History

Swede Hill Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery located in Yakima, WA. The area was early known as "Swede Hill" after Swedish immigrants who planted and operated the surrounding fruit orchards. Kevin and Pamela Milford are the owners of the distillery; Pam's grandparents were among these immigrants, and the place is today rooted in a family-run operation. Yakima enjoys many hours of sunshine (over 300 days a year), which fosters agricultural innovation and development in craft beverage production. Swede Hill has been Yakima's Premium Craft Distillery since 2013, and when you hold a bottle, it embodies an authentic "Farm to Bottle" approach.

Production / Manufacturing

Spirits are handcrafted in small batches with no preservatives or artificial colors, and they are naturally gluten-free. Locally sourced fruit and grain are used for infusion and production of the distillate. Moonshine is a clear neutral spirit that is infused in small batches with fresh apples and tart pie cherries and bottled at 60 proof. Swede Hill’s Single Barrel American Whiskey is aged 4-5 years in new American white oak barrels and bottled at 90 proof; the mash consists of corn, rye and malted barley. All products are described as especially smooth and drinkable and naturally gluten-free, with no preservatives or artificial colors. They are recommended enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in favorite cocktails.

Products / Whisky Series

• Raspberry Vodka, 750ml – 35% Alc/Vol – Infused with Northwest raspberries; no artificial flavors or colors; gluten-free.
• American Whiskey, 750ml – 90 proof – Single Barrel American Whiskey aged 4-5 years in new American white oak barrels; mash of corn, rye and malted barley.
• Cherry Moonshine, 750ml – 30% Alc/Vol – A delicate blend of sweet and tart cherries with a particularly smooth finish.
• Apple Pie Moonshine, 375ml – 30% Alc/Vol – Aromatic with apple pie notes and cinnamon; suitable neat, on the rocks or in hot/cold cocktails (375ml).
• Apple Pie Moonshine, 750ml – 30% Alc/Vol – Same flavor profile as the 375ml version, but in 750ml packaging.

Visit / Experiences

Swede Hill Distillery has a tasting room in Yakima, open by appointment. The address is 12404 Occidental Road, Yakima, WA 98903. Tastings can be requested by filling out the form or calling 509-930-4106.

Philosophy

Swede Hill describes itself as an authentic craft distillery focused on Farm to Bottle quality through the use of locally grown fruits and grains. The products are smooth and naturally gluten-free, with no preservatives or artificial colors, and they are recommended to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. The distillery is family-owned, and its operation is highlighted as part of Yakima's agricultural and innovative community.