Big Bottom Distilling

Big Bottom Distilling, founded in 2010 by Ted Pappas, emerged from the burgeoning craft spirit movement in Oregon. The company's name is a tribute to the Big Bottom wilderness area in Mt. Hood National Forest, reflecting a commitment to conservation. Initially, the business operated as a non-distilling producer in Hillsboro, focusing on sourcing and bottling specialty finished bourbons, such as its award-winning Port Cask Finished Bourbon. A unique characteristic of their spirits is the signature 91 proof, a personal nod from founder Ted Pappas to his 1991 graduating class at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina.

The company's evolution began in earnest in 2014 when it expanded operations to include in-house distillation under the guidance of distiller Travis Schoney, formerly of High West Distilling. This move marked a significant transition from an independent bottler to a full-fledged distillery, officially rebranding from Big Bottom Whiskey to Big Bottom Distilling in 2015. The product line grew to encompass a variety of spirits including gins, rums, and brandies alongside their established whiskeys. In 2017, Eastside Distilling acquired a majority stake in the company, aiming to expand distribution and leverage brand synergies. However, in a notable turn of events, the brand was purchased back in 2023 by the original distiller, Travis Schoney, and two business partners, returning ownership to its Hillsboro roots. The distillery relaunched in the summer of 2024 with refreshed branding and familiar products like Delta Rye and The 91 Gin.

Big Bottom Distilling's business model centers on the production and sale of small-batch, hand-crafted spirits directly to consumers and through distribution channels primarily in Oregon, California, and Illinois. Revenue is generated through the sale of its core product line, which includes super-premium gins, whiskeys, brandies, and rums. A key part of their strategy includes the exclusive Warehouse Series, a boutique line of limited-production spirits available only through their tasting room, catering to collectors and spirit enthusiasts. The company also engages in collaborative projects, such as the Oregon Starka Project with other local distillers, to create distinctive products like oak-aged vodka. Their offerings are known for their unique finishes and high proofs, such as the Navy Strength Gin (114 proof) and Delta Rye (111 proof), appealing to a discerning clientele seeking craft spirits with a distinct character.

Keywords: craft spirits, Oregon distillery, small-batch whiskey, American gin, Hillsboro distillery, Ted Pappas, Travis Schoney, Port Cask Finished Bourbon, Delta Rye, The 91 Gin, independent bottler, craft distillation, specialty spirits, Warehouse Series, Oregon Starka Project, high-proof spirits, American single malt whiskey, liquor production, spirits industry, beverage manufacturing