History

Hood River Distillers (HRD) is rooted in Oregon since 1934 and began by making fruit wines and brandy from apples and pears, which would otherwise go to waste from the valley's yields. Since then the company has expanded to produce and distribute a broad portfolio of spirits nationally. The community around the production was strengthened when Clear Creek Distillery joined the HRD family in 2014, and Clear Creek has since led the production of fruit-based spirits with old-world sources and locally sourced ingredients, including fruit and crystal-clear source water from Mount Hood. Clear Creek and HRD today showcase a range of acclaimed products, including McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, Old Delicious Apple Brandy and Timberline Vodka.

Production / Manufacturing

HRD and Clear Creek operate using old-world techniques and continuously source ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Pear Brandy requires, for example, 20 pounds of pears to make a 700 ml bottle. Clear Creek produces a range of unaged fruit brandies (eau de vie) and ages certain apple- and grape-brandies in French oak barrels. Clear Creek Vodka is 100 percent fruit-driven, distilled from 14 different varieties of organic apples and diluted with Mt. Hood source water. Techniques and processes include the use of a 46-chamber column still for vodka and other distillation methods for brandies and liqueurs. Timberline Vodka is made from a special blend of grain, Pacific Northwest apples and Mt. Hood source water, and Yazi Ginger Vodka is flavored with four different ginger varieties and citrus.

Products and Whisky Series

HRD and Clear Creek offer a range of whisky releases and related spirits: - McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Whiskey – described as “The First American Single Malt.” Releases include 3-year and 6-year Oregon single malt, plus PX-sherry- and Oloroso-cask-finished versions, with documented high scores and awards in Whisky Advocate and other competitions. - Trail’s End Bourbon – Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged in new American oak barrels and finished in Oregon with Garry Oak cask and other finishes. Variants include 8-year and 10-year editions, as well as a version finished in apple brandy casks, all typically around 105 Proof. - Easy Rider Bourbon – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 4 years old, 80 proof, with Mt. Hood source water in the mix. - Northwest Whisky – a 5-year whisky series, including Shiny Apple Whisky, Giant Peach Whisky and Spice of Life Whisky (all around 40% ABV). The series has been praised for various awards (Gold and Platinum in SIP Awards etc.). - Sinfire Whisky – Cinnamon Whisky in several variants: Sinfire Cinnamon Whisky, Sinfire Apple Cinnamon, Sinfire Vanilla Cinnamon and Sinfire Sriracha Honey Whisky (all 70 proof). - Clear Creek / Old Delicious – Old Delicious Apple Brandy and other Clear Creek brandies, as well as related liqueurs and Grappa (not exclusively whisky, but related in the portfolio).

Visits and Experiences

HRD and Clear Creek have an available Tasting Room in Hood River, where visitors can get a guided experience of the portfolio. The Tasting Room is open daily from 12:00–18:00 and located at 304 Oak Street, Suite 3, Hood River, OR 97031. Flights, exclusive releases, merchandise and mixers are offered as part of the experience.

Philosophy and Vision

The vision for HRD is to be a respected, family-owned spirits company, known for product quality, innovation, and responsible business conduct. The mission is to bring the Spirit of Hood River to the world and emphasize values such as integrity, involvement, relationships, adaptability, accountability and a balanced lifestyle — all with a focus on local engagement and sustainability. HRD also emphasizes social responsibility initiatives such as local sourcing, environmental and community efforts, and membership in trade organizations such as Women of the Vine & Spirits.