New Basin Distilling Company sits in Madras, Oregon, founded by husband-and-wife team Paul and Marla VanderVeldt who traded their Portland corporate careers for the dream of making whiskey in Central Oregon’s high desert. They opened their doors in 2016 after a three-year journey of permits, equipment installation, and learning the craft from scratch. The distillery operates out of a 4,000-square-foot facility on St. Andrews Drive, housing their custom copper still and barrel aging room where they produce bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka. Paul handles the distilling operations while Marla manages the business side, creating a true family operation that reflects their commitment to bringing craft spirits to Oregon’s underserved eastern region. The name “New Basin” comes from the geological basin that defines the Madras area, connecting their spirits to the unique high desert terroir that influences everything from their water source to the aging process. Their approach focuses on traditional methods adapted to Oregon’s climate, using locally-sourced grains when possible and letting the dramatic temperature swings of the high desert work their magic on the aging barrels.
