Crater Lake Spirits operates their main tasting room at 19330 Pinehurst Road in Bend, Oregon, though the actual distillery production happens at their facility in Medford. Founded in 1996 by Steve Ellingson and Dave Anderson, Crater Lake was Oregon’s first post-Prohibition distillery, making them genuine pioneers in the state’s craft spirits renaissance. What started as two friends wanting to create premium vodka from Oregon ingredients has grown into a operation producing vodka, gin, and rye whiskey using Cascade Mountain water and Pacific Northwest grains. The Bend tasting room sits in a modern space that lets you sample their full range while learning about their quarter-century journey in Oregon distilling. You’re not touring the actual production facility here, but you’re getting the full Crater Lake experience in Central Oregon’s craft beverage hub. The team focuses on clean, crisp spirits that showcase Oregon’s natural advantages – pristine water and quality grains. Their approach emphasizes precision and consistency rather than experimental techniques, which has earned them distribution across multiple states and a loyal following among vodka enthusiasts who appreciate their neutral, smooth profile.
