Headframe Celebrates 10,000th Barrel of American Single Malt Whiskey

Headframe’s production growth hasn’t come at the cost of craftsmanship. The distillery maintains its small-batch philosophy, sources Montana snowmelt water, and even returns spent grain to local cattle operations ensuring sustainability and community impact from farm to bottle. 

“Montana agriculture made these 10,000 barrels possible. Every grain of barley was grown and malted in Montana, and every batch is distilled in Montana. That makes this milestone not just ours, but all of Montana’s,” said John McKee, Owner and Founder of Headframe. 

“We are so proud of Headframe Spirits and how far they’ve come. What they stand for as a whole brings a sense of pride to Butte’s culture,” said Alayna Johnson, Office Manager at Montana Craft Malt. “The history is strong in their products and the people behind the operation give the true meaning to work-hard and play-hard. The fact that Montana Craft Malt gets to be a little part in their production process brings us so much joy.” 

Celebrate this milestone by enjoying Kelley American Single Malt Whiskey at your local Montana bar. Prefer to sip at home? Order online at shop.headframespirits.com or pick up a bottle directly from the Headframe Spirits Tasting Room in Butte. 

Fact Sheet 

● Headframe uses 50,000 pounds of 100% Montana-grown and Montana-malted barley every three days. 

● Headframe grain flows through at least four Montana grain elevators: CGI Havre, Circle S Seeds, Madoc Ag, and Ag Depot 

● Headframe was a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and spent the last 10 years helping secure federal recognition as an official whiskey of America. This is the first new whiskey approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in over 52 years. 

● Headframe produces nearly 4,000 barrels annually of American Single Malt Whiskey every year. 

● Headframe is one of the largest distilleries west of the Mississippi making American Single Malt and the largest distillery exclusively using Montana Barley. 

● Spent grain from production is returned to local cattle operations, supporting a sustainable agricultural loop. 

About Headframe Spirits 

Headframe Spirits, based in Butte, Montana, is redefining American craft distilling. Every award-winning spirit is made from 100% Montana-grown grain, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community impact. In addition to producing some of the nation’s leading American Single Malt Whiskeys, Headframe designs and manufactures distillation equipment for producers worldwide. From farm to bottle, Headframe celebrates quality, community, and the rich heritage of Butte.