Photos: Brianne Keefer at Stir Coffee & Cocktails in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Bartender Continues to Up Her Game at Black Hat Distillery

By Kristian DePue

In craft cocktailing, “salt of the earth” is a rare descriptor of those behind the stick, but fitting for Montana Horsfall. Yes, she grew up in Montana – in its first permanent settlement: Stevensville, established in the 1800s along the Bitterroot River, near the Idaho border.

And yes, Montana Horsfall’s personality is as big as her name. “She’s loud, bold, and hard to miss – so are her drinks. There’s not one dull cocktail in her repertoire,” says Fernando Gonzalez of Stir Coffee & Cocktails, where Horsfall bartended for a few years. Co-owner and manager Amber Stull adds, “Her spirited personality is what most notice, (but) her knowledge keeps people coming back.”

Horsfall has won awards, recognitions, and been featured in various media. In addition to personality and intelligence, simple hard work has paid off. “People have recognized … a beast,” says Horsfall. “I get it done. When I see a need, I fill it.”

She recently accepted a director’s role with the newly established Black Hat Distillery in Colorado Springs. “We’re making brandy, rum, tequila, bitters, and infusions,” Horsfall says. “We have a distiller, but I’m responsible for cocktails, hiring, sales and the front of the house. Things are moving quickly. We hope to open in mid-September.”

Horsfall also continues to nurture her educational business, Craft Cocktail Inc., which exists to “teach the fine art of craft-cocktailing in a manner that inspires.”

As a bartender, Horsfall says she is “often too busy to explain the difference between demerara sugar and white granulated. But I'm surprised by the interest and respect for what I do.”

With interest and respect, school teacher Erin Huffman had this to say: “Montana is passionate and humble. She makes delicious cocktails, but is willing to do grunt work. Coming from someone who knows very little about alcohol, she is relatable and inspiring.”

Horsfall suggests she has inspired people to go out more, simply because they’ve attended her classes through Craft Cocktail Inc. “They’re in the know,” Horsfall says. “The more knowledge, the more they’re empowered to explore.”

Philip Taylor of Lee Spirits Co. in Colorado Springs credits Horsfall for inspiring him to appreciate his work. “I owe Montana my career. She made me believe what we do as bartenders is important … that our pursuit of service and hospitality is noble.”

A Quick Q&A

Thirst: What are your favorite cocktails?

Montana Horsfall: The Gimlet … you can change it into an Aviation, Last Word … it’s versatile. Also, the Bourbon Rickey and High Ball – but a Whiskey Smash is my go-to.

I’m also a fan of the Black Manhattan. At Distillery 291 (where she worked for two years), I started making them and it exploded across the Springs. It was an untapped cocktail here … brought back to life.

Notable moments?

A guy came to my bar, suicidal. He was a Marine (with) PTSD saying, “I don’t know what to do. This is the worst day of my life.” He later told me I saved his life, simply because I hugged him, talked to him, and gave him a place to visit.

There have been women who’ve come to me in fear of domestic violence.

It’s far less about the cocktail than about people in need - no doctor, lawyer, parent, or significant other knows what I know.

Favorite brands?

Lee Spirits’ gin, their Forbidden Fruit, is a favorite. Whiskey-wise, I love local stuff: Breckenridge, 291, Axe & The Oak, Vapor, but also Jefferson’s Ocean and Eagle Rare.

I’ve learned to adore Russian Standard Gold Vodka. Oh, and Plantation Rum – Hell Yeah!

What are your favorite bars?

I love a dive. The Keg (Lounge) in Manitou Springs or the Mill Hill (Saloon). I can let my hair down. As far as going out for drinks, (Lee Spirits’

Brooklyn’s on Boulder St., and The Principal’s Office blow me away. I love Chiba (Bar) and Shame & Regret. Matt Judd at Shame & Regret, he texts me when he has a new Gimlet for my liver.

Overall, I want to be with ranchers and hard workers. Also, honey, I want to go where I’m the best looking thang – when I walk into The Keg, I’m a 10!

Give Thirst something to end on.

One time, I made unimpressive whiskey-colas, and – out of nowhere – this gentleman said I was the best bartender he’s ever had. So, I asked, What did I do? He answered, ‘It’s just who you are.’”

Learn More

https://www.craftcocktailinc.com/

Blackhat Distillery in Colorado Springs is on Facebook: @TheBlackhatDistillery