For most Montanans, Coram is a place they drive by on their way to the heart of Glacier National Park -- if they've even heard of it at all. With a population of less than 500, it's the definition of a tiny town. And while you might not think of it as a destination, if you love fantastic food and locally produced whiskey, you might want to spend some time there before your next trip to Glacier or Flathead Lake.
Coram is located in Flathead County, just seven miles southwest of the western entrance of Glacier National Park.
It was founded as a logging town and named after a local lumberman, William Coram.
The town enjoyed a small boom between 1948 and 1953, during the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam.
Since the 1960s, it has been extremely quiet. But the opening of the Glacier Distilling Company and Josephine's changed all that.
Glacier Distilling Company is a craft distillery and tasting room you'll find right on US-2 E in Coram.
The Tasting Barn is open all year long, although winter hours are more limited (noon - 6 p.m. on Thursday - Sunday).
The distillery offers a variety of alpine whiskeys and fine spirits.
The idea to open the distillery was actually formed during a snowstorm in the winter of 2009, which is pretty much the most Montana story ever. It was registered as a business in 2010 by the small group of friends who came up with the idea.
These days, the team has grown, but the core group remains the same.
During business hours, you're welcome to taste up to two ounces of spirits per day and take home your bottle of choice.
If it's delicious food and craft cocktails you're seeing, just head next door to Josephine's Speakeasy.
Unlike the distillery, Josephine's is only open from May - October. So if you'd like to include this stop in your plans (and you should), plan a visit for spring or summer.
Josephine's is best known for two things: tapas and specialty menu items.
Their rotating menu can include everything from chicken sandwiches and BBQ to much fancier fare.
This Prime Rib Stroganoff with fried arugula, aioli, and toasted bread was one of the nightly specials.
To find food like this in such a rural part of Montana is almost unheard of.
And of course, the cocktail menu is full of creations featuring the spirits crafted next door.
Next time you visit, order a huckleberry whiskey cocktail with a few tapas and thank your lucky stars that you live in the Treasure State.
Coram is a great destination in the spring and summer. In the meantime, here is where you can find Glacier Distilling spirits to stock up on at home.
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