If you love whiskey and are looking for something fun and different to do this summer, look no further. The Northwest Whiskey Trail features seven distilleries in British Columbia, Washington state and Oregon. Yes, it’s the first Whiskey Trail that crosses an international border. So pack your bags and start planning your visit to the world of single malt and potstill whiskey. Find out what makes these whiskeys so special — whether it’s the local barley, the peat, yeast strains, craft brewing and distilling methods, or the premium oak casks. If you visit all seven distilleries, a gift awaits you. Read on for details.

Whiskey Trail Beginnings

Graeme Macaloney, the CEO and Whiskymaker at Macaloney’s Island Distillery, came up with the idea of the international adventure of whiskey tasting in B.C., WA and OR.

“We are thrilled to finally unveil the Northwest Whiskey Trail, a unique and exciting experience for whiskey lovers,” he said. “Our goal is to showcase the incredible distilleries and whiskeys found in the Pacific Northwest, and to provide a fun, educational and memorable experience for visitors.”

Each of the seven distilleries has its own character, history, and signature whiskey. They collectively export their whiskeys to every continent. So, Graeme said, he welcomes local whiskey lovers, and enthusiasts from around the world, to take this self-guided tour, and explore the beautiful region.

A Special Gift

According to Graeme, the whiskey trail features the best award-winning whiskeys in the northwest. You can collect stamps in a Northwest Whiskey Trail passport. If you visit all seven, you can redeem the passport at the last distillery visited. And you’ll receive this exclusive, limited-edition Northwest Whiskey Trail Glencairn whiskey glass.

Find specific information about the whiskeys at each of the seven distilleries websites: Westward Whiskey in Portland; Copperworks Distilling and Westland Distillery in Seattle; Macaloney’s Island Distillery in Victoria; Goldstream Distillery in Cowichan Valley, B.C.; Shelter Point Distillery in Campbell River, B.C.; and Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers in Vancouver.

Summary: Whiskey Trail

In conclusion, the Northwest Whiskey Trail consists of seven award-winning single malt whiskey distilleries from Portland, Seattle, Vancouver Island and Vancouver. Each distillery offers tastings and most also offer immersive, experiential distillery tours. In addition, a trail passport provides a map for navigation. Collect stamps from each distillery, and pick up your Glencairn whiskey glass at your last stop.

So what are you waiting for? More details can be found at the trail’s website.

Meanwhile, find us on Instagram, Twitter and  Facebook. And of course here, at Write for Wine.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave