Bread & Brew
Portland just got a whole lot boozier.
House Spirits Distillery this week opened its new distillery and tasting room, which makes it the largest distillery in the Pacific Northwest.
The new space is twice as big as its current location and allows it to expand capacity sixfold.
It will be a big change for visitors from the cramped location in the Ford Building, 2505 S.E. 11th Ave., which the company has occupied since 2005.
House Spirits is one of the founding members of Portlands Distillery Row, which now includes eight distilleries and tasting rooms.
With more than a decade of work behind us, House Spirits has always been an innovative leader within the burgeoning craft distilling industry, said Thomas Mooney, House Spirits chief executive officer.
Our new state-of-the-art facility and expanded capacity will ensure we are able to continue to evolve and innovate for many years to come, and will create a welcoming environment to invite Portland locals and visitors to the city to come taste and experience what were all about.
The new space, just more than a mile north at 65 S.E. Washington St., uses a simple palette of Douglas fir with black and aluminum accents and large windows that show off the tanks and production facility from the 1,100-square-foot public tasting room.
The design also tells the story of each of its products, including its flagship Aviation American Gin, Krogstad Aquavit, Volstead Vodka and Westward Oregon Straight Malt Whiskey.
The components definitely reflect the products, says Andee Hess, principal director at Portland interior design firm Osmose Design, which did the interior of the space.
You come in, get to learn, experience the products, sit at the tasting bar to taste and purchase, learn the stories of the different liquors.
Cocktails runneth over
While House Spirits new location is farther from the hub of Distillery Row, organizers will still be part of the same collaborations.
The biggest one coming up is the 4th annual Black Friday on Distillery Row holiday shopping extravaganza at Melody Ballroom, 615 S.E. Alder St.
Set for 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, its a more grown-up version of Black Friday shopping a way to indulge and pick up gifts for like-minded friends and relatives at the same time.
House Spirits will showcase their best holiday spirits along with New Deal Distillery, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Eastside Distilling, Vinn Distillery, Rolling River Spirits, Wild Roots Vodka, and Thomas & Sons Distillery.
There also will be samples and goods for sale from local food, beverage and crafts artisans, including Alma Handmade Chocolates, Cardamom Hills Trading Co, Alesia Zorn Calligraphy, Masala Pop, Marshalls Haute Sauce, Portland Creamery, Smashed Boozy Jams & Jellies, Sage & Sea Farms, Marigold Coffee, Mee Mees Goodies, Think Unique Gardens and others.
Bottles here, bottles there
Beer and wine lovers, theres something new for you, too.
In Northwest Portland, McMenamins just opened a bottle shop with more than 800 bottled craft beers, ciders, wines and spirits from around the world.
The McMenamins 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop (formerly the 23rd Ave. Market) also will have weekly cocktail specials, Monday and Thursday growler fill specials, food from Tavern and Pool next door, and 16 taps featuring McMenamins beers, ciders and rotating guest beers.
The new space opened Nov. 19, the 30th anniversary of Terminator Stout. Its open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. For more: www.mcmenamins.com/bottleshop.
Winos welcome
Meanwhile, it wouldnt be Thanksgiving without a case or two of wine. The Southeast Wine Collective will hold its 4th annual Urban Winery Thanksgiving Celebration with pours of up to 20 fall wine releases from eight urban wineries.
The event is set for 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Southeast Wine Collective, 2425 S.E. 35th Place. A turkey nacho bar is included.
Featured wineries include Division Winemaking Co., Jasper Sisco Winery, James Rahn Cellars, Fullerton Wines, Welsch Family Wines, Ore Winery, 51 Weeks Winemaking, and Laelaps Wines.
Tickets are $25, available at www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-urban-thanksgiving-tickets-18874188205.
@jenmomanderson