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Drink Like a Local at the Best Craft Distilleries in Portland
It’s Friday night, you’ve just wrapped up the workweek, and the weekend’s calling your name. Instead of heading straight home, why not treat yourself to a night of expertly crafted spirits?
Even if you’re into fruity brandies made from regional ingredients or smooth gins with local botanicals, Portland’s craft distilleries have something for every palate. So grab your glass and get ready to explore some of the city’s coolest and most flavorful spots.
1. Freeland Spirits
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Website: https://freelandspirits.com/
Address: 2671 NW Vaughn St
Contact: (971) 279-5692
Operating hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday -Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
Freeland Spirits is a must-visit for gin and whiskey lovers. Known for its award-winning creations, this distillery shines with its Blue Gin—a London Dry-style gin infused with juniper, lemon verbena, and clove.
Their Freeland Bourbon is no slouch either, scoring an impressive 94 points from Wine Enthusiast. It’s a top pick for bourbon fans in and out of the city.
They also dish out pairing tips, like sipping their Blue Gin alongside grilled shrimp skewers or a fresh arugula salad to highlight its herbal, citrusy vibes.
Pro tip: Be sure to ask about their seasonal cocktails! The in-house mixologists whip up creative drinks using fresh, local ingredients that really show off the spirits’ unique flavors.
2. New Deal Distillery
Media credits: newdealpdx
Website: https://newdealdistillery.com/
Address: 900 SE Salmon Street
Contact: (503) 234-2513
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Price: $
New Deal Distillery has been a big part of Portland’s craft spirit scene since 2004. They focus on making small-batch spirits with local ingredients, like Bull Run water and natural, organic components when they can.
Some of their most well-known drinks include Hot Monkey Vodka, which has a smooth texture and a bold flavor. Another favorite is their Ginger Liqueur, a go-to for mixing into cocktails.
If you’re thinking about food pairings, lighter dishes like seafood or Asian-inspired meals work well. Ginger liqueur, in particular, is a nice match for those kinds of dishes as it highlights savory flavors.
Pro tip: New Deal offers cocktail syrups that you might like to take home. They’re great for whipping up unique and flavorful cocktails without much fuss.
3. Westward Whiskey
Media credits: westwardwhiskey
Website: https://westwardwhiskey.com/
Address: 65 SE Washington St
Contact: (503) 235-3174
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday – Wednesday: Closed
Price: $
If you’re a fan of great whiskey, you’ve got to check out Westward Whiskey. They handcraft American single malt and are influenced by the city’s rich brewing history.
They use local two-row malted barley from the Pacific Northwest, which gives their whiskey a unique twist. Their flagship, Westward American Single Malt, is packed with bold flavors.
If you’re after something with a bit more kick, the Cask Strength version will hit the spot.
And if you’re into special editions, try the Stout Cask Finish – it’s aged in barrels that held local stouts. It has a deep, layered flavor that pairs perfectly with dark chocolate or grilled meats.
Pro tip: Their whiskey also pairs excellently with charcuterie boards. The contrasting flavors of cured meats and cheeses complement the whiskey’s rich notes, particularly when enjoyed neat or with a drop of water.
4. Aviation American Gin
Media credits: aviationgin
Website: https://www.aviationgin.com/
Address: 2075 NW Wilson St
Contact: (503) 946-1539
Operating hours:
- Thursday, Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Monday – Wednesday, Friday: Closed
Price: $
Aviation American Gin is an apparent frontrunner in the craft distillery industry.
Among its popular offerings is its signature crafted gin which is made with a mix of spices and botanicals like cardamom, coriander, and French lavender. It also has hints of juniper and two kinds of orange peel.
If you’re into cocktails, their Grapefruit Collins has a bold citrus punch. Another great pick is the Flora Dora version, which brings out the floral notes of the gin.
And for food? You can drink the Aviation American Gin with a seafood dish that brings out the gin’s herbal flavors.
Pro tip: Since the place is popular, especially on weekends, it’s a good idea to book your tour or tasting ahead of time to lock in a spot in one of the small groups (they’re capped at 12 people).
5. Straightaway Cocktails
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Website: https://straightawaycocktails.com/
Address: 901 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Contact: (971) 255-1627
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday, Thursday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Price: $
Straightaway Cocktails is another key player in the craft brewery. They like to use locally sourced ingredients to make top-notch pre-mixed cocktails. They also brew their own bitters and squeeze fresh lemons and limes for each drink.
A couple of their fan-fave cocktails? The Oregon Old Fashioned mixes Tennessee Rye Whiskey with housemade simple syrup and bitters made from filberts and fir trees. There’s also the Lintik, a crisp gin infusion with lemon and their signature bitters.
When it comes to food pairings, folks love munching on hazelnuts with their Old Fashioned or snacking on ginger popcorn with a Cosmo.
