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

Ewing Young Distillery

Newberg,

Oregon

— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌾

Local Grains

Yamhill Valley wheat and corn

🥃

Small Barrels

Fifteen gallon cooperage for faster aging

👥

Owner Operated

Mike and Brandy pour your tastings

🔍

High Wheat

Softer bourbon than typical recipes

🏗️

See Production

Copper still visible from tasting room

⏳

Patient Process

Minimum three years before release

📞 (503) 799-6667

🌐 http://www.ewingyoungdistillery.com/

📍 18715 OR-240, Newberg, OR 97132, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Wine Country Whiskey Makers Hidden in Plain Sight

Ewing Young Distillery sits on 18715 OR-240 in Newberg, Oregon, right in the heart of Yamhill Valley wine country. Founded by Mike and Brandy Keller in 2015, this craft distillery brings small-batch spirits to an area better known for pinot noir. Mike’s background in construction and Brandy’s business acumen converged with their shared love of whiskey to create something different in Oregon’s spirits landscape. The distillery operates out of a purpose-built facility where they focus on bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, using locally sourced grains whenever possible. The Kellers started with a 200-gallon copper pot still and have grown steadily, but they’ve kept the operation intentionally small to maintain quality control. Their approach centers on patience—letting spirits develop naturally rather than rushing products to market. The tasting room opened shortly after production began, giving visitors a chance to sample their evolving lineup while watching the distillation process through large windows that separate the production floor from the tasting area.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

WHAT SETS THEM APART

High Wheat Bourbon In Small Oregon Barrels

What sets Ewing Young apart is their commitment to Oregon agriculture and their methodical approach to aging. They source wheat and corn from local Yamhill Valley farms, creating a true farm-to-bottle connection that reflects the terroir of the region. Their bourbon uses a high-wheat mash bill that’s uncommon in craft distilling, resulting in a softer, more approachable profile than typical high-rye recipes. The Kellers age their spirits in 15-gallon barrels instead of standard 53-gallon cooperage, which accelerates the aging process and increases the wood-to-whiskey contact ratio. This means their bourbon develops complexity faster, though they still age it for minimum three years before release.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Talk to the Owners While They Pour

The tasting room feels like visiting friends who happen to make excellent whiskey—casual but knowledgeable, with Mike or Brandy often behind the bar explaining their process. You’ll taste through their current lineup while looking directly into the production area where their copper still gleams under industrial lighting. The space itself is clean and modern but unpretentious, with concrete floors and exposed beams that let the spirits do the talking. Tastings are intimate affairs, usually just a handful of people at the bar-height communal table, where conversation flows as freely as the samples.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Worth the Detour From Wine Country

If you’re exploring Oregon wine country and want to break up the pinot with something stronger, Ewing Young makes for a solid stop. Their whiskeys show real promise, especially if you prefer wheated bourbons over spicier rye-forward expressions. The intimate setting means you’ll actually learn something about distilling rather than getting a sanitized corporate tour. Don’t expect flashy marketing or Instagram-worthy backdrops—this is about the craft, not the show. Best suited for spirits enthusiasts who appreciate talking directly with the people making their whiskey.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting, as they operate on limited hours and sometimes close for production days. The location can be tricky to find since it’s tucked back off the main highway—look for the small sign and don’t rely entirely on GPS. If you’re wine touring in the area, they make a nice contrast to the vineyard scene, but don’t expect wine country amenities. Park in the gravel lot out front and head straight to the tasting room entrance. Ask Mike about their barrel aging process if he’s there—his construction background gives him interesting insights into wood and aging.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ewing Young Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do Mike and Brandy give the tours personally?

Often, yes—especially on weekends when they’re not in production mode. They’re hands-on owners who genuinely enjoy talking about their process and the local agriculture they source from.

How does their wheated bourbon compare to traditional recipes?

It’s noticeably softer and sweeter than high-rye bourbons, with less spice on the finish. The wheat creates a rounder mouthfeel that appeals to people who find some bourbons too harsh.

Can I buy bottles that aren’t available in stores?

Yes, they often have distillery-only releases or barrel picks available in the tasting room. Their distribution is still limited, so visiting is often the best way to get their newer expressions.

GETTING THERE

Find Ewing Young Distillery

📍18715 OR-240, Newberg, OR 97132, USA

—

📞 (503) 799-6667

The 50 States of Whiskey

Find a Craft Distillery

Search from nearly 1,500 Distilleries
in all 50 States

Never Miss A Thing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

SMART BUYING GUIDES

The Right Gear Matters

Honest recommendations on everything around the bottle.

Best Clear Ice Makers for Bourbon (2026)

The Best Bourbon Decanters: A No-Nonsense Guide to What’s Actually Worth Buying

The Best Home Bar Carts and Bar Cabinets for Bourbon Lovers (2026 Guide)

Best Bourbon Smoker Kits (2026) – Worth the Smoke?

Best Whiskey Glasses for Bourbon: 5 Glasses Every Bourbon Drinker Should Own

NEAT OR NOT

Whiskey Reviews

RD1 Distillery

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

Tom’s Foolery Farm and Distillery

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

Leather & Oak Spirits

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

Barrel 21 Distillery

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

KEEP EXPLORING Oregon