Oregon Spirit Distillers sits in downtown Bend’s historic district at 740 NE 1st Street, founded in 2009 by Brad Irwin, a former tech executive who traded Silicon Valley for small-batch spirits. The distillery operates out of a converted early 1900s building that once housed auto repair shops, and Irwin spent over two years navigating Oregon’s complex distillery licensing before opening his doors. They focus on vodka, gin, and whiskey, with their Clear Creek-inspired approach to using local ingredients whenever possible. The operation runs on a 300-gallon copper still that Irwin imported from Germany, and he’s built a reputation for methodical, small-batch production that prioritizes consistency over speed. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a team of four, but they’ve kept the same meticulous approach that defined those early batches. You’ll find them in the heart of Bend’s craft beverage scene, part of a cluster of breweries and distilleries that have made this area a destination for spirits enthusiasts. The tasting room feels more like a neighborhood bar than a tourist attraction, which seems to be exactly what Irwin intended when he designed the space.