How gin originated in Holland instead of Central Oregon is a drink history enigma. From the shoulders of the Cascade mountains, down to the high desert’s flatlands, the majority of the conifers you’ll see around Central Oregon are gnarled juniper trees. **Juniper is often a classic, essential ingredient for making gin**. Maybe it’s the juniper that’s drawn many notable distillers to the area…and inspired others to begin.

**Today, a handful of craft distillers use those juniper berries and other regional ingredients to craft gin, vodka, and other outstanding spirits in every corner of Central Oregon**. Wherever your next trip takes you in Central Oregon, you’re never far from an outstanding distillery. Best of all: These producers host tasting rooms that also offer signature craft cocktails to highlight the spirit of their spirits.

But first: decisions, decisions. There are countless distilleries you’ll need to “pour over”. Here’s a rundown of the** top distilleries, tastings, and tours** in Central Oregon.

## Distilleries Located in Bend, Oregon

Central Oregon’s first still, Oregon Spirit Distillers in Bend, Oregon taps into local agriculture and boasts **one of the largest whiskey barrel inventories in Oregon**. Located in the true center of Bend, Oregon, this family-owned operation has expanded to offer what might be the region’s broadest selection of spirits, from **award-winning whiskeys to limoncello liqueur**.

Open seven days a week, this distillery offers thoughtful tours and an inviting tasting room venue—which includes a large outdoor patio with fire pits.

Hungry? Learn more about restaurants and fine dining in Bend, Oregon. And if you want to see why **Bend is called Beer Town U.S.A**., check out our guide to the best breweries in Bend, Oregon.

## Distilleries Located in Tumalo, Oregon

A must-stop is Crater Lake Spirits Distillery (of Bendistillery) outside of Tumalo, Oregon. The **region’s oldest micro-distillery** uses local ingredients whenever possible, including fresh berries in its fruity vodka and hand-picked, Central Oregon-grown juniper for its gin. Visitors can enjoy these world-class, award-winning spirits (and more) at their Tumalo, Oregon, distillery.

Crater Lake Spirits’ massive **distilling facility and on-site tasting room offer tours just 15 minutes from downtown Bend,** near the community of Tumalo. On a clear day, sit outside and revel in scenic views of nearby Cascade Range peaks.

## Distilleries Located in Sisters, Oregon

Cascade Street Distillery sits on (surprise!) Cascade St. in the heart of Sisters, Oregon. The community’s lone distillery focuses exclusively on making **outstanding potato vodka**. Its Cascade Street Potato Vodka boasts a smooth finish, with earthy and slightly sweet-tasting notes.

The Cascade Street Distillery tasting room in Sisters offers samples of the acclaimed potato vodka, as well as other spirits that are part of the regionally based Cascade Spirits family of brands. While you’re around town, check out our pages on the best restaurants in Sisters, Oregon, and breweries and cideries in Sisters, Oregon.

## Distilleries Located in Redmond, Oregon

Gompers Distillery is the sole distillery in Redmond, Oregon. With a name evocative of and inspired by the Prohibition era, the Gompers tasting rooms feel as if you’ve been transported to a **secret speakeasy**. Small but mighty, this family-owned distillery has creative old-style and new style spirits with local ingredients—such as regionally grown corn and hand-picked juniper.

Visitors can try those on tours, with tasting flights and through **signature craft cocktails** for sampling and sipping. If you work up an appetite while tasting, learn more about the best restaurants in Redmond, Oregon. We’ve also put together a page on breweries and cideries in Redmond, Oregon, if you’d like to learn more about the city’s other outstanding craft beverage producers.

## Distilleries Located in La Pine, Oregon

Badlands Artisan Distillery is a spirited operation that’s a welcome addition to La Pine, Oregon.

This small, creative craft distillery—just 30 minutes south of Bend and only 15 minutes from Sunriver—emphasizes unique flavor twists in several spirits.

Each batch of its **cucumber gin**, for instance, is crafted with 500 pounds of locally sourced (and hand-peeled) cucumbers.** Its Wine Cask Vodka, meanwhile, is filtered through local spring water and lava rock and finished in oak wine barrels for a smooth finish**. Visitors can try these unique spirits on their own or in creative cocktails.

An on-site bistro dishes light breakfast bites (such as bagels and yogurt parfait), lunch sandwiches, and creative salads. While you’re in La Pine, make the quick trip up to the Newberry Caldera, in the heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, for some awe-inspiring outdoor adventures.

## Distilleries Located in Madras, Oregon

Located along Highway 26 at the northern edge of Madras, Oregon, the tasting room at New Basin Distillery boasts a homey watering-hole vibe—the perfect atmosphere for enjoying spirits grown on the distillery’s own farm.

**Gins, whiskeys, and more** are available at the tasting room, as are 17 kinds of **mixing vinegars**, **local ciders**, and **regional wines**. Wash it all down with food from on-site food carts.

Learn more about other fun things to do in Madras, Oregon.

## Distillery Trails and Tours in Central Oregon

Whether you want to follow an established distillery “trail” to the best craft producers in Central Oregon or prefer a behind-the-scenes tour led by an established guide, you’ll find plenty of great options for exploring the region’s bustling spirits scene.

A good place to start for hardcore spirits fans is The Oregon Distillery Trail, made up of more than 50 distilleries throughout the state. In Central Oregon, you’ll find stops in Bend, Madras, and other communities.

And while Bend, Oregon, has become known as Beer Town, USA, the city’s reputation has grown as a **fantastic distillery destination**. To get started on your own DIY tour of Bend distilleries, use the Bend Ale Trail map; its “Drinkable Diversions” section will steer you toward some of the area’s top producers.

If you’d rather someone else do the driving, consider a guided tour. Operated by Wanderlust Tours, **Bend Brew Bus** offers The Local Pour, a **full-service craft beverage and distillery tour** in Bend. Knowledgeable guides take guests to top distilleries while offering educational tidbits along the way. (For 10 or more people, you can book a private, customized tour.)

Drink responsibly, consider a drink tour…and have fun!