Scenic landscapes, pure Cascade Mountain water, and a deep-rooted culture of innovation have made Central Oregon fertile ground for distillers. From Bend and Tumalo to Sisters and Redmond—and even reaching Madras—the region now proudly hosts a flourishing community of craft distilleries. Founded between 1996 and the present day, these producers reflect a remarkable blend of local ingredients, family-owned flair, and award-winning craftsmanship.
Bend & Tumalo: The Pioneer Hub
Crater Lake Spirits website
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Established 1996, Bend—moved operations to a picturesque Tumalo farm in 2010
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Central Oregon’s first micro-distillery, famed for 10x‑charcoal‑filtered vodka, Prohibition Gin, and nuanced rye whiskey made from locally grown grain
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Operates a tasting room, farm tours, pet-friendly “Yappy Hours,” and crafts special releases—like barrel-aged maple syrup and Green Chile Vodka
Oregon Spirit Distillers website
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Founded 2009, Bend—the first licensed whiskey distillery in Central Oregon
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Focused on whiskey aged 4+ years, plus gin, vodka, absinthe; ingredients include Cascade water and high‑desert grains
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Offers guided tours, tasting flights, cocktails on a scenic patio, and small-plate offerings
BackDrop Distilling website
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Founded 2015, Bend—a family-owned, small-batch distillery using a German copper still; recognized for vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and liqueurs
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Though there’s no public tour, their spirits appear in top Bend bars and restaurants
Forth Distilled Goods website
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A newer player in Bend, specializing in natural-ingredient canned cocktails—from whiskey smash to gin gimlet—sold at tasting room and bottle shops
Sisters, Redmond & Beyond
Cascade Street Distillery (Sisters) website
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Produces award-winning 5x-distilled potato vodka, smooth and gluten-free
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Visitors can taste flights and purchase bottles on-site
Gompers Distillery (Redmond) website
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Redmond’s first gin producer, led by a family with an inspiring history—from war-torn Europe to local artisan distilling
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Offers prohibition-themed tasting experiences, small-batch gin and vodka, and a cozy speakeasy ambiance
Madras / Beyond
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New Basin Distilling Company website in Madras crafts whiskey, gin, moonshine, mixed‑vinegars and more
Other nearby distilleries like Bendistillery (est. 1996), Stone Barn Distillery (Brothers), and Heritage Distilling (Oregon branch) also appear in statewide directories
What Makes Central Oregon Stand Out?
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Water & Grain – Many distillers praise Cascade Mountain water for its purity and use local rye/grain north of the Cascades—better suited to high desert than corn
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Regional Flavors – From juniper berries in gin to hatch chiles and hazelnut in flavored vodkas, these spirits reflect local terroir
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Micro-to-Midsize Operations – Most producers prioritize quality over quantity, offering on-site tasting rooms and storytelling tours—even if some don’t offer tours yet.
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Awards & Innovation – Crater Lake and Oregon Spirit regularly collect medals; Heritage Distilling has earned industry acclaim
Explore the Distillery Trail
Central Oregon supports immersive experiences such as the Oregon Distillery Trail, encouraging travelers to sample a range of creators—from Bend and Sisters to Madras
Central Oregon distillers blend local resources, family pride, and creative zeal—producing distinctive spirits from pure water and regional fruits, grains, and botanicals. Their small‑batch approach fosters quality, variety, and connection to place.
Whether you’re sampling Hatch‑Chile Vodka, sipping rye at sunset, or touring a juniper‑rich farmhouse in Tumalo, the Central Oregon spirit scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors—a celebration of the land and the people holding it dear.
Here’s to exploring the stills of Central Oregon—one small-batch pour at a time!
