Bend Distilleries
Bend, Oregon, is renowned for its vibrant craft distillery scene, offering a diverse array of spirits that reflect the region's unique character. Here's an exploration of some of Bend's notable distilleries:
Oregon Spirit Distillers
Established in 2009, Oregon Spirit Distillers is dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted spirits that embody the essence of Oregon. Their commitment to using locally sourced grains and pure Cascade mountain water ensures a distinctive flavor profile in each bottle.
Signature Spirits: Their portfolio includes award-winning whiskeys, such as the Oregon Spirit Straight American Bourbon and the Oregon Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey. They also offer a selection of vodka, gin, and absinthe.
Tasting Room: Located at 740 NE First Street in Bend, the tasting room provides an inviting space to sample their spirits. Visitors can enjoy flights, individual pours, and handcrafted cocktails, all complemented by light fare. Distillery tours are available by reservation, offering insights into their production process.
BackDrop Distilling
BackDrop Distilling entered the spirit world in 2015, becoming the first distillery to be housed within a brewery in Oregon, specifically GoodLife Brewing. This unique collaboration allows them to craft spirits with a distinctive character.
Signature Spirits: Their flagship product, BackDrop Vodka, has garnered international acclaim, earning double gold, silver, and bronze medals. The vodka is celebrated for its smoothness and versatility in cocktails.
Philosophy: Founder Mark Plants invites enthusiasts to "Unleash the Spirits," encouraging a pursuit of passion and creativity in the world of craft distilling.
Forth Distilled Goods
Forth Distilled Goods is committed to producing quality spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails using all-natural ingredients. Their focus on flavor and convenience makes their products a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Signature Products: Their canned cocktails, such as the Smash Bourbon Whiskey with Lemon & Mint, Gimlet 100% Gin with Lime & Cucumber, and Daiquiri Caribbean Rum with Lime & Pineapple, are crafted with care and attention to detail.
Tasting Room: Visitors can enjoy their offerings in a relaxed setting, with options for to-go cocktails and merchandise available for purchase.
Crater Lake Spirits Distillery
Founded in 1996, Crater Lake Spirits has been a pioneer in the craft distilling movement in Oregon. They pride themselves on using pure Cascade Mountain water and locally sourced ingredients to create their spirits.
Signature Spirits: Their lineup includes Crater Lake Vodka, Crater Lake Gin, and a variety of whiskeys. They also offer unique infusions, such as their Hatch Green Chile Vodka.
Tasting Room: Located at 19330 Pinehurst Road in Bend, the distillery offers tastings and tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at their production process. The tasting room is open daily, with private tastings available by appointment.
Bend's distilleries offer a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, each contributing uniquely to the city's renowned craft beverage culture. Whether you're a seasoned spirits enthusiast or a curious newcomer, exploring these distilleries provides a delightful journey through Bend's artisanal landscape.
The Craft of Distilling in Bend
Bend’s distilleries go beyond producing high-quality spirits—they craft an experience that tells a story. Each distillery weaves together local ingredients, time-honored techniques, and innovative methods to create products that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can immerse themselves in the process through distillery tours, hands-on workshops, and exclusive tastings that delve into the artistry behind their favorite spirits.
Whether you're savoring the bold complexity of a whiskey aged in locally sourced oak barrels or exploring unique vodka infusions inspired by Oregon’s natural bounty, the craftsmanship is evident in every sip. Bend’s distilleries aren’t just places to enjoy a drink—they’re destinations for discovering the passion and creativity of the people behind the bottles.
Why Distillery Tours Are a Must-Do Experience
Distillery tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of craft spirits, making them a fun and educational activity for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just curious about how your favorite vodka is made, these tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and science of distilling. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your Bend itinerary:
Discover the Art and Science of Distilling
Learn how grains, botanicals, and other ingredients are transformed into high-quality spirits through fermentation, distillation, and aging.
See state-of-the-art equipment in action, from towering copper stills to oak barrels used for aging whiskey and other spirits.
Gain insight into the craftsmanship involved, including how subtle changes in technique and ingredients create distinct flavor profiles.
Taste the Difference
Enjoy guided tastings that allow you to explore the nuanced flavors of small-batch spirits.
Try exclusive, limited-edition releases often available only at the distillery.
Compare different spirit styles, like vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum, while learning what makes each one unique.
Meet the Makers
Interact with the passionate distillers and staff who are happy to share their knowledge and stories.
Hear about the inspiration behind their recipes, as well as their commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients.
Engage in Unique Experiences
Many distilleries offer more than just tours and tastings. You might find:
Mixology workshops where you can learn to craft cocktails.
Bottling experiences where you can label and take home your own bottle of spirits.
Seasonal events featuring live music, food pairings, and community gatherings.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Distillery tours are ideal for everything from solo explorations to group outings. They’re perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just enjoying a relaxing day in Bend.
Most tours are welcoming to beginners, so you don’t need any prior knowledge of spirits to have a great time.