We are back again with another amazing story. Today we talk with Brad Irwin of Oregon Spirit Distillers. Out of Bend, Oregon bringing the heat. We talked everything from Rickhouse theft to marketing. Really hope you enjoy.
Oregonspiritdistillers.com
Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshaman
Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3
https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWZ4dGp2MzlucjVvdw==
thewhiskeyshaman.com
To look at the production team at Oregon Spirit Distillers, you’ll find a story of how amazing spirits aren’t simply made. World-class spirits are a product of a solid worth ethic and a growth mindset. Many of us worked our way up in the production department due to that solid work ethic, an unwavering commitment to quality, and most importantly, an enthusiasm for learning. We humbly nod to those who showed us the way, their ability to teach, and a willingness to share.
We are thankful for the body of knowledge created and passed down from generations of distillers that helps us make traditional and authentic spirits from scratch and by the senses. Our goals are lofty, and we accomplish them because of our strong team dynamic. It’s in our name, we are the spirit distillers of Oregon Spirit Distillers. We are proud to work together and make spirits we love to enjoy.
BRAD IRWIN
Owner/Master Distiller
Whiskey has three main ingredients: grain, water, and passion. Brad found a natural bounty of all three in his hometown of Bend, Oregon.
In 2009, Brad and his wife Kathy embarked on the journey that would eventually create Central Oregon’s first grain to glass whiskey distillery. Local high desert grain and mountain water were easy to source. The region's unique climate provided plenty of corn, barley, wheat, and rye. Crisp and pure water from the Cascade Mountains was abundant. Brad’s passion for history, tradition, and quality is delivered in every drop that Oregon Spirit Distillers produces.
2025 has found Brad back on the Production floor and he is loving every minute of it! "It's great to get my hands dirty again and continue to expand and perfect our processes and products!"
All spirit begins with its base ingredients. Ours is born in the grain farms of the High Desert, where hardy grains thrive under the watchful eye of dedicated farmers. Upon receiving these grains, they are run through our mill before being brought to the mash tun, where cascade mountain water will begin to unlock the milled grain and allow it to be transformed into something truly special with the addition of yeast in our fermentation tanks.
The resulting ferment is then put through the stripping still, separating its alcohol from the rest of the mash, producing what is referred to as the low wines. The spent grain is then returned to the farmer for their cattle, creating a circle of sustainability that is vital to Oregon’s ecosystem.
The low wines then make their way to the core of our operation where they are distilled under careful hands and separated by cut until only the finest, referred to as the hearts, remains.
While some of these spirits will receive an infusion of botanicals, our whiskeys continue their process, aging in Kelvin Cooperage crafted barrels each for a minimum of four years, with some spending even longer in this golden maturation.
Throughout this process, our High Desert climate continues to seep its way into the spirit, creating temperature fluctuations and an arid environment that increases the barrels influence on the final product, which we encourage by refraining from topping off our barrels. Each spirit, in its proper time, makes its way to the bottling line where we package and prepare it for distribution.
With expert distillers and dedicated support staff, we couldn’t be prouder of our production methods, our team, and our exemplary final product.