and Lewiston in the 1880s, pushing for temperance and succeeding by 1917. Of course, bootlegging took place even after Prohibition was repealed in 1935. But the first post-Prohibition distillery didn’t open until 1999, opening the floodgates for others. As you might expect, the abundance of potato farms makes Idaho ripe for vodka distillation. But you’ll also find operations producing gin and whiskey.

44° North Distillery

Based in Shelley, 44° North Distillery is a Black-owned operation from Idaho Mercantile Distillers, crafting award-winning vodkas from the Snake River aquifer, named for the coordinates. The company has several flavored varieties, including infused vodkas with Rainier cherry, Hagerman watermelon, Mountain huckleberry, and Sunnyslope nectarine, plus a ready-to-drink cocktail with the huckleberry vodka.

American Revolution Vodka

Created by Army veteran Walt Kerpa along with his late brother, Ed Kerpa, American Revolution Vodka is recognized for its namesake product, which is distilled four times using non-GMO corn and the purest water available. The family operation started with a Prussian family recipe, incorporating modern technology. Today, Walt and his son Jordan operate the company and support Idaho-based non-profit Higher Ground a recreation therapy organization serving veterans, first responders and other people with visible or invisible disabilities. The clean taste of the product works well in cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Orange Crush. The vodka is available at bars and restaurants around the state.

Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery

In 1999, Bardenay opened its first location on the Basque Block of Boise, becoming the first distillery permit ever given to a distiller to operate in a public space. The following year, the cocktails were made using spirits distilled in-house. Now with four locations, the employee-owned company makes several products, including vodka made from cane sugar, fruit liqueurs, rum, and brandy. Three are also full-service restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and a cocktail like the popular Bardenay Mule.

Grand Teton Distillery

Founded in 2011 in Teton Valley, Grand Teton Distillery is a company rooted in the outdoors, using the state’s best potatoes for its premium vodka and whiskey. The vodka comes in a traditional form, plus flavored versions in huckleberry and cherry. The whiskies include single barrel and small batch bourbon and an American single malt. Tours of the facility are offered on Friday and Saturday and can be booked in advance.

Koenig Distillery

Koenig Distillery is a destination in its own right, set on a stunning farm in Caldwell. Owner Andy Koenig was inspired by his father’s Austrian heritage and Idaho’s fruit bounty to create award-winning spirits. The brandies incorporate cherry, apricot, pear, and plum. The distillery also makes vodka, whiskey, and a honey liqueur. During the summer months, you’ll see visitors enjoying their tastings under the converted silo with live music and food trucks.

Up North Distillery

A “farm to flask” distillery in Post Falls, Up North Distillery has been in operation since 2015. You’ll be welcomed by the distillery pup named Penny, who takes up residence in the tasting room. The lineup includes honey spirits made from local honey, which is a unique alternative to traditional spirits. Book a tasting in advance to try the offerings, including a North Idaho Single Malt Whiskey and apple brandy. The cocktail is where you can try the signature Huckleberry Margarita or take a bottle with you from the shop. It’s also a Harvest Hosts site, so you can even stay overnight in your RV.

Warfield Distillery & Brewery

Warfield Distillery spirits photo credit Ray J Gadd

Set in the mountain town of Ketchum, Warfield Distillery has been crafting award-winning and certified organic spirits since 2015, including gold medals in the New York International Spirits Competition for Warfield American Organic Whiskey and Warfield Organic Gin. Everything is done in-house, distilled in Scottish copper pot stills, including vodka, gin, barrel-aged gin, and whiskey. The operation also includes a brewery with six house-brewed beers and a full-service restaurant. Stop by for a spirit flight and then sit down for a meal with one of the well-balanced craft cocktails.