I love exploring the local craft spirits scene when I travel, and Bend, Oregon is a great place to do just that. This small city in Central Oregon has become a hotspot for artisanal distilleries in recent years.
With its clear mountain water and commitment to using local ingredients, Bend offers some truly unique and tasty spirits.
If you’re looking to sample some of the best locally-made vodkas, gins, whiskeys, and other spirits, you’ll want to check out these 5 top distilleries in Bend. I’ve put together this list of my favorite spots to help you plan your tasting tour.
From award-winning vodkas to small-batch whiskeys, you’re sure to find something to please your palate at these Bend distilleries.
1. Crater Lake Spirits Distillery Tasting Room
I recently visited Crater Lake Spirits Distillery Tasting Room in Bend, and I was blown away by their handcrafted spirits.
The moment I walked in, I felt welcomed by the friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.
Their vodka is a standout, smooth and perfect for sipping or mixing. I tried their whiskey too, and it’s rich without being pretentious. It’s the kind of drink you’d enjoy with friends around a campfire.
What I love most about Crater Lake Spirits is their commitment to quality. They use real ingredients and traditional methods to create spirits that taste authentic. It’s clear they put a lot of love into every bottle.
The tasting room is a great spot to spend an afternoon. I sampled a few of their seasonal offerings, which were perfect for the chilly winter weather. If you’re in Bend and looking for a unique experience, this place is a must-visit.
Rating: 4.8 (139 reviews)
Location: 19330 Pinehurst Rd, Bend, OR 97703
Contact: (541) 318-0200
Website: Visit Website
2. BackDrop Distilling
I recently had the pleasure of visiting BackDrop Distilling, and I was blown away by their unique approach to spirits. As the first distillery inside a brewery in Oregon, they’ve created a one-of-a-kind experience that’s not to be missed.
The moment I walked in, I could feel the passion behind their craft. The custom-made German copper still is a sight to behold, and it’s clear that a lot of care goes into every bottle they produce.
I especially loved their vodka, which has a smooth, clean taste that’s perfect for sipping or mixing.
What really sets BackDrop apart is their commitment to creativity. They encourage everyone to “enter the spirit world” and create their own backdrop. This philosophy shines through in their cocktails, which are both inventive and delicious. I tried a few during my visit, and each one was better than the last.
If you’re looking for a truly special distillery experience in Bend, I can’t recommend BackDrop enough. Just remember, it’s for adults 21 and over only!
Rating: 5 (50 reviews)
Location: 70 SW Century Dr #100, Bend, OR 97702
Contact: (541) 728-0860
Website: Visit Website
3. Oregon Spirit Distillers
I had an amazing time at Oregon Spirit Distillers in Bend. This place really knows how to craft some top-notch spirits. When I walked in, the friendly staff made me feel right at home.
They offer a great variety of handcrafted spirits. I tried their whiskey and was blown away by its smooth flavor. The gin was also fantastic, with a unique blend of botanicals that really stood out.
The tasting room has a cozy, welcoming vibe. I loved chatting with the knowledgeable bartenders about their distilling process. They clearly take pride in their work and it shows in the quality of their products.
I highly recommend taking a tour if you visit. It’s fascinating to see how they make their spirits from start to finish. The attention to detail in every step of the process is impressive.
Rating: 4.7 (52 reviews)
Location: 740 NE 1st St, Bend, OR 97701
Contact: (541) 382-0002
Website: Visit Website
4. Gompers Distillery
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Gompers Distillery in Redmond, and it was a fantastic experience. This hidden gem is creating some truly exceptional spirits that are worth seeking out.
The tasting room has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home. I loved chatting with the friendly staff who were happy to share their knowledge about the distilling process.
Gompers is known for their unique gin, which has a smooth, complex flavor profile. I was impressed by the balanced blend of botanicals they use. They also offer other tasty spirits like vodka and liqueurs.
My favorite part was getting to sample their different products. The flavors were so good, I couldn’t resist buying a bottle to take home. If you’re in the Redmond area, Gompers Distillery is definitely worth a visit for any spirits lover.
Rating: 5 (10 reviews)
Location: 611 NE Jackpine Ct #8, Redmond, OR 97756
Contact: (541) 588-2825
Website: Visit Website
5. New Basin Distilling Company
I recently visited New Basin Distilling Company in Madras, and I was blown away by their craft spirits and mixing vinegars. The tasting room has a cozy, welcoming vibe that made me feel right at home.
