Headframe Spirits sits in the heart of historic Butte, Montana, in a restored building on South Montana Street that captures the gritty spirit of this former mining boomtown. Founded by Courtney and John McKee in 2010, this craft distillery emerged from their shared passion for creating authentic spirits that reflect Montana’s rugged character. The McKees, who previously worked in different industries, decided to dive into distilling after falling in love with the craft and seeing an opportunity to bring something special to Butte’s revitalization efforts. Their operation focuses on small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey, with a commitment to using Montana ingredients whenever possible. The distillery takes its name from the iconic headframes that still dot Butte’s skyline – remnants of the city’s copper mining heyday that serve as a perfect metaphor for the McKees’ mission to honor the past while building something new. You’ll find their setup intimate and hands-on, with copper stills and fermentation tanks packed into a space that feels more like a working laboratory than a polished tourist attraction. The atmosphere reflects Butte’s no-nonsense attitude – this isn’t about fancy tasting rooms or elaborate marketing, but about making quality spirits with integrity and connecting visitors to both the craft and the community.