“Montana iconic.”
This is how Allyson Earnest, co-owner of Whiskey Leatherworks, describes their Cutthroat Belt. “It features the intricate pattern of the fish, but also the precision that goes into the way we work the leather. It is the perfect kind of thing to wear in Missoula… or anywhere else!”
The pattern is eye-catching. Underneath the artist-designed fish prints and past the hand-forged buckles is the heart and soul of Whiskey Leatherworks: individually crafted goods from the highest quality American-sourced leather.
In 2013, Dan Earnest wanted a creative outlet. During the day he was in and around the woods and water as a hydrogeologist. Always building, he began to work with leather in his garage in the evenings. Things progressed from there and the idea to create something that others could buy quickly followed. Allyson remembers the next step in the process well, “Danny wanted to make a 100% American-made product. There is a lot of good leather out there, but we looked and found the best. It was actually a real challenge to finding someone who could make buckles. But we did. We actually found a local metal smith who could do it (Nathan Kimpell of Missoula).”
Once that happened, they set up shop and began to develop that Montana iconic look.
Immediately people appreciated the belts that were being cut and punched in the Earnest’s shop. Aesthetically, they fuse rugged and refined. The same look and feel carried over to all the pieces that they added as time went on. “After the belts it was wallets, then bags, and then the dog items,” Allyson said. “We really just built what we wanted – what we liked. People who like the same things that we do take the time to look for what they want. And they’ve been able to find us!”
Fly fishers looking for distinctive accessories have found Whiskey Leatherworks. Fishing and the outdoors are passions of Dan’s, and this has impacted partnerships and product design. One such partnership stemmed from being in and among the fly fishing community. A mutual admiration existed between the Earnests and Bozeman, Montana artist Casey Underwood. This lead to integrating fish and upland bird patterned panels onto their signature belts.
People have embraced the result. Along with the belts, Underwood’s designs have been integrated into folios and key fobs, with more to come. Fly fishing is an activity that lends itself to visual and tangible artistry, A belt with a brook trout or a tarpon pattern on it can represent something. Buying and wearing an item that represents an interest, a place, and true craftsmanship makes people happy.
A similar relationship brought about a collaboration with Sight Line Provisions. “Edgar Diaz is amazing,” Allyson said. “Everything he creates has that personal touch. Not just his badges, but his impact on the community.” The leather-wrapped flasks feature Sight Line Provisions badges, and represent the tight-knit culture of artisans doing things a very particular way.
But that way matters. For Whiskey Leatherworks, these relationships matter. Handmade to order matters. Creating a caliber of goods that yields repeat customers matters. “The most important thing to us is what we’re creating and taking part in,” Allyson said. “It is almost esoteric: but holding something that has had so much go into it brings people joy. The leather hide was selected, carefully cut, and then assembled for you. Plus, they’re real and substantial. They’re built to look good, but they’re built to last.”
Today, the Whiskey Leatherworks shop is in a historic feed mill, The mill sits in downtown Missoula, minutes away from the Clark Fork River. Piece by piece, Dan Earnest is cutting, stitching, and punching things inspired by that river and the place he lives. For fly fishers, and anyone else who appreciates a real touch, these crafted pieces of leather connect them to their rivers and their places.
Head to the Whiskey Leatherworks website to see everything they have to offer. A wallet, flask, or other hand-crafted leather item makes a great unique gift. Especially for Father’s Day or a graduation, a personalized order would be a thoughtful gift sure to please and last decades. If you have any questions or requests, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dan and Allyson. Also, be sure to follow their Instagram account to watch what they are creating next.