Summer is a spirited time in the Pacific Northwest, and with so many local producers distilling craft bourbons, gins, vodkas and more, there’s always something splendid to sip on throughout the season. Whether you like to drink your spirits straight up or mixed into crafty cocktails infused with all your favorite flavors of the season, Northwest distillers have an arsenal of alcohols to sate your summer thirst.
In both Oregon and Washington, the second weekend of July is going to be a doozy. With two spirit events both taking place in Seattle and in Troutdale, Ore., on Saturday, July 12, craft spirit lovers are going to have to make a “hard” choice when deciding which event to attend.
The 40 craft distillers who make up the Washington Distillers Guild are busily gearing up for their 2nd annual PROOF Distillers Festival at Fremont Studios in Seattle. One of the largest distillers guilds in the nation, the Washington Distillers Guild doesn’t mess around when it comes to throwing a can’t-miss summer party. Guests of this event will have the opportunity to sample outstanding liquors from all their favorite Washington distillers while mingling with the men and women responsible for crafting these award winning, premium spirits. Distilleries featured at the event include Batch 206, Bainbridge Distillers, Gnostalgic Spirits and many more. Esteemed Washington-based restaurants will also be on-site serving up sweet and savory bites to pair alongside the sumptuous spread of featured spirits. Tickets for PROOF are on-sale now and can be purchased online here. A $40 general admission ticket includes entrance to the event, a commemorative tasting glass, 10 tasting tokens and access to the exclusive after-party at the W Hotel for only $15 more. Of course, you can always spring for VIP status and for only $30 more enjoy early entrance and an exclusive sneak peak of the event, additional tasting tokens, free access to the after party, and special rate shuttle ride service.
Saturday, July 12 ll 5—9 pm ll 55 N 35th St, Seattle ll Tickets: $40 General Admission/$70 VIP
Oregon locals or visitors of the Beaver State will want to head to Troutdale, Ore., on Saturday, July 12, for the Oregon Distillers Festival at Edgefield McMenamins. Upward of 20 Oregon Distillers Guild members including Vivacity Fine Spirits, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Vinn Distillery and more will be on site pouring samples of some of the best Oregon-made spirits around. Sip straight from the glass or enjoy from a selection of specially made summer cocktails. And, because you never want to drink on an empty stomach, enjoy exclusive food pairings from McMenamins’ Black Rabbit Restaurant. This event will also be a silent auction fundraiser for the Oregon Distillers Guild. Tickets to this annual event are $30, or go all out for an all-inclusive overnight stay for only $260 which includes overnight lodging, access to the Grand Festival tasting, dinner at Black Rabbit Restaurant and breakfast in the morning. For more information, visit McMenamins’ website here.
Saturday, July 12 ll 3—7 pm ll 2126 SW Haley St, Troutdale: Tickets: $30 General Admission/$260 Weekend Package for Two
