Cascade Alchemy Distillery
«You might call our story the Central Oregon Dream»
To talk about Cascade Alchemy is to speak about a great friends story! The distillery was created in 2012 by Tyler Fradet. He was quickly joined by Joe Hale and after by James Hale (Joe’s brother). The distillery is located in Bend, in Central Oregon.
In January 2013 they launched their first products: Vodka, Apple Pie and Barley Shine. «However it’s was just a few cases in the beginning…». Currently they produce annually arount 1200/1800 cases divided 6 kind of spirits, 8 products.
Even if the dynamic and touristic city of Bend is more know in the United-States for beer there is a great potentiel for spirits. This new industry is growing every year.
So, Let’s go to meet Tyler and Joe!
Where does the Cascade Alchemy Distillery name come from?
Cascade comes from the mountain range we live near and Alchemy is because we are turning common elements into liquid gold.
Why did you make the choice to create a distillery there? First of all, we love Bend ! We grew up here. Both Joe and I (Tyler Fradet) where looking for a change in career and had experience in distilling.The quality of the water is amazing, it’s pure directly from the mountain. It’s also really easy to find high quality grain around Bend.
Why do you make spirits? why this choice?
It’s true that Bend is more known for beer but we are spirits people. We really have an affinity for the exciting diversity of spirits world.We like to bring quality options with unique flavor profiles at an affordable price.We chose to do our part in our region. Juniper berrys grow right outside our distillery.We want to help bring the regular person into the world of craft spirits.To sum up I would say we make spirits because we love them !
What allows us to recognize your Bourbon and your Gin in blind tasting?
The bourbon is very approachable, rich in vanilla and caramels and very well balanced. It is more oaky, more smoky more spicy then others in this area. It’s more close to a Scotch style than a Bourbon strength style …may be because we are Scotch fans.
Concerning our Gin it’s fresh and light.It has a very floral, Juniper berries note and a clean cucumber note.We also produce a barrel aged Gin…
If you have to describe the distillery, the spirit of this place in just a few words?
Fun, creative, consistency and classic. If I can add words I would like to say ; unique, and smooth.
Do you have future plans ?
Continued growth, find new markets : States and county. One of our plans is also to bring out more whiskey varieties such as Rey, light American, moon shine… We do have some plans to produce some American Whiskey may be finish in Pinot Noir barrel.
We also really would like to produce limited releases, different finishes and a white whiskey.
«Please don’t forget that Life is too short for cheap spirits.»
(Thank you to Tyler Fradet & Joe Hale)