Idaho is currently home to about nine distilleries that can be found all around the state. Idaho also has the honor of being home to the Idaho Distillers Association.

Formed by craft distillers in 2016, Idaho Distillers Association was born to show off the amazing products of Idaho craft distillers.

Although it’s still pretty small when compared to the distilling industry of surrounding states such as Montana, Oregon, and Washington, it’s still an exciting association to be a part of, consisting of Idaho’s 9 current distilleries.

Idaho Distillers Association hosts Idaho Spirits Months every July in Boise, which lets its members show off their valuable products, contributing to the economy of Idaho.

The goal of Idaho Spirits Month is not just to promote the distilleries of Idaho, but the nightlife and restaurants there too.

In our article we’ll take a closer look at some of the most prominent distillers of the Idaho Distillers Association, as well as the state laws surrounding distilleries.

What makes the distilleries involved in the association so great is that many offer free samples of their products on their fun, interesting tours.

Without further ado, let’s get into learning about distilleries in Idaho!

Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery

Founded in Boise in 1999, Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery was the first restaurant distillery in the country. As well as a location in Boise, you can also find Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery in Coeur d’Alene and Eagle.

Bardenay uses their liquor in their handmade cocktails, and a favorite among regulars is their Bardenay House Martini.

Grand Teton Distillery

The main ingredient in the Grand Teton Distillery is cold, fresh mountain water! Grand Teton’s potato vodka has won awards, and is made completely with materials found within 25 miles of the distillery.

Head to Driggs for a tour of the distillery and try a sample of their whiskey or vodka. Ask them about Born and Bred Vodka while you’re there, it was made with a little help from Channing Tatum!

Koenig Distillery

Koenig Distillery is beloved for its fragrant, dry fruit brandy. Founded by Andrew Koenig, he perfected the art of distilling fruit brandies while in Austria and returned home with a dream to create brandy using the best of what Idaho has to offer.

Every brandy is made with fruit provided by local farmers or fruit from the Koenig estate, then aged for at least 2 years. As well as brandy, Koenig Distillery creates whiskey and vodka, and you can visit the Caldwell tasting room practically every day!

Up North Distillery

Founded in 2015, Up North Distillery is dedicated to small batch production, which they refer to as ‘farm to flask.’ At the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition, the distillery won three gold medals, two of which were for their signature Honey Spirits.

You can enjoy artisan cocktails in their Post Falls bar that are made with their own spirits and other locally sourced spirits. Or, you can enjoy some local wine or beer.

Warfield Distillery & Brewery

Located in Ketchum, Warfield Distillery & Brewery creates beer, gin, and vodka on-site at their much-loved restaurant.

We recommend enjoying their cocktails made from their ‘No Return’ gin with their high-quality food offerings, all while enjoying views of Bald Mountain in Sun Valley.

What Are The State Fees For Distilleries In Idaho?

As well as traditional sales taxes, alcoholic beverages such as beer, liquor, and wine are subject to excise taxes at both a state and federal level. Every state is subject to excise taxes, and excises also cover items like cigarettes and motor fuels such as gasoline.

Excise taxes are applied to each unit – with liquid this is measured in gallons. Unlike sales taxes, these taxes are collected from the seller rather than the customer.

But in nearly every case, consumers are directly impacted by excise taxes in the form of higher prices for alcohol.

Idaho is what is called an ‘alcoholic beverage control state,’ meaning the sale of spirits and liquor is controlled by the state, and liquor sales are only allowed in state alcohol stores.

The state makes money through the selling of alcoholic beverages, meaning you don’t have to apply another excise tax on liquor.

What Are The Licensing Requirements For Distilleries In Idaho?

To operate a distillery in Idaho you need to file a Manufacturer/Distillery License Application with the ISLD (Idaho State Liquor Division).

This form needs to be completed in its entirety, signed, and submitted before December 1 for the upcoming license year, as every license expires December 31st of the year the license was originally issued.

If you’re a new applicant, you can submit your application any time of the year, but you will have to resubmit during the above-mentioned renewal period.

These licenses are issued by the ISLD in line with the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act, the Idaho Liquor Act, and whatever applicable codes that are stated in section 9 of the application.

You also need to pay a Manufacturer Distillery License Application of $100 in order for the license to be processed and issued.

What Are The Laws And Restrictions Around Distilleries In Idaho?

No matter how you plan to use your distillery, it is illegal to own a distillery if you don’t have a commercial license. However, Idaho citizens are able to create their own beer and wine for their personal use, as cited in Idaho Code 23-501:

“Any person shall have the privilege of manufacturing wine or brewing beer from native grown products for the personal use of himself, family, and guests.”

The manufacturing, transporting, selling, or owning of moonshine in Idaho is illegal, according to Idaho Code 23-703:“Maintenance is a misdemeanor. Any person who conducts or maintains a liquor nuisance is guilty of a misdemeanor.”

Current federal laws give you the right to own and operate a still for the production of non-alcoholic products.

This gives you the right to manufacture, sell, or own a sill, distill water, create essential oils or other liquids that are non-alcoholic, and produce fuel as long as you have the required licenses.

Final Thoughts

We hope our article on Idaho Distillers Association has given you a better idea of what craft distilleries are in operation in Idaho for when you visit next!