Media Release

May 9, 2008

PDC Provides Seed Money for Craft Distillers Guild Launch

Sixteen Oregon craft distillers have joined together to form the first artisan distilling guild in the United States, with $5,000 in seed money from the Portland Development Commission (PDC). The Oregon Distillers Guild, Inc. will operate as a non-profit Oregon corporation, to promote the common interests of the licensed distilling industry in the state.

Oregon’s emergence as the center of the craft distilling industry is a natural extension of the state’s beer brewing and wine making industries, both of which have matured into high value-added sectors in the local and state economy.  Recent economic studies peg Oregon’s wine industry contributing more than $1.4 billion to the state economy (Oregon Wine Board, 2006), while brewing has an economic impact of $2.2 billion (Oregon Brewers Guild, 2007).

“We’re ready to focus our energies to grow the industry here,” said Lee Medoff, Guild president and owner of Portland-based House Spirits.  “With more micro-distillers than any other state, we’ve reached critical mass.  The PDC funding will jump-start the Guild to promote Oregon spirits, provide resource connections and improve the business environment for distillers here in Portland and throughout the state.”

The Guild’s immediate plans call for the development of Guild literature and point-of-purchase displays and shelf tags to identify Oregon-made products; and creation of a website for greater visibility and connection between the public and Guild members.  The Guild will also be featured in an Oregon Bounty promotion sponsored by Travel Oregon in fall 2008.

Over the long term, the Guild hopes to develop tools and strategies for members to improve efficiencies and reduce operating costs, such as the publication of a resource guide; bulk purchasing opportunities for supplies like glass and corks; and ongoing work with regulatory bodies to improve the distilling business environment.

“We want to be a forum for members to communicate with each other,” said Mike Sherwood of Subrosa, vice president of the Guild.

Membership is available to individuals, organizations and suppliers. Current Guild members are Artisan Spirits; Bendistillery; Brandy Peak; Cascade Peak; Dolmen; Highball; House Spirits; HRD; Indio Spirits; Integrity; Liquid Vodka; McMenamins Edgefield; New Deal; Ransom Spirits; Rogue; and Subrosa.

 “PDC’s support of the artisan distilling industry is consistent with the agency’s commitment to small business development within the specialty foods cluster,” said PDC Economic Development Director Erin Flynn. “It aligns with regional and state goals to promote Portland, and Oregon, as smart places to do business.”

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Links: Oregon Bounty www.traveloregon.com/bounty
American Distilling Institute (website, newsletters) www.distilling.com

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