Oregon’s Rising Craft Spirits Scene: Distilleries to Visit in 2025

Nestled into the Pacific Northwest’s verdant landscape, Oregon has always been a frontier for those with a taste for the finer things in life. Over the years, it successfully launched a wine revolution, maintained a steady hand in the craft beer industry, and, lately, is striding confidently into the craft spirits arena. Allow us to guide you through the misty trails and sun-dappled vineyards of Oregon, where passionate distillers are waiting to share their craft with you.

1. Clear Creek Distillery

Located in the bustling locale of Northwest Portland, Clear Creek Distillery is quintessentially Oregon. Known for their world-class fruit brandies and grappas, they source their fruit right from the lush Hood River Valley. If you visit, the Pear Brandy is a clear winner, encapsulating the essence of fresh Oregon pears into a bottle.

2. Bull Run Distillery

Named after the Bull Run Watershed, the primary water supply source for Portland, Bull Run Distillery acknowledges Oregon’s fruitful environment. They are famous for their Pacific Rum, a tribute to the state’s logging history. A barrel tour of their facility at Portland offers a glimpse into the rustic roots of Oregonian spirit culture.

3. Eastside Distilling

Pay a visit to Eastside Distilling on Southeast Portland’s Distillery Row, a one-stop hub for craft distilleries. Their Burnside Bourbon, with a dash of Gorge water, and aged in Oregon Oak, truly speaks of the local palate. You can enjoy a relaxed tasting session on their patio on a warm Oregonian afternoon.

4. Oregon Spirit Distillers

Bend, Oregon, not only brings us scenic beauty but also Oregon Spirit Distillers. Their focus is organic spirits and their star attraction, the C.W. Irwin Bourbon, should not be missed. Enjoy a scenic drive along the historic McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass loop while you make your way to the distillery.

5. House Spirits Distillery

House Spirits Distillery in Portland specializes in handcrafted, all-natural spirits with a focus on sustainability. Aviation Gin, their most famous creation, captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Make sure to book ahead to secure a spot in their immersive guided tasting tours.

6. Freeland Spirits

Located in Northwest Portland, Freeland Spirits stands out as one of the few women-owned and -run distilleries in the world. Their spirits are grain-to-glass, with ingredients sourced directly from the Pacific Northwest. A tasting flight here would give you a rich feel of Oregon’s terroir.

7. Rolling River Spirits

Just across the river from Eastside Distilling is Rolling River Spirits, a small family-owned and operated distillery in Portland. Their aquavit and gin, made with Bull Run water, are outstanding examples of locally crafted spirits. Visit during Happy Hour for a relaxed Oregonian evening.

8. Trail Distilling

Trail Distilling, the first distillery in the First City west of the Mississippi since Prohibition, cannot be left off our list. Following the Oregon Trail all the way to Oregon City, you’ll get a mix of history and great tasting spirits. Their Trillium Gin, using local botanicals, is a beautifully crafted experience.

9. Wolf Spirit Distillery

Up north in Eugene, Oregon, Wolf Spirit Distillery stands out for their vodka distilling traditions. Making their spirits in batches with a traditional Italian still, their BloodxSweatxTears Vodka speaks volumes about their dedication to craftsmanship. Visit Eugene’s Saturday Market before heading to the distillery.

10. Crater Lake Spirits

Head over east to Bend, Oregon, to sample traditional American spirits at Crater Lake Spirits. Their Rye Whiskey and Hazelnut Vodka showcase pure, clean and natural flavors. Visiting Bend also allows you to visit the Deschutes National Forest and enjoy Oregon’s beautiful outdoors.

Oregon’s charming distilleries not only craft stellar spirits that represent Oregon’s bounty, they also build communities and contribute to the state’s cultural heritage. The next time you find yourself in Oregon, these distilleries should be at the top of your itinerary to truly savor the essence of this beautiful state. So, raise a glass, here’s to Oregon, and to the local distillers crafting the future of Oregon’s spirit industry, one pour at a time!