HYP December Business Highlight: Gulch Distillers

Tyrrell Hibbard (pictured here) and Steffen Rasile are two locals, born and raised in Helena, MT. They purchased the distillery in 2015 to pursue a shared passion for whisky, quality spirits and a keen interest in craft cocktails. They rebranded the business to Gulch Distillers™ in September 2016 and they have been quenching our thirst ever since.

They ferment, distill, and bottle on site, and use only Montana-grown grains in their grain-based spirits. They create products that combine the state’s pioneer spirit with refined spirit production. The HYP Business Outreach chair sat down with Tyrrell to ask some questions:

Q: Why did you choose to start your business in Helena?
A: We both grew up in this community, and one of the dreams of the distillery was to craft spirits and cocktails unique to this place.

Q: What makes your business unique to Helena?
A: Besides being the only distillery in Helena and one of the few places to enjoy craft cocktails, we offer free cocktail classes once a month (pre-COVID) and now a cocktail garden when weather allows. Most importantly, what makes us unique is that we educate people in our tasting room on our products, what they pair with, and how they are made. We grow exceptional grains here in Montana, and we craft our spirits to highlight those natural qualities. For example, our vodka has a noticable creaminess and sweetness that originates from the grains.

Q: What is your biggest personal reward from running your business?
A: Being local and operating this business for 5 years now in Helena, MT has been a huge overall reward for us. In 2019, we won national acclaim for Burrone Fernet. Creating a product that we have pride and passion in and sharing it with others has been one of the biggest and most consistent rewards of this business.

Q: How have you adapted your business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: We have been adjusting and reinventing the business. When COVID first hit and hand sanitizer was in such high demand and short supply we switched gears and were one of the first in Montana to manufacture hand sanitizer for the hospital, first responders, and people in need. We exclusively manufactured hand sanitizer for 3 months before the market caught up and we could return to making spirits. Our challenge now is operating a tasting room in the landscape of COVID. We have closed our tasting room, but we have created an outdoor cocktail garden with outdoor heaters and we highlight hot drinks.

Q: How long has Gulch Distillers been a sponsoring business to HYP? Why?
A: We’ve been a sponsoring business to HYP since we started the Gulch 5 years ago, it was one of the first three organizations we started sponsoring. I knew about HYP and participated in a few events before we opened shop, it just made sense to team up. It has been a great outlet and we love having HYP groups here. HYP members make up a core group of our clientele, and want the same thing for our community and people.

Q: What advice would you give people who’ve recently moved to Helena?
A: Learn the value of layering in the winter!

My true advice would be to acknowledge that it takes effort to find your niche here. The community is amazing and there are a ton of recreational things to get involved in. Get involved and enriched with the home-grown authenticity of Helena.

Q: What is your favorite trail to hike near Helena, if any?
A: If I’m hiking, I prefer the summit of Mt. Helena, it is a multi-trailed hike with a view every step of the way. I’m more of a mountain biker myself and prefer Mount Ascension. If you are new and looking forward to skiing, I highly recommend Great Divide just 35 minutes outside of town.

Q: What can HYP members do to help support your business during the pandemic?
A: Remember your neighborhood distillery! We have cocktail kits and a variety of spirits for your home enjoyment, and a cocktail garden for a drink when you go out. When shopping for spirits, please choose local. It has a huge impact on our craft distilling industry, and no matter the spirit category you are looking for, there is a Montana manufacturer of that spirit type!

Lastly, remember that ANY booze you drink, there is a Local Brewery/ Distillery that is making it here in Montana!
Support Local = Choosing Local Brews over multinational brands

Helena Young Professionals is so grateful for the support from Gulch Distillers and the community that they cultivate in Helena. Thank you for making such incredible liquor and craft cocktails!