Molainín Distilling, a new neighborhood distillery and cocktail bar is coming to Greenwood! Located at 8556 Greenwood Ave N., this space will highlight its line of locally produced spirits, specifically bourbon, gin and vodka, plus handcrafted cocktails and classic pub fare.
“Molainín (MOH-lah-neen), an Irish word for little hill, gets its name as both an homage to Greenwood and my family ancestry in County Clare, Ireland. It’s a meaningful way for the brand to make its home in our community while also following the tradition of world class whiskeys with Gaelic brand names. As a
Greenwood resident for more than 12 years and one of the neighborhood dads, I am also excited that this distillery will be a family friendly space,” says owner Bryan Benson.
The physical space draws inspiration from the overlaps in terrain and climate between the British-Irish Isles and the Pacific Northwest, along with the centuries-old pub culture in Ireland and England. Emily Bacon, founder of Arven House Design, has led the design effort for Molainín to create a warm and inviting experience with a carefully curated selection of furnishings, lighting, materials, and other unique features, many of which are sourced from England and Ireland.
The menu will feature pub food like hand pies, charcuterie boards, and small plates to pair with cocktails, as well as desserts, modern non-alcoholic cocktail options, and local craft beers on tap (the only non-local exception, of course, being Guinness). Guests will also be able to experience tasting flights of Molainín’s small-batch spirits and purchase bottles to take home.
“I’m also particularly passionate about the Pacific Northwest and proud to live here, so I’m excited to contribute towards growing the PNW’s reputation as one of the world’s premier whiskey and spirits-making regions,” says Benson. The space is inspired by classic old-world pubs. Above are design touches and details that you’ll find in Molainín.
Benson has over 20 years of human resources and recruiting leadership experience ranging from small businesses to large public companies, but his early experience in bars and restaurants, along with two decades’ experience home brewing, kept him focused on long term plans to launch into the craft spirits industry.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quiet cocktail with a book, meeting friends or coworkers, enjoying live music, or simply want to grab a pint and chat at the bar, Benson hopes Molainín becomes the kind of public house that feels familiar, like it’s always been there, and that from the moment guests come in, they feel right at home.
Stay tuned for updates on Molainín’s opening by following @molainindistilling on Instagram.
