Sustainability, local and family are the fundamental values that make up Bend, Ore.’s Oregon Spirit Distillers. Head distiller Brad Irwin has been in the spirit industry since 1992 and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits, giving him the knowledge of mixology to aid in his distillation technique. Irwin’s wife and two children also play an integral role in the distillery, from finances to friendly faces. On the sustainability side, OSD grinds and ferments their own local mash, then distills and bottles their product, which labels them as a “grain to glass” distiller. Although it is a liqueur, the Black Mariah is no different. Distilled from grain spirit and blended with fresh, local marionberries, Oregon hazelnuts and other regional botanicals, the Black Mariah is a Northwest-specific alternative to creme de cassis should be splashed in sparkling wine for a Kir Royale or sipped solo as an after-dinner drink.
