Ruby River

River clear as Ruby Gin. Not the other way around.

Brought to life in 2014, Bozeman Spirits was founded by industry trailblazer Jim Harris. After moving to Bozeman in 1992 to attend Montana State University, he decided to make the “Bozone” his permanent home. He then set out to bring the first ever craft distillery to its historic downtown district. The distillery rules are very simple: “Drink local…”

Harris must have studied business at Montana State, because Bozeman is a textbook, multifaceted business model, encapsulating the spirit of Montana, sustainably, from grain to glass (or cocktail rather).

Every step of the production process takes place onsite, using copper pot stills, locally sourced grains, and water sourced from the snow capped peaks of the Gallatin mountain range, just south of Bozeman. The distillery even has its own tasting room, offering a specialty menu full of unique cocktails, crafted from Bozeman Spirits, and curated by the distillery staff.

They give back too, offering several volunteer opportunities, and support for numerous local organizations, non-profits and events. Harris has even organized a Distillers Guild, for the distillers in Montana.

Bozeman handcrafts their Spirits to reflect the surrounding historic terroirs of Montana. Ruby River Gin is named after the Ruby River, a fly-fishing paradise dear to the founder's heart: “Sitting along the bank of the Ruby River, tying on a dry fly, I couldn't help notice how clear the water was...what I would call “Gin clear.” I thought to myself, what a great name for our Gin.” Ruby River Gin is made with twelve different botanicals and was developed by Bozeman Spirits’ Head Distiller Thomas McGuaine. Bottled at 80 proof.