Whitefish Distillery & Grill sits along Highway 2 East in Kalispell, Montana, about 15 minutes from Whitefish proper. Founded by Scott and Sharon Haggett in 2010, this operation combines craft spirits production with a full-service restaurant under one roof. Scott brings decades of hospitality experience to the venture, while the distillery focuses on small-batch whiskey, vodka, and gin using Montana grains and glacial water from the Flathead Valley. The Haggetts didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. Scott’s background in restaurant management led him to see an opportunity to create something that paired great food with locally-made spirits. They spent two years navigating Montana’s licensing requirements before opening their doors in 2012. The facility houses both the production equipment and a full kitchen, creating an unusual hybrid that lets visitors watch the distilling process while enjoying a meal. What you’ll find is a working distillery where production happens in full view of diners and visitors. The 2,500-square-foot space includes copper stills, fermentation tanks, and a restaurant that serves everything from burgers to steaks alongside house-made cocktails. It’s not the biggest operation in Montana, but the combination of on-site distilling and dining creates an experience you won’t find at most craft distilleries.