Exploring Oregon’s Rising Craft Spirits Scene: Top 10 Distilleries to Visit in 2025
Pull up a chair at the tasting room bar, folks, because Oregon’s craft spirits scene is transforming faster than a Rogue Valley grape into a bottle of fine pinot noir. These distilleries all over our great state are paying homage to Oregon’s bounty, pulling ingredients straight from local farms and using our pure, clean water to create splendid sips worth traveling for. Let’s navigate the ten distilleries you can’t miss in 2025.
1. Bull Run Distillery
Whisk your day away at Bull Run Distillery in Portland’s Northwest neighborhood. Known for their passion for exceptional spirits, Bull Run creates unique whiskies with Oregon water from the Bull Run Watershed. While there, check out their spirited tour for an in-depth look at the distillation process. Don’t forget to take home a bottle of the Temperance Trader Bourbon.
2. Aria Portland Dry Gin
Aria is a testament to the philosophy that simplicity and balance yield perfection. Nestled in a cozy corner of the Pearl District, Aria specializes in producing one thing – the perfect gin for a classic martini. While the Portland Dry Gin should be your go-to, Aria often experiments with seasonal infusions that locals love.
3. House Spirits Distillery
This industrial eastside Portland distillery is on everyone’s list for a reason. Known far and wide for their extraordinarily smooth Aviation Gin, House Spirits is an iconic establishment. Take a distillery tour and learn all about their sustainable production methods. Get adventurous and try their Westward Whiskey or Volstead Vodka.
4. Rolling River Spirits
Get ready to be blown over by the folks at Rolling River. Proudly serving as a grain-to-glass distillery, Rolling River in the Central Eastside crafts vodka, gin, and aquavit using organic grains and Cascade mountain water. The entire process happens in-house, earning this distillery a spot on any spirits list.
5. McMenamins Edgefield Distillery
This isn’t just a distillery but an entire sprawling resort! Out in Troutdale, beyond the city’s bustle, you’ll find historic Edgefield, home of McMenamins Distillery. Take a break from your spirits sampling for a round of golf or a soak in the saltwater soaking pool. Of course, cap off the day with a Hogshead Whiskey or Phil Hazelnut Liqueur.
6. New Deal Distillery
New Deal Distillery, located near the banks of the Willamette River in Southeast Portland, has been a standout in Oregon’s craft spirits scene since 2004. Their Gin No. 1 has won multiple awards. Make a point of perusing their spirits shop – you won’t find a more dedicated selection in town.
7. Rogue Spirits
The Rogue Ales Public House in Astoria has been crafting inventive, top-quality spirits for years. Try to snag a bottle of the highly coveted Rogue Farms Single Malt Whiskey. It’s a true reflection of Oregon, distilled from ingredients grown in the state and aged in Oregon oak barrels.
8. Eastside Distilling
Situated on Distillery Row in Portland, Eastside Distilling excels at creating flavorful, innovative spirits. Their Burnside Bourbon, with its unusual finishing process in Oregon oak, is a testament to their commitment to craft and experimentation. Remember, ask for the “Barrel Hitch” for a quintessentially Oregon taste experience.
9. Trail Distilling
A little further south in Oregon City, Trail Distilling carves their path as the first distillery in the first city west of the Rockies since Prohibition. The veteran-owned distillery’s signature First City Vodka and Trillium Gin are distilled from Oregon-grown grain. Native Oregonian Juniper balances their gin, and all ingredients are sourced within 25 miles of the still.
10. Oregon Spirit Distillers
Finally, head out to the high desert in Bend for pure grain-to-glass bliss at Oregon Spirit Distillers. The American Single Malt and C.W. Irwin Bourbon are must-tries. You’ll be impressed by their commitment to local farmers and sustainability.
There you have it – in the land of mountains, rivers, and world-class food, we shouldn’t forget our remarkable craft spirits. Make sure to savor the taste of the Oregon grain, fruit, and even the Cascade mountain water that goes from the pristine wilderness into your glass at these top-notch Oregon distilleries. Here’s to the spirit of Oregon – heartily distilled and must-definitely tasted!