House Spirits Distillery

History of House Spirits Distillery

House Spirits Distillery, a respected name in the American craft distilling scene, boasts a rich history of innovation and a commitment to quality spirits. Here’s a glimpse into their journey:

Humble Beginnings in Corvallis (2004)

Founded in 2004 by Christian Krogstad, a man with a passion for beverages, House Spirits Distillery first set up shop in Corvallis, Oregon.
Krogstad, with a background in brewing and winemaking, brought his enthusiasm for flavor and experimentation to the world of spirits.

Portland Calling and the Rise of Aviation Gin (2005-2012)

In 2005, House Spirits Distillery made the move to Portland, Oregon. This relocation placed them at the heart of a burgeoning craft distilling movement.
The distillery quickly gained recognition for its spirits, particularly Aviation American Gin, launched in collaboration with bartender Ryan Magarian in 2006.
Aviation Gin skyrocketed in popularity, becoming House Spirits’ flagship brand and comprising a significant portion of their production by 2012.

Expansion and Evolving Identity (2013-Present)

Recognizing the growing demand for their spirits, House Spirits Distillery made a significant investment in 2015.
They opened a new, state-of-the-art facility on Portland’s Distillery Row, expanding their production capacity and showcasing their commitment to the craft.
This expansion allowed them to focus on more than just gin. House Spirits Distillery began to increase production of their Westward Oregon Straight Malt Whiskey, a testament to their diverse spirit offerings.
Notably, in 2016, House Spirits sold their highly successful Aviation Gin brand to Davos Brands while continuing to be the sole distiller for the gin. This move allowed them to focus on expanding their core range of spirits.

House Spirits Distillery Today

Today, House Spirits Distillery remains a leading craft distiller in the Pacific Northwest.
Their portfolio includes award-winning spirits like Westward Whiskey, Volstead Vodka, and Krogstad Aquavit, alongside a variety of seasonal and experimental releases.
Their distillery on Distillery Row offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the passion and dedication that goes into creating their unique spirits.

While information on specific awards they’ve won is limited, House Spirits Distillery’s reputation for quality and innovation speaks volumes. They continue to be a major player in the craft distilling scene, constantly evolving and offering new expressions of spirits for discerning drinkers.

Awards Won by House Spirits Distillery

Westward American Single Malt Whiskey

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: This whiskey has garnered multiple medals, showcasing its quality and craftsmanship.
American Distilling Institute’s Craft Spirits Awards: Recognized for its robust and fruity aroma, creamy vanilla, and complex flavor profile.

Aviation American Gin

This flagship brand has also been recognized in various prestigious spirits competitions, underscoring the distillery’s expertise and innovation in gin production

House Spirits Distillery Tour Information and Experience

House Spirits Distillery, located in Portland, Oregon, offers a comprehensive and immersive tour experience that allows visitors to delve into the art and science of craft distilling. Here’s what you can expect during a visit:

Tour Highlights:

Introduction to Craft Distilling:
- The tour begins with an overview of the distillery’s history and its role in the American craft distilling movement. Founded in 2004, House Spirits moved to Portland in 2005 and has since become a key player in the industry.
Distillery Walkthrough:
- Guests are guided through the distillery, where they can witness the transformation of grain and natural botanicals into award-winning spirits. The production process for their flagship products, such as Westward American Single Malt Whiskey and Aviation American Gin, is explained in detail.
Tasting Room Experience:
- The tour includes a visit to the tasting room, where visitors can sample a variety of spirits. The tasting typically features Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, known for its robust and fruity aroma, and other unique spirits like Krogstad Festlig Aquavit and Volstead Vodka.
Educational Insight:
- The distillery places a strong emphasis on education and transparency. Visitors learn about the ingredients, distillation techniques, and the aging process that contribute to the unique flavors of House Spirits’ products.
Interactive Elements:
- The tour is designed to be interactive, allowing guests to ask questions and engage with the distillers. This hands-on approach helps demystify the craft of distilling and provides a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
Retail Shop:
- At the end of the tour, visitors can purchase their favorite spirits and other branded merchandise from the distillery’s shop. This is a perfect opportunity to take a piece of the experience home.

Flask & Barrel Review of House Spirits Distillery

As a whiskey collector who’s visited countless distilleries, I have to say, House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, really stands out. The moment you walk in, you can feel the passion and dedication to craft distilling.

