Whiskey Rebellion THESE HOMEGROWN DISTILLERS ARE MAKING OREGON A LIBATION DESTINATION written by Eric Flowers photography by Emily Joan Greene
THERE ARE MANY reasons why Oregon’s craft distilleries should be struggling. The industry is highly regulated, sales taxes are sky-high, distribution is a challenge, and competition from cheap imports and large-scale domestic producers is stiff. Yet Oregon’s small-batch spirit makers are thriving. Dozens of new distilleries have opened their doors in the past decade, bringing handcrafted local spirits to nearly every corner of the state. Like their predecessors in the wine and beer industries, small-batch distillers
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place a premium on quality over quantity, providing consumers with a handcrafted product that emphasizes experimentation. These spirits also reflect and embody the regions where they are produced, showcasing the flavors and textures of our diverse state. From Hermiston watermelon-infused vodka to heirloom rye whiskey in Madras, distillers are capturing the essence of Oregon and distilling it down for your sipping pleasure. Here’s a look at three producers taking the spirits business boldly into the next decade.
