If there were a poll for Oregon’s craft beverage of choice, we’d probably see a photo finish between beer and wine. Spirits? They’re closing the gap — but for now, they’re still chasing from third.
We’ll always champion local first. Places like Freeland Spirits, Bull Run Distilling Co., and New Deal Distillery are doing thoughtful, creative work right here at home. If you’re building a post-race bar cart (or just a Friday night wind-down ritual), those are easy first stops.
But just like we occasionally toe the line outside our hometown, we also wanted to highlight a few standout options from national distilleries — bottles that bring craftsmanship, character, and maybe even a little “celebrate-the-long-run” energy to your next pour.
Still Austin
Still Austin Whiskey Co. hails from the Portland of Texas — Austin (duh, it’s in the name). I’ve been to Austin three times now, and each trip I discover another great place to run. I’ve also been to… checks notes …28 Austin breweries. I kind of stunned myself there. Clearly, it’s time to pivot to distilleries next trip — and this one should be at the top of my list.
Still Austin is the first true grain-to-glass distillery to open in Austin since the end of Prohibition. That alone is impressive. What makes it even more “Oregon-coded” is the sustainability angle. Every spirit is handcrafted using grains grown by Texas farmers focused on cutting carbon emissions. Spent grains go back to local ranchers to feed livestock. The distillery itself was designed with energy efficiency and water conservation in mind. Craft with conscience? We’re in.
Their focus is whiskey and bourbon — not typically what I reach for — but they do offer a gin (which is my lane).
American Gin (“The Naturalist”) is made in small batches from unaged rye whiskey and botanicals, delivering balanced notes of juniper, coriander seed, cinnamon, citrus peel, elderflower, and allspice. It’s bright without being sharp, layered without being fussy — the kind of bottle that works equally well in a simple G&T or something more adventurous. I’ve started adding to my negroni’s and it brings a bit more to the classic.
Then there’s Straight Rye Whiskey (“The Artist”) and Straight Bourbon Whiskey (“The Musician”), two of their award-winning staples. I’ll admit — I’m not great at pulling out tasting notes in brown spirits. But even as someone who doesn’t regularly reach for whiskey, it was obvious why these have earned hardware. They’re smooth and approachable – way better than cheap mass produced options I have tried (and disliked) before.
Maybe that’s the throughline here — thoughtful craft.
Wyoming Whiskey
Speaking of whiskey, another solid option comes out of tiny Kirby, Wyoming — population 76. Yep, 76.
That’s where Wyoming Whiskey is made. And weirdly enough, I’ve spent time near (though not technically in) Kirby — passing through spots like Thermopolis and Cody. Tennessee and Texas may call themselves whiskey giants, but if you’ve ever seen Central Wyoming — wide open spaces, rugged terrain, dramatic temperature swings — it just feels like whiskey country.
In a town that small, in one of the more rural expanses in the country, surrounded by that kind of landscape, you know there’s heart and soul behind the product.
The founders’ Wyoming roots stretch back more than 130 years. Fourth-generation ranchers, they were looking to diversify their cattle business when the idea for Wyoming Whiskey was born. By 2006, they became the first legal distillery in the state — a pretty remarkable milestone for a place better known for cattle and mountains than mash bills.
We were sent a few expressions to check out:
- Small Batch: Their original flagship bourbon — smooth, rich, and easy to sip neat or drop into a cocktail.
- Outryder: A Straight American Whiskey that blends bourbon and rye mash bills. It leans a little spicier, a little more adventurous perhaps.
- Double Cask: A sherry cask–finished bourbon with notes of vanilla, candied orange peel, and warm baking spices (according to WW at least). However, as one who is easing into brown spirits, this one wasn’t overpowering.
There’s something about whiskey made in a place that experiences real winters, real wind, and real isolation. Maybe it’s romanticizing it a bit — but knowing the landscape and the legacy behind Wyoming Whiskey makes each pour feel just a little more earned.
