I love exploring the local craft beverage scene, and Eugene, Oregon is a hidden gem for distillery enthusiasts. This charming city tucked away in the Pacific Northwest has some amazing spots to sample locally-made spirits.
Eugene’s distilleries offer unique tasting experiences with high-quality, small-batch spirits made from local ingredients. From smooth vodkas to complex whiskeys, there’s something for every palate.
I’ve visited many of the distilleries in Eugene and narrowed it down to my five favorites. Let me take you on a tour of Eugene’s craft spirits scene!
1. Thinking Tree Spirits
I recently visited Thinking Tree Spirits in Eugene and was blown away by their farm-to-flask approach. This women-led distillery takes pride in using Oregon-grown ingredients to create their unique spirits.
The tasting room has a cozy vibe that made me feel right at home. I loved sipping their handcrafted cocktails while relaxing on their covered and heated patio.
It’s a great spot to unwind with friends or family.
What really stood out to me was their commitment to bringing people together. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to strike up conversations with other visitors. I even got to chat with some locals who shared their favorite cocktail recipes.
Don’t miss the chance to try their spirits neat – they truly showcase the flavors of Oregon. I was impressed by how smooth and flavorful each sip was. The distillery also hosts food trucks, so you can grab a bite while enjoying your drinks.
Rating: 4.6 (90 reviews)
Location: 88 Jackson St, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 515-6993
Website: Visit Website
2. Heritage Distilling Company
I recently visited Heritage Distilling Company and was blown away by their amazing spirits. The tasting room has a warm, inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home.
I loved watching the production process from the mezzanine area. It’s a great spot to relax with friends and enjoy some drinks while getting a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their award-winning spirits.
The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable about their products. They gave me some great recommendations and even shared a few cocktail recipes to try at home.
If you’re planning an event, their mezzanine space is perfect for gatherings of all sizes. I saw it set up for a party and it looked amazing with plenty of room for mingling and enjoying drinks.
Rating: 4.7 (94 reviews)
Location: 110 Madison St, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 357-4431
Website: Visit Website
3. Fireside Distillers
I recently visited Fireside Distillers and was blown away by their commitment to organic spirits. This veteran-owned distillery started in 2013 and has been crafting amazing drinks ever since.
Their tasting room is a must-visit spot in Eugene. I tried their handmade whiskey, rum, gin, and brandy. The flavors were rich and unique, showing off the skill of their distillers.
What really impressed me was their zero-waste approach. They donate all their byproducts to local farms and nonprofits. It’s great to see a business that cares about the environment and the community.
Fireside has two main brands: Crescendo and Diamond Clear. Both are organic, which shows how much they care about quality. I loved the limited releases they had on-site – it felt like I was getting something truly special.
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)
Location: 4065 W 11th Ave Ste 47, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 799-0686
Website: Visit Website
4. Wolf Spirit Distillery
I recently visited Wolf Spirit Distillery and was blown away by their passion for crafting premium spirits. The moment I walked in, I could feel the energy and dedication of the team.
They’ve got a really cool vibe going on. The distillery has this independent, rebellious spirit that sets it apart from the bigger names in the industry. I love how they’re not afraid to try new things and push boundaries.
The tasting experience was top-notch. I sampled a few of their innovative products and was impressed by the quality and unique flavors. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable, sharing stories about their spirits and distilling process.
What really stuck with me was their commitment to authenticity. You can tell they’re not just making drinks, but creating experiences. It’s a great spot to visit if you want to taste something truly original and support a local business with a big vision.
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Location: 121 N Monroe St, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 505-9824
Website: Visit Website
5. Heritage Distilling Company
I recently visited Heritage Distilling Company in Eugene and was really impressed. It’s a cool spot with a modern, inviting tasting room. The staff were super friendly and knew their stuff about spirits.
I tried a few of their craft cocktails and they were tasty. The bartender mixed them up with care. My favorite was their signature vodka drink – smooth and refreshing.
They offer tours where you can see how they make their spirits. I learned a lot about the distilling process. It’s neat to see it all happening right there.
Heritage has a spirits club where you can get quarterly shipments sent to your home. Seems like a great way to try new things. I’m thinking about signing up myself.
Rating: 4.2 (15 reviews)
Location: 550 Pearl St Suite 150, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 632-6924
Website: Visit Website
History of Distilling in Eugene
Eugene’s distilling scene has grown from humble beginnings to become a thriving part of the local craft beverage industry. I’ve seen it change a lot over the years.
Early Beginnings
Eugene’s distilling history started small. In the early 2000s, a few brave souls began experimenting with spirits in their garages and basements. I remember hearing stories of these early pioneers trading tips and tricks.
By 2010, the first legal micro-distillery opened its doors in Eugene. It focused on vodka and gin made from local grains. This sparked interest in craft spirits around town.
More distilleries soon followed. They tried out new flavor combos and used Oregon fruits and herbs. I loved seeing the creativity on display as each place tried to stand out.
Modern Innovations
In recent years, Eugene’s distillers have really stepped up their game. Many have won awards for their unique spirits. I’m always excited to try their latest creations.
Some cool trends I’ve noticed:
- Barrel-aging in wine casks
- Using local botanicals like Douglas fir tips
- Making fruit brandy from Willamette Valley harvests
Distilleries have become fun spots to hang out too. Tasting rooms often host events with live music and food trucks. It’s great to see the community come together around these businesses.
Collaboration is big now. Distillers team up with breweries and wineries on special releases. This spirit of working together has helped put Eugene on the map as a craft beverage destination.
Distillation Process
The distillation process is key to making great spirits. It takes skill and care to turn raw ingredients into tasty drinks. Let’s look at how it’s done.
Raw Ingredients
I’ve seen firsthand that the best distillers in Eugene start with top-quality ingredients. They often use local grains like corn, wheat, and rye. Some also use fruits or botanicals for flavored spirits.
The type of ingredient affects the final taste. Corn makes a sweeter spirit, while rye adds spice. Water quality is crucial too. Eugene’s clean water is perfect for distilling.
Many distillers work with local farmers. This ensures fresh ingredients and supports the community. Some even grow their own crops to have full control over quality.
Fermentation Techniques
After choosing ingredients, fermentation is the next big step. I’ve learned it’s both an art and a science. Distillers add yeast to the mash of grains or fruits. The yeast eats the sugars and makes alcohol.
Temperature control is key during fermentation. Too hot or cold can affect the flavors. Most Eugene distillers use special tanks to keep things just right.
Time is another factor. Longer fermentation can create more complex flavors. But it needs careful watching to avoid off-tastes.
Some distillers use wild yeast for unique flavors. Others stick to tried-and-true strains. The choice depends on the style they’re going for.
Supporting Local Businesses
Eugene’s distilleries play a big role in our local economy. They create jobs and bring in tourists. Let’s look at how they help our community.
Community Impact
I’ve seen firsthand how our distilleries make Eugene a better place. They often team up with other local businesses.
This helps everyone grow together. Many distilleries use local grains and fruits in their drinks. This supports our farmers and orchards.
It’s great to see this teamwork in action. These businesses also give back to the community.
I’ve been to charity events hosted by distilleries. They raise money for good causes and bring people together. Distillery tours are popular with visitors.
This brings more people to Eugene. Tourists often shop and eat at other local spots too. Our distilleries create unique products that show off Eugene’s character.
When people buy these spirits elsewhere, it spreads the word about our city.
