Distilled in Oregon Book

Distilled in Oregon traces the rich and often rebellious history of spirits in the Beaver State. From the early days of fur traders and their infamous “Blue Ruin,” distilling has been woven into Oregon’s story since the nineteenth century. Drawn by the fertile harvests of the Willamette Valley, early distillers set down roots long before Prohibition reshaped the landscape.

When Oregon outlawed legal liquor production in 1916 years ahead of national Prohibition hundreds of illicit stills appeared statewide, keeping Portland well supplied through the notorious influence of Mayor George Baker. After Prohibition’s repeal in 1933, Hood River Distillers helped revive the craft by transforming surplus fruit into brandy. The modern craft distilling boom took hold in 1985 with the rise of Clear Creek Distillery, paving the way for the thriving scene Oregon is known for today.

Written by Scott Stursa, Distilled in Oregon offers a fascinating journey through the people, places, and spirits that shaped Oregon’s distilling legacy.

• Paperback edition

• 208 pages

• Explores Oregon’s distilling history from frontier days to modern craft spirits