Curious about spirits in the Pacific Northwest? Consider a stop at New Deal Distillery, celebrating two decades of craft distilling in the heart of Portland, Oregon’s Central Eastside. The copper still quietly runs most days, providing both visual and aural ambiance. Sharp-eyed visitors can see liquid moving through the plates, sparkling in the light. Barrels lining the tasting room aren’t just for show — there’s definitely whiskey in there. Behind the bar, bottles are on display, punctuated by a variety of unique barware — a shaker disguised as a spray paint can, interesting glassware and a tiny copper still … that works!
With over 20 different spirits currently available, staff are used to being asked, “You make all of that right here?” The answer is, of course, yes. Everything from small-batch whiskey to the beloved Ginger Liqueur is made on-site by a small production crew, including founder and head distiller, Tom Burkleaux.
The New Deal Bottle Shop, nestled in one corner of the distillery, was born during the early days of the pandemic: a one-stop shop supplying the neighborhood with New Deal’s craft spirits along with a thoughtful selection of local beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic drinks. There are also gifts, barware, books and more for the home bartending enthusiast.
Whether you’re a spirit newbie or a seasoned aficionado, there are plenty of ways to spend your visit at the distillery. You could sample a variety of craft spirits in an exploratory tasting flight. Or maybe you’d like to try one of their gins in a cocktail? On the weekends, New Deal offers a rotating menu of mini cocktails — the perfect way to try out their spirits in action. And if you’re looking to grab a bottle for home, the staff is happy to give recommendations, suggest recipes, or pour a sample or two. For groups, New Deal offers tastings and tour packages with ranging experiences to accommodate differing price ranges and interest levels.
Thanks to maintaining their independent ownership, New Deal has the freedom to experiment with new styles, unorthodox production methods and experimental product development. Whether these experiments end with a buttery gin perfect for dirty martinis (New Deal Gin No. 1), or a quirky spirit made from a distilled IPA (Distiller’s Workshop Bierschnapps), it’s a treat to try something completely new and hear how it was made. And trust us, they know what they’re talking about. New Deal is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer and are already planning another 20 more.
COCKTAIL RECIPE
CAT’S PAW
This tasty play on a Hemingway Daiquiri will have you feeling like you’re down in Key West sipping on sunshine.
Ingredients
2 ounces New Deal Old Tom Gin
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
¾ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce grapefruit juice
1 lime wheel for garnish
Directions
Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
Story in partnership with New Deal Distillery