Pro tip: You won’t find full-sized cocktails at the tasting room, but the smaller platters and mix of pairings make for a fun experience.
6. The Aimsir Distilling Co.
Media credits: aimsirdistilling
Website: https://aimsirdistilling.com/
Address: 2117 NE Oregon St Suite 202
Contact: (971) 213-1085
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Aimsir Distilling Co. is all about that small-batch, locally sourced spirit magic.
They team up with local businesses, like Junior’s Roasted Coffee, to infuse their signature Cold Brew Bourbon with cold brew coffee instead of water, giving a smooth, toasty kick that’s totally different from your typical bourbon.
Their flagship Aimsir Straight Bourbon sticks to the classic bourbon recipe. It has won awards, including Best of Category, at the 2022 American Distilling Institute competition.
Aimsir’s Cold Brew Bourbon is a hit, not just for sipping straight, but it’s also a fan favorite for cocktails and pairs perfectly with chocolate or coffee-based desserts.
Pro tip: Check out Aimsir’s proof series and barrel series flights to try bourbons at different proof levels or from different barrels. It’s a fun way to dive into the unique flavors and complexity of their spirits.
7. Stone Barn Brandyworks
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Website: https://www.stonebarnbrandyworks.com/
Address: 3315 SE 19th, Suite B
Contact: (503) 341-2227
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Price: $
Stone Barn Brandyworks is a super chill craft distillery that produces small-batch fruit brandies and liqueurs.
They’re especially known for their Apricot Liqueur, which brings out the sweet, floral notes of local apricots. Another standout is their Nocino, a liqueur made from green walnuts that packs a seriously unique flavor.
If you’re into pears, their Pear Brandy is a must-try. It’s made with fruit from Hood River orchards.
And for whiskey lovers, their Dark Roast Rye delivers a rich and bold flavor that’ll hit the spot.
Pro tip: Start off with something light like the Apricot Liqueur, then work your way to the richer stuff, like the Dark Roast Rye, to really get the full range of flavors.
8. 503 Distilling
Media credits: 503distilling
Website: https://503distilling.com/
Address: 4784 SE 17th Ave Suite 150
Contact: (503) 975-5669
Operating hours:
- Thursday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
Price: $
503 Distilling crafts unique canned cocktails that really highlight the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
Using locally sourced ingredients that showcase the region’s agricultural roots, they’ve created some standout drinks like the Five-0-Tea and Huckleberry Lemonade.
They also take pairing seriously, especially when it comes to food. Swing by their cocktail lounge, where you can munch on awesome Indian street food from Chaat Wallah, perfectly paired with their bold, flavorful cocktails.
Pro tip: Join a tasting session at the distillery to dive into the flavors of their cocktails and get the inside scoop on the distilling process from the friendly staff.
9. Bird Creek Distillery
Media credits: birdcreekwhiskey
Website: https://birdcreekwhiskey.com/
Address: 815 SE Oak St Suite B
Contact: birdcreekwhiskey.com
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
Price: $
Bird Creek Distillery is making a name for itself in the craft whiskey world, especially with its focus on American single malts. What sets them apart is their use of rare, heritage barley varieties sourced right from the Pacific Northwest.
They’ve got some killer whiskeys like the Baronesse, Full Pint, and Purple Egyptian. The Baronesse is made from a German-style barley and gives off vibes of warm bread and earthy goodness—a nod to the local landscape.
Then there’s the Purple Egyptian, which has a unique mix of brown bread, dulce de leche, and even a hint of strawberry. It’s pretty wild how much flavor these heritage grains can pack into each bottle.
Pro tip: Make a point to visit their tasting room, where you can sample limited editions and enjoy a curated selection of their whiskeys, often available only on-site.
10. Bull Run Distilling Co.
Media credits: bullrundistillery
Website: https://www.bullrundistillery.com/
Address: 2259 NW Quimby St
Contact: (503) 224-3483
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Price: $
Bull Run Distilling Co. knows how to make spirits stand out, and part of that magic comes from the pure water they get straight from the Bull Run Watershed. That water gives their drinks a smooth, creamy feel and brings out some pretty unique flavors.
They’ve got vodka to aquavit to bourbon, all reflecting the rich flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
One standout is their Medoyeff Vodka, which is gluten-free and made from 100% corn. It’s smooth and herbal, and a special filtration process gives it a creamy texture.
For something a little different, their Medoyeff Starka Vodka is aged in Pinot Noir barrels for 1.5 years. This gives it a cool mix of creamy flavors with hints of vanilla and fruit, perfect for cocktails.
And if you’re into bourbon, their barrel-strength, high-rye variety packs bold flavors and a bit of extra bite. It’s ideal for sipping neat or mixing into classics like an Old Fashioned.
Pro tip: Ask about their experimental barrel finishes! Bull Run often experiments with different wood types, including French Oak, which can add unique flavors to their spirits.
