Big Bottom Distilling originated in Oregon in 2010 as the first non-distilling producer of whiskeys in Hillsboro. The name honors the Big Bottom Wilderness around Mt. Hood, which was protected as wilderness by the 2009 Omnibus Public Lands Management Act. The company has a mission to support Oregon's conservation and wildlife efforts.

Background and Early Years

In the company's early years, it focused primarily on sourced bottling of bourbons, including Port Cask Finished Bourbon. In 2013, Calhoun Bros. Adventure Spirits expanded, and the first whiskey pouch in the American market as well as a traditionally aged rum were introduced.

Development and Production

Under the leadership of distiller Travis Schoney, the company expanded its operations in 2014 and began distilling as well as aging, blending, finishing, and bottling its own products. In 2015, Big Bottom Whisky was officially renamed to Big Bottom Distilling, and the company began releasing distilled products including gins, rums, brandies, and whiskeys.

Ownership and Relaunch

In 2017 the brand was acquired by Eastside Distilling to continue production and marketing under the Big Bottom name. In 2023, Travis and two partners (Kevin Munday and Jason O’Donnell) bought ownership back and moved it to the original Hillsboro location. In 2024 the brand relaunched with two well-known products: Delta Rye and The Ninety One Gin, with plans to expand the product line and reintroduce Warehouse Series – a boutique line with limited production.

Philosophy and Future

Big Bottom remains committed to Oregon’s conservation and wildlife efforts and carries the name as a symbol of the importance of nature and the history of the Mt. Hood region.

Production

Delta Rye and Ninety One Gin form the core of the current direction: Delta Rye is a limited-release rye at 111 proof, composed of a blend of an Indiana-distilled rye and a Canadian-distilled 10-year rye. Delta Rye has 10+ years of aging and is bottled at 111 proof. Ninety One Gin is house-distilled and consists of 16 botanicals; the gin is 91 proof and has a floral, non-traditional character with juniper and a creamy body.

Products

• Delta Rye Whiskey: Limited-release, 111 proof, a blend of Indiana-distilled rye and Canadian 10-year rye; notes of spice with hints of citrus and mint, finishing with vanilla and strong oak. With 10+ years of aging and available in the online shop, OLCC stores and the Hillsboro tasting room. The original Delta Rye won Gold in 2017 Best of NW: Sip NW Spirits Competition for Best Whiskey.
• The Ninety One Gin: A 91-proof gin with 16 botanicals and a complex bouquet of floral notes and juniper; characteristically lightly sweet and non-traditional; length and use in cocktails. It has received Gold and Bronze in 2015 competitions and a 92 Wine Enthusiast score in 2015.

Visits / Experiences

The online shop offers direct shipping to many states. The Distillery & Tasting Room is open: Fridays 4:00-8:00 PM and Saturdays 12:00-4:00 PM; other days by appointment. Address: 8130 NE Nicholas Ct., Suite D-9, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Phone: 503-608-7816. In OLCC stores you can find products using product codes: 91 Gin – 12329B, Navy Strength Gin – 3304B, Delta Rye – 12328B.

Philosophy

Big Bottom’s philosophy centers on conservation and conservation partnerships in Oregon, particularly related to the Mt. Hood area and the Big Bottom Wilderness. The name and history symbolize nature and conservation, and the company is committed to supporting conservation and wildlife initiatives in Oregon.