Montana
San Francisco 49ers Great Joe Montana Discusses New Whiskey Business, Trey Lance
Joe Montana lives in wine country, but he has become a whiskey guy.
That began when the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback entered the venture capital world in 1998. He met Isaac “Yitz” Applbaum, the current founder and partner at MizMaa Ventures.
A world traveler, Applbaum has built a large collection of alcoholic spirits and enjoys introducing beverages to Montana, a frequent lunch companion.
“He’s the one that got me started down this road,” Montana exclusively shared. “He would always bring something or try something different, and that kind of got me going.”
And it eventually led to Montana releasing the Joe Montana Whiskey Collection in conjunction with the Gold Bar Spirits Company.
Gold Bar Whiskey, the official whiskey of the 49ers, began discussing a formal partnership with one of Montana’ agents about a year ago.
“This was kind of a natural fit,” said Montana, who spoke from the Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery’s new visitor center and tasting room in San Francisco.
A less natural fit in the Bay Area was Trey Lance.
The 49ers traded three first-round draft picks to select Lance No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. After he struggled to make an impact, the 49ers traded the quarterback to the Dallas Cowboys in late August for a fourth-round pick.
“It’s good for both,” Montana said. “There was a lot of pressure on the 49ers to play him because of all the things they gave up, and there was a lot of pressure for Trey to plan in an offensive system I don’t think he fit.”
One of Lance’s best attributes is his running ability, and because of that, Montana thought he would’ve been perfect in Baltimore’s system as a backup to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Lance, though, ended up in Dallas, and that trade further cemented Brock Purdy as the 49ers’ starting quarterback for 2023.
Montana has met Purdy and Lance twice. He has done autograph signings with Lance and saw Purdy, who went undefeated as a regular-season starter and whose understanding of the offense Montana praised, at the Super Bowl.
Lance now plays for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, one of Montana’s former offensive coaches when he played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Montana said playing under McCarthy will be a good situation for a player he described as a “great kid.”
“Mike will do the right thing and he’ll give him every opportunity to learn and put him in some good positions,” Montana said. “Mike will spend a lot of time with him.”
Gold Bar spent a lot of time crafting two different blends for its collection.
Exclusive to Northern California, Blend No. 273 will be released in mid-September. The No. 273 represents the total number of touchdown passes Montana threw during his career.
A triple casked American whiskey with a three grain mash bill of corn, rye and barley, it costs $59.99 and is bottled at 82 proof. Double casked in red wine barrels and then triple casked in cognac barrels and raked over toasted oak staves, the whiskey has deep notes of fruit, deep spice and berries.
Blend No. 117 will be available nationwide later this fall, and 117 represents Montana’s number of victories as a starting quarterback. The 16-year-old whiskey (in honor of his jersey No. 16) is 90 proof and also triple casked in cognac and raked over oak staves but has more of an apricot taste and costs $149.99.
In addition to the taste of the bottles, Montana praised their look.
Blend No. 117 will have a neck tag that has a Montana patch with an embedded communication chip. By tapping the patch with one’s phone, the chip digitally directs one to unique content, including an instructional video of Montana preparing his signature cocktail, “The Golden Joe.”
“The packaging is awesome,” Montana said. “When you see it, you’ll go, ‘Oh my gosh!’”
The artwork of the Blend No. 273 bottle is highlighted by a 49ers throwback logo, Montana’s signature and an illustration depicting his touchdown celebration in Super Bowl XXIV.
In his four Super Bowls — all victories — he threw 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, Montana shies away from comparisons to the current crop of NFL passers.
“I just watch them. Everybody has a different style,” he said. “I don’t go, ‘Well, that guy looks like me.’ That never comes off my lips anywhere or even in my mind. I just enjoy the guys for what they do and how they do it.”
Many observers, though, have pointed out the playing style of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who starred in a Guinness commercial with Montana, resembles the Hall of Famer because of their accuracy, poise under fire and even “Joe Cool” moniker.
“Not a bad person to be compared to,” Montana said.
Though Montana prefers not to compare himself to current NFL passers, he welcomes consumers to weigh in on his upcoming whiskey collection.
“I’m looking forward to getting feedback from everyone out there,” he said, “and sharing this with not only 49er fans but other fans around the country.”
Montana
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 25, 2024
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 25, 2024, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
15-26-27-30-35, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
04-10-35-42-45, Lucky Ball: 02
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
04-05-40-42-52, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
09-18-19-25, Bonus: 15
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
08-29-30-47-57, Powerball: 01
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Montana Cash numbers from Dec. 25 drawing
01-05-10-39-41
Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:00 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Montana
Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan
Historian and author Marc Johnson gives a book talk next month about Burton K. Wheeler, “one of the most powerful politicians Montana ever produced,” as part of the Montana Historical Society’s lecture series.
Johnson will speak from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Dr. in Helena. He will talk about his book, “Political Hell-Raiser: The Life and Times of Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana.”
