History

Bull Run Distillery was established in 2010 in Portland, Oregon. Lee Medoff, the head distiller and founder, began his career as a brewer and helped found House Spirits before Bull Run was established. The distillery was named after the Bull Run Watershed, Portland's important water source, and the water's role in the distillation process is highlighted as a central part of the brand's identity. Medoyeff Starka derives from the family name (Medoyeff) and stems from a traditional approach where vodka is aged in well-seasoned Oregon Pinot Noir barrels to achieve a creamy texture and notes of vanilla, fruit, and grape. Bull Run offers a range of whiskey-like products as well as finish and barrel-strength variants and focuses on reflecting Oregon's character in their spirits.

Production and Approach

Bull Run describes a production where 100% malted barley is used for their Oregon Single Malt, and the water comes from the Bull Run Watershed. Fermentation takes place at a high temperature with ale yeast to produce a high alcohol percentage and clear esters that give a fruity character and grainy notes. Aging in new American oak defines and refines the whiskey and gives characteristic notes of sweetness, vanilla and fruit. Medoyeff Starka is produced by aging Medoyeff Vodka in well-seasoned Oregon Pinot Noir barrels over the years, resulting in a creamy texture and notes of grape along with a subtly spiced finish.

Products / Whisky Series

• Oregon Single Malt Whiskey: 750 ml, 46.10% ABV; at least 5 years aging in new American oak; 100% Oregon Select malted barley and water from the Bull Run Watershed. The flavor is described as ripe fruit and burnt notes with a grainy edge.
• Carlton Straight Rye Whiskey: 750 ml, 45.22% ABV; 95% rye and 5% barley; aged in new American oak for about 4 years; nose of caramel apple and honey; palate is silky and spicy.
• Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 750 ml, 43.40% ABV; 25% rye, 65% corn, 10% malted barley; min. 4–6 years aged in new oak; characteristic high-rye bourbon profile.
• Pinot Noir Finished American Whiskey: 750 ml, 48.89% ABV; age varies; finished in Oregon Pinot Noir casks; layered interplay between grain and fruit with a dry tea-like finish.
• Barrel Strength American Whiskey: 750 ml, 62.44% ABV; 96% corn, 4% barley; aged 13+ years in ex-bourbon casks; high strength and deep flavor.
• Barrel Strength Bourbon: 750 ml, 59.41% ABV; a high-rye bourbon variant; 25% rye, 65% corn, 10% malted barley; 4–6 years in new oak; uncut and powerful.
• Maple Whiskey: 750 ml, 47.37% ABV; 7-year whiskey (mostly corn) infused with real Vermont maple syrup and aged in whiskey casks; particularly smooth and syrupy.
• Medoyeff Starka (stronger spirit, vodka-based): aged in Pinot Noir barrels to achieve a creamy texture and notes of grape and vanilla.

Visits and Experiences

Bull Run has tasting rooms based in Portland and Carlton, with tastings and bottle purchases available. Tastings are offered Friday through Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00, and there is a $20 tasting fee refunded when purchasing two or more bottles. Reserve or walk in; contact details and opening hours are provided for both locations.

Philosophy

Bull Run Distillery aims to craft Oregon whiskey that reflects the water and terroir of the place. They believe that malted barley is particularly well-suited to new oak, and aging in oak helps bring back the fruitiness and create a balance between grain, wood, and time. The goal is to produce whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails and that reflects the character of the region.