Their cocktails are amazing! I tried a few made with their house spirits and mixing vinegars. The flavors were so unique and refreshing. They have 17 different vinegar flavors to choose from, which adds a fun twist to classic drinks.
The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. They gave me a tour of the distillery and explained their process. I loved learning about how they started as a group of friends who just wanted to make tasty spirits.
New Basin also has food carts on-site, so you can grab a bite while you sip. I enjoyed a delicious meal with my drinks. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening out with friends.
Rating: 4.9 (118 reviews)
Location: 2063 NW St Andrews Dr, Madras, OR 97741
Contact: (541) 980-4595
Website: Visit Website
History of Distilling in Bend
Bend’s distilling scene has a rich history that spans decades. I’ve seen it grow from humble beginnings to become a thriving industry that showcases our city’s innovative spirit and love for quality spirits.
Early Beginnings
I remember when Bend Distillery started in 1996. It was one of Oregon’s first micro-distilleries, paving the way for others to follow. At that time, craft distilling was a new concept in our area.
The founders used local ingredients and pure Cascade mountain water to create unique flavors. This approach set the standard for future distilleries in Bend.
In those early days, I saw a small but passionate community of distillers forming. They shared knowledge and supported each other’s growth.
Growth and Modern Developments
Over the years, I’ve watched Bend’s distilling scene explode with creativity. New distilleries like Oregon Spirit Distillers opened in 2009, adding to the diversity of spirits produced here.
More recently, BackDrop Distilling joined the scene in 2015. They’ve earned recognition for their award-winning vodka and gin.
I’ve noticed a trend towards using local ingredients and sustainable practices. Many distilleries now offer tours and tastings, making them popular attractions for both locals and tourists.
The growth has been impressive. We now have multiple certified distillers in Bend, each offering a unique range of spirits. It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come!
Unique Aspects of Bend Distilling Culture
Bend’s distilling scene is special. It uses local ingredients and focuses on being green. These things make the spirits here taste great and help the environment.
Local Ingredients
I love how Bend distilleries use stuff from nearby. Oregon Spirit Distillers gets grains grown in Oregon. They also use water from the Cascade mountains. This gives their drinks a taste you can’t find anywhere else.
Many distilleries here work with local farms. They get fresh fruits and herbs for their spirits. This helps the local economy and makes the drinks taste better.
I’ve noticed some places even forage for ingredients. They pick berries and plants from the wild. This adds unique flavors to their spirits.
Sustainable Practices
Bend distilleries care about the earth. I’ve seen many use green methods to make their spirits.
Some use solar power to run their stills. This cuts down on energy use. Others have systems to save water. They reuse it in different parts of the process.
Many distilleries compost their leftover grains. Local farms use this as feed or fertilizer. Nothing goes to waste.
I’ve also noticed some use bottles made from recycled glass. A few even have programs where you can bring back empty bottles. They clean and reuse them.
Tips for Visiting Distilleries in Bend
When visiting distilleries in Bend, I’ve found that timing and tour selection can make a big difference. I’ll share some insights to help you get the most out of your distillery experiences in this beautiful Oregon city.
Best Times to Visit
I’ve noticed that weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded at Bend’s distilleries. This can mean more personalized attention from staff and a relaxed atmosphere.
Many distilleries offer special events or tastings on weekends. If you’re looking for a livelier experience, I recommend checking their calendars.
Some distilleries, like Oregon Spirit Distillers, have seasonal offerings. I love visiting in fall when they often feature harvest-inspired spirits.
Winter visits can be cozy, with many distilleries offering warm cocktails. Summer is great for enjoying outdoor seating areas if available.
What to Look for in a Tour
I always check if the tour includes a tasting session.
It’s a great way to sample different spirits and learn about flavor profiles.
Look for tours that explain the distilling process.
I find it fascinating to see the equipment and learn about techniques.
I prefer tours led by knowledgeable staff who can answer questions about ingredients and production methods.
Some distilleries offer behind-the-scenes access.
These tours can provide unique insights into the craft.
Check if the tour includes information about the distillery’s history and its connection to Bend.
This adds a local flavor to the experience.