“(Wheeler) came of political age amid antiwar and labor unrest in Butte, Montana, during World War I, battling Montana’s powerful economic interests and championing farmers and miners as a crusading United States attorney,” said the announcement from the Montana Historical Society. “Wheeler went on to become one of the most influential, and controversial, members of the United States Senate during three of the most eventful decades in American history.”
Also in January, author and University of Montana archaeology professor Douglas MacDonald will discuss his “Land of Beginnings: The Archaeology of Montana’s First Peoples.”
The book talk takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch in Helena.
“While researchers have learned a great deal about the origins of the first people to call this region home, questions remain about which route or routes they took and when they made this journey,” said the Montana Historical Society about the book talk.
The organization also said the Original Governor’s Mansion will be open for free guided tours at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, and on Saturday, Dec. 28.
“The Queen Anne-Style mansion will be decorated for the holiday season through the weekend with surprises for visitors of all ages,” said the announcement.
For more information, contact Darby Bramble at [email protected].
Montana
Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana
On a frosty morning in late December, Marce Hoffman backs two huge draft horses out of a barn at the historic 320 Ranch south of Big Sky.
“Step up, step up,” Hoffman instructs the horses as he maneuvers them toward a waiting sled. It’s time to take the animals out for a turn on a trail they’ll know well by the end of the winter season. They’ll tread the path up to seven days a week during the holidays and five days a week after that. The animals strain in their harnesses, eager to pull and run.
“They’re fresh. They won’t be fresh come New Year’s, though; they’ll be all muscled up, ready to go,” said Hoffman.
The 320 has a long history. It was homesteaded as two separate ranches more than 125 years ago.
“1912 they combined them to form 320 acres That’s how the ranch became known as the 320,” explained Hoffman as he practiced the history lesson he gives while narrating the ride through the high, narrow valley the ranch is nestled in, just outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.
In 1936, Bozeman doctor Carolyn McGill purchased the ranch.
Hoffman said, “She fell in love with this area on different hunting trips, trips down into the Yellowstone Park.”
You might recognize McGill’s name from somewhere else.
“Caroline started the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman; was actually called the McGill Museum when it first opened up,” said Hoffman.
Current owner Dave Bass purchased the ranch in 1985.
Hoffman explained that’s when the ranch really began to grow into a tourist Mecca. He said, “He (Bass) bought it up from a 20 gust capacity over 200 that we have today.” He pointed to cabins that drifted by, framed by the mountains and the Gallatin River. It’s the view guests get as they take a one-hour trail ride in the sleighs. Hoffman ticked off the sights: “You get to see Cinnamon Mountain, Burnt Top Mountain. We’ll be able to see the Spanish Peaks when we go along the Gallatin here. Looking back you’ve got a view of Monument.”
As he drives onto a flat, straight stretch of the trail, the horses get frisky. “These guys are gonna air out right here,” he cautioned, just as the horses break into a run. It demonstrated the challenge of managing big Percheron horses around guests.
“Our number one priority is keeping everybody safe. So we always have to be constantly looking at the equipment. As far as the people, probably the hardest part is herding them up and getting them on the sleighs,” Hoffman laughed as he allowed that it is probably harder to manage the passengers than the animals.
Sitting next to him, Head Wrangler Logan McDaniel said she enjoyed working at the ranch.
“I like, of course, to drive and work with the horses but also meeting people from all around the world. You get to meet people from all different parts of life, all kind of different places,” she said. “They’re here for vacation. You get to kind of realize a little bit of people’s life story. It’s pretty cool just to meet different people.”
And the horses?
Hoffman said, “We’re looking for good disposition, you know. We’re not looking for heavy pullers we’re just looking for horses that are pretty docile and easy-going horses. They’re not gonna win any pulling competitions here.”
But these workhorses are no slouches.
“We’ll pull 18 people no problem and these guys are big horses,” said Hoffman.
He said that translates to about 18 hands and nearly 2,000 pounds each. As the horses cool down after their workout, Hoffman wiped them down and explained how these animals cope with the harsh winters at the ranch.
“You know those horses are on hay, you know free choice grass hay and water. They do pretty well. We’ve got a lean-to for them to get out of the wind. But for the most part, you know, they’re pretty hearty animals,” he said.
By late afternoon, as dusk descends on the ranch, guests begin to wander toward a pair of the big sleighs. They board the blanket covered seats for a ride out to the other end of the valley where a wood-floored canvass tent awaits. It’s heated and features a bar serving snacks, hot cocoa, cider, and more. A fire crackles in a pit surrounded by seats outside. After a bit of rest, the passengers will climb back into the sleds for a ride back to the ranch restaurant.
Taking in the view around them, Hoffman and McDaniel reflected on their jobs. Hoffman said, “There’s a lot of people that never seen a horse or been around horses, so it’s a good opportunity to you know, to introduce them to the horses.”
McDaniel added, “It’s cool watching people fall in love with the horses. That’s why I kind of do this. It’s to see people fall in love with horses like I do.”
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