Oregon Spirit Distillers

The largest whiskey barrel inventory in the state of Oregon !

Oregon Spirit Distillers is a family operated distillery located in Bend, Central Oregon. It was founded in 2009 by Brad Irwin. The first product was released in 2010. He started distilling because of his passion and curiosity for Whiskey and more generally for the great Spirits world.

Oregon Spirit Distillers is focused on using the best quality Oregon grown grains, using the best possible Oregon water and the a passion for excellence to produce great spirits. « We are proud to have the largest whiskey barrel inventory in the state of Oregon. »

They produce : Oregon Spirit Bourbon, Oregon Spirit Wheat Whiskey, Oregon Spirit Rye Whiskey, Merrylegs Genever, Scribbles Dry Gin and Wild Card Absinthe. « Our total whiskey production this year will be 240 barrels… It’s 95% of our total production.»

Why did you make the choice to create a distillery in Bend ?

Bend, Oregon is a beautiful place to live, work and play… and make whiskey. In Central Oregon we have access to fantastic grains and great quality of water.Those are the most important resources for making excellent whiskey.

Why do you make spirits ? Why this choice ?

I love making Whiskey. It took me years of my life to discover the thing that I am truly passionate about and that is making whiskey.

What is your signature/print?

Making great American whiskey is about finding the perfect balance of grain and wood.You need the grain to provide flavor and body.You need the oak to mellow the flavor and provide balance.This is the signature flavor of Oregon Spirit

Distillers.

What does Bourbon represent to you ?

Making Bourbon is looking for the perfect balance between grain and wood. Neither should be too strong. Both should compliment each other. Likewise the grains should be in harmony to produce a long and interesting finish. Corn should be prevalent but not dominant.

If you have to describe your passion for spirits making in 3 words?

Pursuit of Excellence.

Do you have any future plan ?

We are in the process of increasing our whiskey production from 240 barrels per year to 800. This is a large jump in production. It includes extra shifts for our employees, more grain requirements and extra storage for barrels.

(Thank you to Brad Irwin, owner)