Montana Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
Find what’s legal, what are the current and upcoming trends regarding alcohol, and all other essential information that can help you set up or expand your alcohol business in Montana. The Big Sky State has some interesting rules concerning alcohol use; for example, minors can drink alcohol at a private location without breaking the law.
On the other hand, Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores, which is a vital piece of information for any supplier, wholesaler, and consumer. We’ve covered this and a lot more in our guide below, and we also share popular brands, retailer information, and the location of distributors that can help you with your business in Montana.
Also, the Park Street Team is here to help anyone looking to enter the local market, and all you need to do is fill out the form, and someone from our team will get back to you with all the necessary data to help you grow your business.
Consumption Trends In Montana
Montana Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Montana Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Montana Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Montana Spirits Volume By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Montana by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 114 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 180 | N/A |
| Scotch Whisky | 17 | N/A |
| Irish Whiskey | 22 | N/A |
| Gin | 41 | N/A |
| Vodka | 276 | N/A |
| Rum | 88 | N/A |
| Tequila | 58 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 195 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 23 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Montana Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Wine trends in Montana by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 957.7 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 57.4 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 8.5 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 3.0 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Montana Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Montana by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 2.8 | 89.8 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 2.0 | 63.2 |
| Super & Super Premium | 1.8 | 57.4 |
| Light | 4.7 | 152.6 |
| Popular | 0.9 | 28.0 |
| Imported | 1.2 | 40.3 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Montana
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Montana
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Montana
- Coming Soon
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Montana
The United States operates under a strict three-tier system when it comes to selling alcohol. The “middle tier” of the industry consists of wholesalers or importers. These businesses receive products from the lower tier, which consists of suppliers and manufacturers. They then sell the products to distributors, who sell them to retailers. The retailers then sell to consumers. All sales must take place within the three-tier system in the United States.
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Montana. Need more info on all the liquor distributors in the United States? Check out the full list of distributors or fill out the contact form provided.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
Coming Soon
More Distributors in Montana (A-Z)
Coming Soon
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
In the environment that we operate in today, it can be difficult to find distributors willing to sell your brand.
As you may or may not know, there are hundreds, even thousands of brands and far fewer distribution businesses to move your product through the tiers.
To reduce complication and increase the chances of getting distribution, many use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution approach..
The self-pitch distribution model is comparable to the three-tier conventional distribution model in that goods is distributed to retailers, but the main distinction is that the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing.
Selling Alcohol In Montana
In this section below, you’ll find all of the most frequently asked questions related to selling alcohol (beer, wine, and spirits) in the state of Montana. If you’re looking for information on this, then my suggestion is to check out the answers located below. .
If you’re already selling alcohol as a retailer in the state, then you may know about these laws already. Should you not find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us.
FAQs on Montana Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Montana?
In Montana, you can buy beer and wine in any grocery store or gas station on Sundays, and some state-run liquor stores are open on Sundays.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
Retailers in Montana can sell alcohol from 8 AM to 2 AM seven days a week; state-run liquor stores follow the same schedule, but most of these are closed on Sundays.
What are the alcohol laws in Montana?
It is illegal for people under 21 to purchase alcohol, and any offense is punishable by a monetary fine and other repercussions. Also, it is illegal to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person. Montana laws prohibit boating (operating a motorboat, sailboat, water-skin, or surfboard) while intoxicated. Drivers under 21 are considered under the influence with 0.02% BAC, commercial drivers with 0.04% BAC, and other drivers with 0.08% BAC.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Montana?
Walmart, Target, and CVS can sell beer and table wine from 8 AM to 2 AM, usually not on Sundays.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Montana?
Grocery stores in Montana can sell beer and table wine (with less than 16% ABV).
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Montana?
Montana gas stations with a convenience store section can sell beer and table wine from 8 AM to 2 AM.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Montana?
When it comes to alcohol excise tax in Montana, this is the current condition:
- Beer Tax – $0.14/gallon
- Wine Tax – $1.06/gallon
- Distilled Spirits Tax – State-controlled sales in ABC stores
The Federal alcohol excise tax is also included in the price of the alcoholic beverage sold in Montana, as follows:
- Beer Federal Excise Tax – $18.00/31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can
- Wine Federal Excise Tax – $1.07 to $3.4/gallon; $0.21 to $0.67/750ml bottle
Distilled Spirits Federal Excise Tax – $13.5/proof gallon or $2.14/750ml 80-proof bottle (40% ABV).
Buying Alcohol In Montana – Hours, Locations & Taxes
The rules and regulations vary when it comes to purchasing alcohol in the state of Montana. You need to become familiar with laws at the local level if you’re looking to make a purchase. This list of FAQs below will help you better understand the laws of buying any type of alcohol in Montana.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Montana
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Montana?
You can only buy beer and wine with less than 16% ABV in grocery stores in Montana.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Montana?
Montana gas stations with convenience stores can only sell beer and wine with less than 16% ABV.
Does Montana Allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
No, at this time, Montana does not allow direct-to-consumer shipping of alcoholic beverages.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Montana?
Convenience/grocery stores can sell beer and wine from 8 AM to 2 AM; state-run liquor stores can sell alcohol from 10 AM to 8 PM, most of which are closed on Sundays.
Can you order alcohol to go in Montana?
Interestingly, you can order alcohol to go with your meal order, provided the beverage is in its original package or a sealed container prepared by a server.
Where in Montana can you buy alcohol off-premise?
Off-premise alcohol in Montana is sold at grocery/convenience stores, gas stations, package stores, and state-run liquor stores.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Montana?
On-premise sale of alcohol in Montana is in restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels. Still, liquor licenses are very difficult to obtain in most Montana counties.
(Data Source: mtrevenue.gov, wikipedia.org)
At Park Street, we provide services to thousands of clients looking to expand their reach and improve their processes. Services provided include but are not limited to financial accounting, legal and compliance, shipping and logistics, and more. If you’re looking to grow your brand and focus on marketing while we do the rest, then please reach out to us!
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