BIG BOTTOM DISTILLING
Overview of the Distillery
Big Bottom Distilling in Hillsboro began in 2010 as a non-distilling producer and has since grown into a full distillery with in-house production after 2014. Today the site is known for its rye products and gins, has a tasting room in Hillsboro, and sells both directly via an online shop and through local Oregon stores.
History
The history starts before 2010 with a connection to the Big Bottom area on Mount Hood, whose preservation and conservation inspired the name. The company opened in 2010 as a sourced bottler with a focus on specially finished bourbons. In 2013 the sister brand Calhoun Bros. arrived, and in 2014 they began distilling in-house under Travis Schoney. In 2015 the name changed to Big Bottom Distilling and releases of their own spirits followed. The brand was sold in 2017, but in 2023 Schoney, together with Kevin Munday and Jason O’Donnell, repurchased it, and in 2024 Delta Rye and The Ninety One Gin were relaunched, alongside plans to revive the Warehouse Series.
Raw Materials and Production
In the early years, Big Bottom primarily worked with sourced bottling and specialty finishes. From 2014 onward, in-house distilling began, and the product portfolio now includes gin, rum, brandy, and whiskey. The distillery continues to combine the use of sourced whiskeys with its own distillates in blends and finish projects. Travis Schoney is noted as the distiller who led the transition to in-house production.
Aging and Barrel Types
Aging and finishing have been a hallmark of the company since the beginning. There are concrete examples of a port-cask finish used on an award-winning bourbon. Delta Rye is described as a blend of rye whiskeys aged at least 10 years, and Warehouse Series is announced as a line of boutique maturations that are sold only through the tasting room.
Whiskies
The portfolio combines sourced products and own distillates. At the 2024 relaunch, Delta Rye (10+ years, bottled at 111 proof) and The Ninety One Gin (16 botanicals, bottled at 91 proof) are central. A Navy Strength Gin is also mentioned, along with previously recognized products such as a Port Cask Finished Bourbon. Warehouse Series is planned as exclusive, limited releases in the tasting room.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Age | Cask and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Rye Whiskey | Rye Whiskey | 10+ years | A homage to their original sourced flagship rye; now listed as 10+ years old and bottled at 111 proof. | Current; Core range; Available at the Hillsboro tasting room and in local Oregon stores (OLCC) | |
| The Ninety One Gin | Gin | The first in-house distillled product released after the reopening; contains 16 botanicals and is bottled at 91 proof. | Current; Core range; Available at the Hillsboro tasting room and in local stores | ||
| Navy Strength Gin | Gin | Navy Strength Gin is listed as one of their products and can be found in OLCC stores (product code provided). | Current; Available in local Oregon stores (OLCC) and tasting room | ||
| Port Cask Finished Bourbon | Bourbon | Port Cask Finish; finish: Port-Cask finish applied as a special finish on a multiple award-winning bourbon. | Previously a focus during the company's time as a sourced bottler; specifically described as a multiple award-winning Port Cask Finished Bourbon. |
Visit the Distillery
The distillery and tasting room in Hillsboro are open Saturdays from 12–4 PM; visits on other days are available by appointment. The site offers tastings in the tasting room and direct sales via the online shop with shipping to many states. The products are also on shelves in local Oregon stores using the stated OLCC product codes.
The stated opening hours are Saturdays 12:00–4:00 PM; by appointment all other days.
Philosophy and Craft
The company ties its name and operations to supporting the preservation of Oregon's natural areas and wildlife. The 91-proof is used as an emotional nod to the founder's background at The Citadel, and there is a focus on craftsmanship, small batches, and finish projects.