Bigfork’s Whistling Andy Distillery will be one of seven Montana distillers and brewers headed on a trip to Japan with the state Department of Commerce, with the goal of expanding distribution overseas.
The producers will be part of a Montana-branded pavilion at Wine and Gourmet Japan, a tradeshow in Tokyo, from April 12–14.
The Office of Trade and International Relations at the Montana Department of Commerce is organizing the trip, and through a federal trade assistance program is covering tradeshow booth expenses and providing a travel stipend to participants.
“Montana’s distilling industry has successfully self-organized and advanced to where it is ready to expand distribution outside of Montana and even the United States,” International Marketing Officer Aaron Pratt said.
Other participants at the tradeshow will be: Lewis and Clark Brewing Company and Gulch Distillers in Helena; Headframe Spirits in Butte; and Bozeman Spirits, Montana Malting and Wildrye Distilling in Bozeman.