The tour kicked off with a fascinating overview of the distillery’s history. Founded in 2004 and later moved to Portland in 2005, House Spirits has played a significant role in the American craft distilling movement. Their story is truly inspiring.

Walking through the distillery, I was struck by the sheer scale and meticulous detail of their production process. Seeing how they transform grain and botanicals into their award-winning spirits was a treat.

The highlight for me was learning about the production of their Westward American Single Malt Whiskey. The guide explained every step, from sourcing the finest Northwest two-row pale malted barley to the unique aging process in new charred American oak barrels.

The tasting room experience was top-notch. We got to sample a range of their spirits, including the Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, which had this amazing robust and fruity aroma with hints of creamy vanilla and brown sugar. The flavor complexity was off the charts, with notes of baking spice and dark chocolate. Their Aviation American Gin was also a pleasant surprise, showcasing a well-balanced blend of botanicals.

One of the best parts of the tour was the interactive element. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions. It felt like a deep dive into the world of distilling, yet everything was explained in a way that was easy to understand.

The tour wrapped up with a visit to their retail shop, where I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle of their Westward American Single Malt. It’s now a prized addition to my collection.

If I had to nitpick, I wish the tour included a bit more on their other spirits like the Krogstad Festlig Aquavit and Volstead Vodka. But overall, House Spirits Distillery offers an exceptional tour experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey collector like me or just curious about craft distilling, this place is definitely worth a visit.

What To Do Nearby House Spirits Distillery

Distillery Row:

Distance: 0 miles
Description: Located right on Distillery Row, House Spirits Distillery is part of a 1.5-mile stretch featuring multiple craft distilleries. You can tour production facilities, taste various spirits, and purchase bottles to take home. The Distillery Row Passport is a great way to explore all the offerings and skip tasting fees.

New Deal Distillery:

Distance: 0.6 miles
Description: This distillery offers unique spirits like Hot Monkey Vodka and a delicious ginger liqueur. The tour gives you an up-close look at the distillation process, and their tasting room is a fantastic spot to sample their bespoke spirits.

Rolling River Spirits:

Distance: 0.4 miles
Description: Specializing in Aquavits, this family-run distillery provides a unique experience. Their tasting room is situated close to the production area, giving visitors an intimate look at the distillation process.

Freeland Spirits:

Distance: 2.3 miles
Description: An all-women-run distillery known for its beautifully designed bottles and high-quality gin and whiskey. The tasting room often features food trucks, making it a great spot for a casual outing.

Bull Run Distillery:

Distance: 2 miles
Description: Located near NW 23rd Avenue, this distillery offers a cozy, old-world tasting room experience. They produce a range of spirits, including whiskey, with a focus on using high-quality, local ingredients.

Wild Roots Spirits:

Distance: 1 mile
Description: Known for their all-natural, fruit-infused vodkas, Wild Roots Spirits offers a lovely tasting room where you can sample their unique products. Their flavors include raspberry, marionberry, and apple-cinnamon.

Shine Distillery & Grill:

Distance: 2.5 miles
Description: This distillery doubles as a restaurant, offering a variety of dishes alongside their craft spirits. With a rooftop bar and a view of the stills, it’s a great place to enjoy both food and drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near House Spirits Distillery?

OX Restaurant: OX Restaurant, located at 2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, has a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps. It offers a blend of Argentinean and American steakhouse cuisine, known for dishes like clam chowder and bone marrow bruschetta. Reservations can be made through their website or by calling +1 503-284-3366.

Le Pigeon: Le Pigeon, found at 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, also holds a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps. This restaurant is celebrated for its French and international cuisine, with notable dishes including foie gras profiteroles. Reservations can be made through their website or by calling +1 503-546-8796.

Andina: Andina, located at 1314 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209, boasts a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps. It specializes in Peruvian and Latin cuisine, offering vibrant dishes such as ceviche mixto and arroz con mariscos. Reservations can be made through their website or by calling +1 503-228-9535.

What hotels are near House Spirits Distillery?

Heathman Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 503-241-4100.

The Hoxton, Portland: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 15 NW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97209. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 503-770-0500.

The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 545 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 503-553-7000.