Discover Oregon’s Rising Craft Spirits Scene: 10 Essential Distilleries to Visit in 2025
Deep in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon has quietly become the epicenter of a craft spirits revolution. From juniper-rich gins echoing the fragrant forests of the Cascades, to grain-to-glass whiskeys inspiring images of the fertile Willamette Valley, each distillery captures a piece of Oregon’s diverse landscape within their bottles. Here are 10 essential distilleries paving the way for this spirited movement.
1. Trail Distilling
Starting down in the charming town of Oregon City, Trail Distilling is the first distillery in the First City west of the Rocky Mountains since Prohibition. Their spirits pay tribute to the hardworking pioneers that tread the Oregon Trail, from the Trillium Gin sourced primarily with local botanicals, to the First City Whiskey aged in Oregon Oak barrels. Event planning tip: Their tasting room doubles as a local event venue, so why not plan that special celebration right here and raise a toast to Oregon’s rugged history?
2. Bull Run Distillery
Cruising up to Portland, you’ll find Bull Run Distillery. Named after the pristine Bull Run Watershed, they credit their smooth and balanced spirits to the pure, soft water of Mt. Hood flowing into their stills. Their Temperance Trader Bourbon has become a classic on local cocktail menus. Though they are a short drive from downtown Portland, their refined tasting room surely warrants a visit.
3. New Deal Distillery
Also gracing Portland is New Deal Distillery, home to small-batch, artisan spirits since 2004. Their Northwest-style gin captures the taste of the Cascades in every sip. As a local’s tip, try their Coffee Liqueur made with fresh roasted beans from Water Avenue Coffee for a jolt of Oregon’s celebrated coffee culture.
4. Clear Creek Distillery
Just a bridge crossing away, Portland’s Pearl District provides a home to Clear Creek Distillery. Their William’s Pear Brandy featuring Oregon-grown Bartlett pears mirrors the state’s fruitful bounty. Call ahead to check their harvest season tours that offer a true farm-to-bottle experience.
5. House Spirits Distillery
Not far off in Southeast Portland, House Spirits Distillery is best celebrated for Aviation American Gin. A silk-smooth gin with a hint of Oregon lavender, it’s a firm favorite in the local mixology scene. Try it at any of Portland’s inventive cocktail bars or head straight to the source for a taste.
6. Aria Portland Dry Gin
Aria Portland Dry Gin specializes solely in gin, perfecting the spirit that truly represents the Pacific Northwest with its robust piney flavor profile. Their simple, tasting room in the Pearl District is the perfect reflection of their commitment to straightforward, high-quality gins.
7. Eastside Distilling
Looking for more variety? Eastside Distilling offers an array of spirits, from their award-winning Burnside Bourbon to flavored vodkas that use Oregon fruit. Their Eastside Old Tom gin stands out as a tribute to Oregon’s history with a vintage-style recipe reminiscent of the state’s earlier distilling days.
8. Rogue Spirits
Rogue Spirits, part of the famous Rogue Ales & Spirits family, offers a variety of spirits inspired by their beloved beers. Their Dead Guy Whiskey, distilled from the same grains used for Dead Guy Ale, is only one example of their innovative portfolio that a true Oregon lover has to taste.
9. Westward Whiskey Distillery
Back in Portland, Westward Whiskey Distillery uses a grain-to-glass ethos to produce their signature American Single Malt Whiskey. Notice the tasting notes of homegrown barley and fresh Oregon air in your glass next time. They’ve just moved to a new location near Moda Center, so scheduling a distillery tour before catching a concert or Blazers game would be quite the Portland experience!
10. Ewing Young Distillery
Let’s round up the list in the heart of the Willamette Valley at Ewing Young Distillery. On an historic 147-acre farm, this distillery specializes in bourbon and rye whiskey while honoring the Oregon pioneer, Ewing Young, within each bottle. Yearly, the Ewing Young Distillery hosts a Long Mule Bourbon Release Party that is a true celebration of Oregon spirit, not to be missed.
So, there you have it: ten distilleries distilling the very essence of Oregon into exceptional craft spirits. Pack up the car, program the GPS, and prepare to sip your way through the genuine spirit of Oregon in 2025. Remember, always drink responsibly, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your new favorite libation along the way. Cheers to Oregon and its thriving craft spirits scene!