How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Oregon

Pilot House Distilling

Astoria,

Oregon

— Gin, Vodka, Whiskey

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔬

Science Background

Biochemist precision in every batch

🏭

Historic Building

Restored brick walls, original fixtures

⚡

Working Still

300-gallon copper Vendome in action

🌊

Columbia River

Blocks from maritime Astoria waterfront

👥

Owner Operated

Stegens personally handle most tastings

🥃

Three Spirits

Gin, vodka, whiskey made on-site

📞 (503) 741-3051

🌐 http://www.pilothousedistilling.com/

📍 1343 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Maritime Town Distillery In Historic Astoria

Pilot House Distilling sits right in downtown Astoria at 1343 Duane Street, occupying a restored historic building that feels perfectly at home in this maritime town. Founded by Adam Stegen and Lisa Stegen in 2013, the distillery emerged from Adam’s background in biochemistry and Lisa’s business expertise, combining their skills to create something uniquely Oregon. The couple spent years perfecting their craft before opening to the public, focusing on small-batch spirits that reflect the Pacific Northwest’s character. You’ll find them producing gin, vodka, and whiskey in a 2,000-square-foot space that maintains the industrial charm of its past life while serving as a fully functional distillery and tasting room. The operation runs on a 300-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, allowing them to maintain the hands-on approach that defines their spirits. What started as a passion project has evolved into one of Astoria’s most distinctive attractions, where visitors can taste spirits while watching the production process unfold just feet away.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Biochemistry Meets Craft Distilling

The location puts Pilot House in rare company—you’re literally blocks from the Columbia River in a town that’s been a maritime hub for over 150 years. Adam’s biochemistry background shows up in their meticulous approach to fermentation and distillation, using scientific precision that most craft distillers can’t match. They source their grains locally when possible and use Cascade Mountain water, giving their spirits a distinctly Oregon terroir. The building itself tells a story, with exposed brick walls and original fixtures that connect you to Astoria’s industrial past. Unlike many tourist-focused distilleries, this feels like a working operation first—you’re watching real production, not a show.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Production Floor Views While You Taste

You’ll walk into a space that smells like grain and copper, with the 300-gallon still dominating the room and fermentation tanks visible throughout the tasting area. The Stegens or their small team typically handle tastings personally, so you’re getting information straight from the people who made what you’re drinking. Tastings happen at a bar that overlooks the production floor, letting you watch the process while sampling their gin, vodka, and aged spirits. The atmosphere is industrial but welcoming—think exposed brick, polished concrete, and the constant low hum of working equipment. You can see the entire operation from the tasting room, making it feel authentic rather than staged.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real Craft Operation Not Tourist Theater

If you appreciate craft spirits and want to understand the production process, absolutely. This appeals most to people who want substance over spectacle—you’ll learn about distillation science and taste spirits that reflect real craftsmanship. It’s not a party destination or Instagram hotspot, but rather a place where spirits enthusiasts can geek out over mash bills and fermentation techniques. The location in downtown Astoria makes it easy to combine with other activities, and you’ll leave with a better understanding of what small-batch distilling actually means. Skip it if you’re looking for elaborate tours or entertainment—this is about the spirits and the craft.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media for current hours and availability, as they sometimes close for private events or production needs. Parking is street parking downtown, but it’s usually not hard to find a spot within a block or two. Ask about their aging process and barrel program—Adam loves talking about the science behind their spirits. Try their gin if you’re there, as it showcases their attention to botanical balance. Don’t expect a lengthy tour—the space is compact enough that you can see everything from the tasting bar, and they prefer focused conversations over scripted presentations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pilot House Distilling — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?

Reservations aren’t required, but calling ahead is smart since they sometimes close for production or private events. The space is small, so large groups should definitely give them a heads up.

Can I see the distillation process during my visit?

The entire operation is visible from the tasting area, so you’ll see fermentation tanks and the copper still. If they’re actively distilling during your visit, you can watch the process and ask questions about what’s happening.

What makes their spirits different from other craft distilleries?

Adam’s biochemistry background brings scientific precision to their fermentation and distillation that’s uncommon in craft distilling. They focus on consistency and quality control while maintaining the small-batch character that makes craft spirits special.

GETTING THERE

Find Pilot House Distilling

📍1343 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103, USA

—

📞 (503) 741-3051

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