In a traditional beer town just minutes from one of North America’s great wine regions, Portland’s under-sung distillery scene is still largely under the radar nationally, but growing in vibrancy ever year. Many distilleries are part of the Distillery Row group and its Passport Program for discounts, though the scene has grown beyond its traditional bounds in inner Southeast Portland.
With so many newer distilleries, younger spirits like gin and vodka tend to predominate, though some of the older ones are achieving increasingly distinctive results with their whiskeys. Some of Portland's most celebrated spirits include New Deal’s bourbon, Martin Ryan's dry gin, Westward single-malt whiskey, Stone Barn’s green walnut liqueur, and Vinn’s baijiu. But that's just the tip of the iceberg — an iceberg that also contains Portland aquavit, absinthe, herb-infused liqueurs, and more surprises.
Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.
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