Heritage Distilling Company operates their Eugene location at 550 Pearl Street, bringing their Washington-based craft spirits operation to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Founded by Justin Stiefel in 2009, Heritage has grown from a small Gig Harbor startup into the Pacific Northwest’s largest craft distillery, with this Eugene outpost serving as both tasting room and retail location for their award-winning spirits. The Pearl Street location sits in downtown Eugene’s arts district, occupying a modern retail space that showcases Heritage’s full lineup of whiskeys, vodkas, and seasonal spirits. Stiefel’s journey into distilling started after a career in technology, driven by a passion for creating authentic American spirits using traditional methods combined with innovative techniques. Heritage built their reputation on small-batch production and community involvement, becoming the first distillery to partner with Veterans Affairs to create job opportunities for veterans in the spirits industry. Their master distillers focus on grain-to-glass production, sourcing ingredients from Pacific Northwest farms and using copper pot stills for their whiskey production. The Eugene location gives visitors a chance to experience Heritage’s complete portfolio without traveling to Washington. You’ll find their full range of spirits available for tasting and purchase, along with cocktails crafted with their house-made spirits. The space feels more like a modern tasting lounge than a production facility, focusing on education about their distilling process and the stories behind each spirit. Staff members are knowledgeable about the production methods and can guide you through tastings that highlight the differences between their various mash bills and aging processes.