Bend Distilleries
Updated 1/24/25
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.
Exploring the World of Alcohol at Bend Distilleries
Bend’s distillery scene is as diverse as the flavors you’ll encounter. Whether you’re a fan of smoky scotch, smooth whiskey, or adventurous mezcal, there’s something to excite every palate. Here’s a breakdown of some popular types of alcohol you’ll find at Bend’s best distilleries, and what makes each unique.
Scotch
Scotch is a type of whisky made exclusively in Scotland, but its influence is felt far and wide—even in Bend. Known for its distinct smoky flavor, which often comes from drying malted barley over peat fires, scotch delivers a complex tasting experience.
Key Characteristics: Scotch is typically aged in oak barrels, giving it rich notes of caramel, toffee, and sometimes vanilla. Its flavor profiles can range from light and floral to deep and peaty.
How It’s Enjoyed: Traditionally sipped neat or with a splash of water to unlock its aromas, but scotch-based cocktails like the Rob Roy are also popular.
Local Twist: Many Bend distilleries experiment with scotch-inspired techniques, aging their spirits in barrels to replicate the rich, smoky flavors scotch lovers crave.
Whiskey
Whiskey is a broad category encompassing spirits made from grain mash, including bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey. Each variety has its own rules, flavor profile, and loyal fan base.
Key Characteristics: Smooth, warming, and often sweet with hints of oak, spice, and vanilla. Bourbon, for example, is known for its caramelized flavors due to aging in charred oak barrels.
How It’s Enjoyed: Whiskey is versatile, enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
Local Twist: Bend distilleries craft small-batch whiskeys, often experimenting with local grains, unique barrel finishes, or unusual aging environments to create something truly special.
Mezcal
Mezcal is a smoky, complex spirit made from agave plants, primarily in Mexico. While tequila is a type of mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila—and its bold, earthy flavors make it stand out.
Key Characteristics: Mezcal is often described as smoky and earthy, with hints of citrus, herbs, and sometimes tropical fruits. Its flavor is influenced by the type of agave used and the traditional cooking methods.
How It’s Enjoyed: Sip it neat to appreciate its complexity or mix it into cocktails like the Mezcal Margarita or Oaxaca Old Fashioned.
Local Twist: Bend distilleries are starting to embrace mezcal’s unique qualities by creating agave-inspired spirits or incorporating mezcal into inventive cocktail menus.
Vodka
Vodka is a versatile spirit that serves as the base for countless cocktails. Known for its clean, neutral flavor, vodka is a staple in every bar and distillery lineup.
Key Characteristics: Vodka’s purity allows subtle notes from its base ingredients—like potatoes, wheat, or corn—to shine through. It’s often smooth and light.
How It’s Enjoyed: Perfect in classics like the Martini, Moscow Mule, or Bloody Mary, but it’s also a popular choice for simple soda-based mixers.
Local Twist: Many Bend distilleries infuse vodka with unique flavors like local fruits, herbs, or spices, giving it a distinctly Oregonian flair.
Gin
Gin’s defining feature is its infusion of botanicals, with juniper being the dominant flavor. It’s aromatic, refreshing, and a favorite for cocktail enthusiasts.
Key Characteristics: Juniper-forward with notes of citrus, spices, and herbs, gin can range from bright and zesty to earthy and floral.
How It’s Enjoyed: Classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Negroni, or French 75 showcase gin’s versatility.
Local Twist: Bend distilleries often highlight regional botanicals like lavender, sage, or wild berries in their gin recipes, making each bottle a reflection of the local landscape.
Rum
Rum is a sweet, tropical spirit distilled from sugarcane or molasses, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to your glass. Bend’s take on rum incorporates local flavors and innovative techniques.
Key Characteristics: Sweet and rich with notes of caramel, vanilla, and tropical fruits. Dark rum often features spiced or toasty flavors.
How It’s Enjoyed: Rum shines in tropical cocktails like the Mojito or Mai Tai, but it’s also great for sipping neat or over ice.
Local Twist: Some Bend distilleries are experimenting with aging rum in Oregon oak barrels, infusing it with a distinctive Northwest character.
Tequila
Tequila, a type of mezcal, is made exclusively from blue agave in specific regions of Mexico. It’s a favorite for its bright, bold flavors and versatility in cocktails.
Key Characteristics: Crisp and herbaceous, with flavors of citrus, agave, and sometimes a hint of pepper. Aged tequilas like reposado or añejo add notes of caramel and vanilla.
How It’s Enjoyed: Great in Margaritas or Palomas, but high-quality tequilas are best appreciated neat or with a slice of lime.
Local Twist: Bend distilleries pay homage to tequila by crafting agave-based spirits and pairing them with locally inspired mixers.
Brandy
Brandy is distilled from wine or fermented fruit juices, offering a rich, aromatic drinking experience. It’s a spirit steeped in tradition, often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.
Key Characteristics: Warm and fruity, with flavors of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes caramel or oak.
How It’s Enjoyed: Sipped neat in a snifter, or as part of cocktails like the Sidecar or Brandy Alexander.
Local Twist: Bend’s distilleries experiment with locally sourced fruits like pears and apples to create brandies that celebrate Oregon’s agricultural bounty.