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Hood River Distillers

Region
  • USA, Oregon
Awards
Website
Phone Number
Address

Cozy distillery tasting room with wooden bar and shelves.

Name: Hood River Distillers

Hood River Distillers Tasting Room Address: 304 Oak St Suite #3, Hood River, OR 97031

Hood River Distillers Tasting Outpost Address: 426 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Phone: +15417165276, +15035458906

Email: tastingroomhrd@hrdspirits.com, outpost@hrdspirits.com, hrdsales@hrdspirits.com

Website: https://www.hrdspirits.com/

History of Hood River Distillers

Origins and Growth

Hood River Distillers, rooted in Oregon since 1934, began its journey by making fruit wines and brandies from the excess apples and pears of the valley’s harvests.

Located along the Columbia River with the majestic Mt. Hood as a backdrop, the distillery has been at its current bottling facility in Hood River since 1969.

Over the years, it has expanded and upgraded several times, growing from a regional distributor to producing close to one million cases annually, distributed nationwide.

Big Gin Distillery

In 2016, Hood River Distillers expanded its family by acquiring the Big Gin Distillery in Seattle, Washington. Founded by Ben Capdevielle, a third-generation distiller, Big Gin was crafted with bartenders in mind.

Today, Head Distiller Alex Myers continues Ben’s legacy, producing unique expressions like Bourbon Barreled Big Gin and Peat Barreled Big Gin.

Clear Creek Distillery

Founded in 1985, Clear Creek Distillery joined Hood River Distillers in 2014. It was one of the first craft distilleries in the U.S., using local fruits and Mount Hood’s fresh water springs.

Head Distiller Caitlin Bartlemay leads the production of Clear Creek brandies and liqueurs, McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, Old Delicious Double Bourbon Barreled Apple Brandy, and Timberline Vodka.

Tasting Rooms

Hood River Distillers operates two tasting rooms. The Hood River location is open Thursday to Monday, while the Portland Outpost is open daily. These venues offer a chance to experience the distillery’s diverse range of spirits.

Awards Won by Hood River Distillers

Hood River Distillers has achieved recognition at the Bartender Spirits Awards, winning two gold medals in 2021. The awarded products were Bourbon Barreled Big Gin and Clear Creek Pear Brandy, each scoring 91 points.

Hood River Distillers Tour Information and Experience

Hood River Tasting Room

Located in the heart of Hood River, Oregon, the Hood River Distillers Tasting Room offers a unique and immersive experience for spirit enthusiasts.

Open from Thursday to Monday, 12 pm to 6 pm, the Tasting Room provides a cozy and intimate setting for visitors. Here, guests can enjoy a curated flight of signature offerings, showcasing the diversity and quality of Hood River Distillers’ portfolio.

The knowledgeable staff guide visitors through the tasting experience, highlighting the unique characteristics of each spirit.

The Tasting Room also features exclusive releases, mini cocktails, and a selection of merchandise and mixers, perfect for those looking to explore new flavors or take a piece of the experience home.

Portland Tasting Outpost

For those in the city, the Portland Tasting Outpost, located within the Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Downtown Portland, is open daily from 1 pm to 7 pm.

This outpost captures the spirit and natural beauty of the Hood River area, with a counter bar, table, and shelves crafted from local wood.

The Outpost offers thoughtfully curated tasting flights and select bottles for purchase, including exclusive releases.

It’s an ideal spot for those wanting to experience the essence of Hood River Distillers without leaving the city.

Flask & Barrel Review of Hood River Distillers

I recently swung by Hood River Distillers, and let me tell you, it was a pretty awesome experience. As a whiskey collector who’s seen a fair share of distilleries, I rate this place a solid 4.7 out of 5.

The vibe in their Hood River Tasting Room was just spot on – cozy, intimate, and with a staff that really knows their stuff. Tasting their diverse range of spirits was like a mini adventure for my taste buds.

The exclusive releases and mini cocktails were a nice touch, adding that extra bit of excitement to the visit. And the merch? Definitely some cool stuff to take home. The Portland Outpost was equally impressive, especially with its urban feel and locally crafted decor. It’s a neat little gem in the city.

The only thing that held me back from a full 5-star rating was I wished they’d gone a bit deeper into the distilling process during the tastings. As a collector, I’m all about those details.

But overall, Hood River Distillers nailed it with their unique offerings and chill atmosphere. Definitely a must-visit for any spirit enthusiast out there!

What To Do Nearby Hood River Distillers

  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Just a short drive away, this area offers stunning views and numerous outdoor activities including hiking, sightseeing, and photography opportunities. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts​​.
  • Wind Surfing in Hood River: Hood River is known as the wind surfing capital of the world. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can enjoy wind surfing in the scenic Columbia River. Lessons and gear rentals are available if you’re new to the sport​​.
  • Historic District and Window Shopping: The Downtown Historic District in Hood River, centered on Oak Street, is perfect for window shopping, with a variety of boutiques, outdoor gear shops, antique stores, and art galleries​​.
  • Lavender Farms: Hood River is home to beautiful lavender farms, where you can enjoy the serene environment and pick your own lavender bouquets. These farms also sell a range of lavender products like soaps, candles, and edible treats​​.
  • Hood River Fruit Loop: This 35-mile scenic drive through orchard country includes farm stands, wineries, cideries, breweries, and flower fields, offering a delightful experience for visitors who enjoy picking fresh fruits and exploring local produce​​.
  • Wineries and Breweries: Hood River is teeming with award-winning wineries and breweries. Spending a slow afternoon at a winery or going brewery hopping can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, especially after a day of outdoor activities​​.
  • Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum: For history and vehicle enthusiasts, this museum is full of fully restored propeller-driven airplanes and drivable cars from different eras​​.
  • Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Wine Tours: There are various tours available that combine the scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls with wine tastings at local vineyards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Hood River Distillers?

  • 3 Rivers Grill: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 601 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15413868883. 
  • Riverside: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1108 E Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15413864410. 
  • Lake Taco: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 606 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15413862276.

What hotels are near Hood River Distillers?

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Hood River: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1 Nichols Pkwy, Hood River, OR 97031.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15414361600. 
  • Hood River Hotel: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 102 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15413861900. 
  • Best Western Plus Hood River Inn: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1108 E Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15413862200.