Wood Family Spirits launches its first Winter Bourbon Series — a celebration of Oregon craft, heritage and stewardship
There’s something undeniably magical about winter in the Pacific Northwest. Mist curls through towering evergreens, rivers run cold and fast, and diffused light settles over moss-covered hills. The air is crisp, the nights are long and the landscapes invite reflection, creativity and connection.
It’s a season that speaks to the soul of the region. And now, it speaks through a spirit: the first Winter Bourbon Series from Wood Family Spirits.
Launching just after the first of the new year, this limited-edition release is the beginning of an annual tradition for the Oregon-based distillery. Each year, a new Winter Bourbon will explore the unique culture of the Pacific Northwest, capturing the people, landscapes and artistry that make this corner of the world unlike anywhere else.
If the Pacific Northwest has a patron saint of ambition and civic imagination, it may well be timber baron and philanthropist Simon Benson. His name is etched into Portland’s history through landmarks as enduring as the Benson Hotel and the iconic “Benson Bubbler” water fountains. Benson even deeded a parcel of land to the city of Portland that would later become Multnomah Falls Recreation Area. It’s only fitting, then, that Wood Family Spirits’ winter release pays homage to this legacy with Benson Bourbon, a thoughtfully crafted ode to one of Oregon’s great benefactors.
This 4½-year-old wheated bourbon is built on a mash bill of 70% corn, 16% wheat and 14% malted barley, carrying a warmth and depth well suited to the season. Rich, soft-edged and shaped by patience, Benson Bourbon also creates a moment to honor the approaching 100th anniversary of Multnomah Falls Lodge, tying past to present in a way only a spirit born of this place could.
“This bourbon isn’t just a drink,” says Holly Higdon-Wood, co-owner of Wood Family Spirits. “It’s a story of Oregon, of our family and of the craft that defines this region. It’s rugged yet refined, wild yet deliberate and deeply inspired by the Pacific Northwest.”
The 2025 edition of Winter Bourbon is crafted and bottled in The Dalles, Oregon, a reflection of the distillery’s small-batch precision and dedication to local craft. Aged to perfection, this bourbon offers layers of caramel, oak and warm winter spice. The smooth, lingering finish is reminiscent of the fading light over Oregon’s mossy hills. Every sip tells a story of place, of heritage and of thoughtful craftsmanship.
Long before the Wood family name appeared on a bottle, the Wood family arrived by ship and horseback, propelled not by certainty but by a relentless urge to see what lay beyond the known horizon. Drawn by the untamed promise of the Pacific Northwest, these early family pioneers carved out a life defined by curiosity, resilience and an unwavering belief in the freedom of open terrain. Over the years, the family has carried forward a legacy of conservation and stewardship, often standing boldly in support of causes ahead of their time; from women’s suffrage to friendships with regional Native American tribes, and consistently advocating for the environment when it could not speak for itself.
The story of each Winter Bourbon extends beyond the liquid in the bottle. Each release features original artwork from a local Oregon artist, paired with a label designed by a Portland-based creative studio, celebrating the artistry and creativity of those who inhabit the Pacific Northwest. Every detail, from the design to the distillation, reflects a deep respect for the land, the community and the traditions that shape it.
Central to this story is the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, where Wood Family Spirits operates a tasting room. Set on the banks of the Columbia River that separates Oregon from Washington, visitors can enjoy free daily tastings from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., experiencing the Winter Bourbon in a setting as iconic as the spirit itself. Nestled beside one of Oregon’s most celebrated natural landmarks, the lodge offers the perfect environment to sip, savor and connect with the essence of the Pacific Northwest, pairing perfectly with the hike to see the sweeping view of the Columbia Gorge. Importantly, a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold supports the preservation and beautification of this historic lodge, ensuring that its legacy and the stories it holds endure for future generations.
For those unable to visit in person, the Winter Bourbon Series will be available directly through the Wood Family Spirits website in the beginning of 2026, bringing a taste of Oregon to homes across the country. The Winter Bourbon Series is more than a seasonal release; it’s a celebration of Oregon craft, the region’s natural beauty and the enduring influence of the Wood Family’s pioneering spirit. Each bottle captures a unique winter experience, honoring the season while reflecting the care, precision and artistry that the distillery is known for.
“This release is about more than making bourbon,” says Tom Wood, co-owner of Wood Family Spirits. “It’s about honoring the land, the people and the creative spirit of Oregon. It’s about giving back, preserving history and sharing the essence of the Pacific Northwest with anyone who enjoys our spirits.”
For more information, to visit the tasting room, or to purchase the Winter Bourbon Series online, visit woodspirits.com.
