Oregon’s Rising Craft Spirits Scene: Distilleries to Visit in 2025
Greeting, fellow spirit enthusiasts! Oregon – the land of mountains, forests, rivers, and, as luck would have it, renowned distilleries. Its unique geographical varieties contribute to creating a myriad of premium craft spirits. As we step into 2025, join us in exploring some of Oregon’s fast-rising distilleries that are most definitely worth a visit.
1. Aria Portland Dry Gin
Located in the pulsating heart of Portland, Aria offers a classic traditional London dry gin with a Pacific Northwest twist. Renowned for its strong juniper core – a nod to the abundance of evergreen forests surrounding Oregon – the gin’s multi-layered aesthetics are sure to delight. For the full experience, ask for a tour to witness the meticulous distilling process.
2. Bull Run Distillery
Situated in chic and trendy Northwest Portland, Bull Run Distillery continues to leverage Oregon’s pristine water sources to create smooth, quality spirits. It’s worth sampling their award-winning American Whiskey. The distillery offers guided tours, so remember to book ahead.
3. Clear Creek Distillery
Famous for its artisanal brandies, Clear Creek Distillery in northwest Portland uses Oregon’s finest fruits. Expect a strong punch of local Hood River’s Bartlett pears or Golden Delicious Apples. Their exclusive tasting room is open on weekends and it’s the best place to embark on a fruit brandy exploration.
4. Crater Lake Spirits
Crater Lake Spirits in Bend boasts of a 100% Oregon ingredient assurance. Their family-operated distillery tours often end with a flight of spirits, including their famous pepper vodka and Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, both stemming from Oregon’s locally sourced products.
5. Trail Distilling
Trail Distilling, situated minutes from the Barlow Trail in Oregon City, is Oregon’s first local distillery since Prohibition. They offer range of delicacies from Trillium Gin, First City Whiskey to Pacific Rum. Enjoy a tour and be entertained by the tales of Oregon’s rich Prohibition history.
6. Rolling River Spirits
Family-operated Rolling River Spirits in the Central Eastside of Portland crafts small-batch spirits using organic grains. Try their award-winning Vodka along with their Aquavit, derived from classic Scandinavian recipe. If you’re in town during the Portland Cocktail Week, their special distilling events are a must-visit.
7. Rogue Spirits
Bragging multiple locations across Oregon, Rogue Spirits, an offshoot of Rogue Ales, has been creating uniquely Oregonian spirits. If in Newport, a visit to the distillery should be supplemented with a walk across the neighboring Yaquina Bay Bridge for a full Coastal Oregon experience.
8. McMenamins Edgefield Distillery
In Troutdale, McMenamins Edgefield Distillery, part of the multifaceted McMenamins Edgefield property, is much more than just a distillery. A visit can easily turn into a full day of leisure encompassing tastings, luxury lodging, fine dining, golfing, and cinema.
9. Ewing Young Distillery
Located in Newberg’s serene farmland, Ewing Young Distillery uses Oregon-grown barley and rye and a centuries-old distilling process for their hand-crafted whiskeys. Guided tastings are offered on weekends, forming part of a perfect wine country detour.
10. Eastside Distilling
Eastside Distilling on Portland’s Distillery Row shines brightly with its bourbons. Their Burnside Bourbon and Oregon Marionberry Whiskey are a testament to innovative Oregon spirit culture. Combine it with a jaunt down the famous Oregon Trail nearby to truly savor the Oregon spirit.
As we lift our glasses to toast to Oregon’s flourishing distilleries, one can’t help but be awed by the concoction of tradition, innovation, investment, and pure Oregonian passion brewed in these distilling vessels. Here’s to taking the scenic route through Oregon’s craft spirits scene in 2025, one distillery at a time.