CRAFT DISTILLERY

BackDrop Distilling

Bend,
Oregon
— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔬
Scientific Approach
Controlled experiments, not routine recipes
🏔️
Cascade Water
Pristine mountain water, high desert terroir
🥃
Barrel Experiments
Multiple char levels, custom aging techniques
👨‍💼
Founder Led
Tech and restaurant pros turned distillers
🏭
Working Laboratory
Industrial space, authentic production atmosphere
🌾
Local Grain
Central Oregon suppliers, regional flavor profile
📞 (541) 728-0860
🌐 https://backdropdistilling.com/
📍 70 SW Century Dr #100, Bend, OR 97702, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Industrial Craft Space Where Science Meets Spirit

BackDrop Distilling sits in Bend’s Century Drive industrial area, where founders Joe Fisher and Brandt Berge launched their craft spirits operation in 2018. These aren’t your typical distillery guys—Fisher came from the tech world while Berge brought restaurant industry experience, but both shared a fascination with the science and art of distillation. They’ve built their operation around small-batch production with a focus on bourbon, rye, and vodka, creating spirits that reflect their methodical approach to the craft. The 3,500-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and serves as both production space and tasting room, where visitors can see the entire process from grain to glass. You’ll find them personally involved in every aspect, from mashing to bottling, maintaining the hands-on approach that defines true craft distilling. The space feels more like a working laboratory than a polished tourist destination, which honestly makes it more interesting. They’ve been steadily building their reputation in Central Oregon’s growing craft spirits scene, earning recognition for their attention to detail and willingness to experiment with different mash bills and aging techniques.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Tech Minds Turned Distilling Experimenters

BackDrop stands out for their scientific approach to distillation combined with their willingness to break traditional rules. Fisher and Berge don’t just follow recipes—they constantly adjust and refine their processes based on how each batch develops, treating distillation more like controlled experimentation than routine production. Their location in Bend gives them access to pristine Cascade Mountain water, and they’ve chosen to work with local grain suppliers whenever possible, creating spirits that genuinely reflect their high desert environment. The duo also takes an unusual approach to aging, using a variety of barrel char levels and sizes to create complexity in their spirits, rather than sticking to standard industry practices.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

No Polish, Just Pure Craft

You’ll typically find one of the founders leading tastings in their industrial-chic tasting room, where concrete floors and exposed beams create an authentic working distillery atmosphere. The experience feels intimate and educational—these guys genuinely love talking about the technical aspects of distillation and aren’t afraid to get into the weeds about fermentation temperatures or cut points. You can see their copper stills and fermentation tanks through glass partitions, and they’re usually happy to explain what’s happening in each stage of production. The tasting flights let you compare different expressions side by side, and Fisher and Berge often have experimental batches or barrel samples available for more adventurous visitors.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real Distillers, Real Conversations

If you’re the type who appreciates craft over flash, BackDrop delivers a genuine distillery experience without the tourist polish. This appeals most to spirits enthusiasts who want to understand the process and taste products that aren’t available everywhere. You won’t find elaborate tours or fancy gift shops here, but you will get direct access to the people making the spirits and honest conversations about their craft. Skip it if you’re looking for Instagram-worthy backdrops or large group entertainment, but definitely visit if you want to taste innovative spirits and learn from passionate distillers who aren’t afraid to experiment.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, as hours can vary based on production schedules and the founders often handle tastings personally. The location on Century Drive can be tricky to find the first time—look for the industrial building complex and don’t expect flashy signage. Weekends tend to be better for longer conversations with Fisher and Berge, as they’re often focused on production during weekdays. Ask about any experimental batches they might have on hand, as some of their most interesting spirits never make it to full production runs. Parking is easy in the industrial complex, and the casual atmosphere means you don’t need to dress up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BackDrop Distilling — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?
Reservations aren’t required, but calling ahead is smart since the founders often handle tastings personally and may be tied up with production work. Their schedule can be flexible, especially during weekdays.
What makes BackDrop different from other Bend distilleries?
The founders take a more scientific, experimental approach to distilling rather than following traditional recipes. You’ll get direct access to Fisher and Berge, who love discussing the technical aspects of their process and often have unique barrel samples available.
How long does a tasting typically last?
Plan on 30-45 minutes for a standard tasting, though it can run longer if you’re interested in the production details and the founders have time to chat. The experience is pretty flexible and conversational rather than structured.

GETTING THERE

Find BackDrop Distilling

📍70 SW Century Dr #100, Bend, OR 97702, USA

 — 

📞 (541) 728-0860

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