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Celebrating Oregon's craft spirits at TOAST and Brewstillery
An overview of two Portland based events featuring Oregon spirits - TOAST (February 18) and Brewstillery (February 25).
TOAST Kicks Off on February 18th
On Saturday, February 18th, the Oregon Distillers Guild presents TOAST. Held at Portland's Leftbank Annex from 4pm to 10pm, this event will bring together over 40 distillers from the Pacific Northwest along with five of Portland's best chefs preparing small plates. On display will be over 150 spirits including vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, grappa, liquor, brandy, absinthe, aquavit, starka, and baiju.
Among the regional distillers in attendance include: 4 Spirits Distillery, Aria, Backdrop Distilling, Big Bottom Distilling, Bull Run Distilling Co., Clear Creek Distillery, Crater Lake Spirits, Crescendo Organic Spirits, Double Circle Spirits, Eastside Distilling, Elixir Craft Spirits, Flooded Fox Den Distillery, Heritage Distilling Co., Hood River Distillers, House Spirits Distillery, Indio Spirits, Intrepid Distilling, JVR Spirits, McMenamins, New Basin Distilling Co., New Deal Distillery, Oregon Spirit Distillers, Pilot House Distilling, Ransom Spirits, Rogue Spirits, Rolling River Spirits, Sinister Distilling Co., Stein Distillery, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Swallowtail Spirits, Thomas & Sons Distillery, Vinn Distillery, and The Walter Collective.
Also, Drink Think, a national distiller will be on hand representing Banhez Mezcal, Combier Orange Liqueur, Combier Pamplemouse, JR Ewing Bourbon, West Cork Irish Whiskey, Pogues Irish Whiskey, St. Elderflower Liqueur, Cold River Vodka, Cold River Gin, and Cold River Blueberry Vodka. In addition, participants can sample other spirits related products from Sage and Sea Farms (sipping vinegar), Improper Goods (The Bitter Housewife and Raft Syrups), Portland Soda Works, Bradley's Tonics, and Interrobang Vermouth.
This year’s restaurants include Boke Bowl, Proletariat Butchery, Smokehouse Tavern, Verdigris and The Waiting Room.
TOAST Ticketing Information
General admission tickets are $45 and includes tastings from all distillers, a commemorative glass, and a small plate from each of the chefs. Those who want to upgrade their experience can purchase a VIP ticket for $65. This also includes 2 cocktail tickets, access to the VIP balcony, a private bar and the distillers after-party which will take place from 10-11pm. Designated drivers can purchase a ticket for $15 which includes non-alcoholic drinks and a small plate from the chefs. A tickets is required for entry to this event.
For more information log on to the Oregon Distillery Trail's website.
Brewstillery Celebrates Beer and Spirits on February 25th
Craft spirt aficionados can continue their explorations on February 25th when StormBreaker Brewing plays host to the 3rd Annual Brewstillery Festival. Here 19 breweries and 19 distilleries join forces to create beer and spirits pairings.
The following distilleries that participated in TOAST will also be on hand for Brewstillery: 4 Spirits Distillery, Big Bottom Distilling, Bull Run Distilling Co., Clear Creek Distillery, Eastside Distilling, Hood River Distillers, House Spirits Distillery, Indio Spirits, New Basin Distilling Co., New Deal Distillery, Ransom Spirits, Rolling River Spirits, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Thomas & Sons Distillery, Vinn Distillery, and The Walter Collective
The festival starts at noon and runs to 8pm with musical entertainment from The Whiskey Achievers (12:30-2:30), Pagan Jug Band (3:00-6:00), and Folk Inception (6:00-8:00). Half of Beech Street between Mississippi Avenue and Albina will be tented with heaters on hand to provide any needed warmth.
Brewstillery Ticketing Information
Regular Admission tickets which Includes a festival beer tasting glass and 10 tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advanced VIP tickets include a festival whiskey snifter, a festival beer tasting glass, 15 tickets, and early entry are $40 in advance $45 at the door. A portion of proceeds goes to Dollar For Portland. Tickets can be purchased online.