Gulch Distillers sits in downtown Helena, Montana, where founder and head distiller Nick Davenport turned a century-old brick building into the state’s newest craft distillery. Davenport, who spent years perfecting his recipes as a home distiller before going commercial in 2018, focuses on small-batch whiskey and gin using Montana-grown grains. The 3,000-square-foot facility houses a 500-gallon copper still and aging room where Davenport personally oversees every step of production. You’ll find him working the stills most days, happy to explain how Montana’s extreme temperature swings accelerate the aging process in ways that benefit his whiskey. Davenport’s journey from hobbyist to professional distiller wasn’t quick—he spent three years navigating federal and state regulations while perfecting his flagship bourbon recipe. His background in mechanical engineering shows in the custom modifications he’s made to his equipment, including a unique vapor basket system that gives his gin its distinctive botanical balance. The operation stays deliberately small, producing around 100 barrels annually, which means everything gets personal attention but also means bottles sell out fast. The tasting room feels more like visiting someone’s well-appointed garage workshop than a polished tourist destination, and that’s exactly the vibe Davenport was going for. Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and the constant hum of fermentation create an authentic production atmosphere. You can watch the entire process from grain to glass, and Davenport often stops whatever he’s doing to answer questions about mash bills or barrel char levels. It’s the kind of place where serious whiskey nerds and curious newcomers both feel welcome.