History

Stone Barn Brandyworks is a Portland-based distillery and brandy producer run by Sebastian and Erika Degens. Sebastian spent much of his childhood in Germany and developed a palate for fruit brandies in Hamburg as a teenager. Erika grew up in the country in upstate New York. On a road trip north from California, they landed in Portland and decided to stay here on a cold November day in 1980. To this day the team has grown, and Andy Garrison is Head Distiller; Jenna Boettger Boring and Ashley Todd contribute to the experience. Their story is closely tied to the Pacific Northwest's rich fruit and berry bounty and craft traditions.

Production / Manufacturing

Stone Barn Brandyworks runs contract distilling and uses a German-branded brandy still to distill wines and ciders supplied by customers and return high-proof spirits (155–165 proof) in bond. They produce spirits from fruit and grapes and preserve the character of origin. The distillery produces small-batch whiskeys each year, often as single-barrel releases, and experiments with rye variants and other grains. They also collaborate with local breweries on mash or finished whiskey barrels. Selected products support a philosophy of regional craft and small-batch production.

Products / Whisky Series

• Riverboat Rye — Straight Rye Whiskey, 100% organic rye. Described as a Straight Rye that has ridden on a harbor tug for 10 months and aged for 5 years.
• Straight Rye Whiskey Barrel #57 — 100% organic rye; 5 years and 4 months old; Barrel #57; 90 proof.
• Dark Roast Rye Barrel #66 — Over 92% rye, complemented by chocolate rye and smoked rice and barley-malted ingredients; newly charred oak.
• Hoppin’ Eights Barrel #30 — Mash bill: equal parts rye and wheat; about 4.5 years old; 90 proof.
• Straight Rye Barrel #142 — 100% organic rye; Barrel #142; about 5 years old; 90 proof.
• Bottled in Bond 100% Straight Oat Whiskey — 5 years old; 100 proof; made from organic oats; mash bill: organic oats.
• Hotel Bravo Bourbon — 5-year-old bourbon; 94 proof.

Note that the list shows whiskeys and rye-dominant styles; there are additional spirits in the portfolio such as Pear Brandy, Cherry Brandy and other liqueurs and grappa variants, but they are not listed as whiskey types.

Visits / Experiences

Stone Barn Brandyworks participates in PSU Farmers Market in Portland (Portland State University Farmers Market) and hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year. They offer pickup purchases directly from the distillery by pre-order and phone contact, where an employee brings the bottle to the car on arrival. Their Whiskey Club offers membership (USD 35 per calendar year) with notifications of all releases, special events and tours for members and guests upon request.

Philosophy

The philosophy at Stone Barn Brandyworks is anchored in the richness and diversity of the Pacific Northwest. They work closely with local producers and fruits from EZ Orchards and similar sources; they create fruitful distillates and have an interest in collaborations with local breweries and small lots. They emphasize craftsmanship, small-batch production, and oak aging to preserve the nuances from origin and the region.