‘Bounty of the Pacific Northwest’: Oregon’s Oldest Distillery Celebrates 90th Anniversary With Appointment of New Master Distiller

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The oldest and largest distillery in Oregon is commemorating nearly a century in the game with the promotion of Caitlin Bartlemay to master distiller. Located along the Columbia River beside the state's northern border, Hood River Distillers first set up shop in 1934. Founders Ted Pooley and Ned Marshall brought the project to life to make use of the area's excess apple, pear and berry harvests. Over the decades, Hood River has expanded its scope from fruit wine and brandy to include whiskey, gin, aperitifs and tequila. Newly appointed master distiller Caitlin Bartlemay was brought on to the team in 2014 when Hood River acquired Clear Creek Distillery. Similarly known for its catalog of fruit wines and liqueurs, Clear Creek garnered a cult following in the area with its pear Eau de Vie, a lightly-flavored French brandy. Many consumers know the distiller best for the full-grown pear found inside some of its bottles.

 “The history of distillation at both Clear Creek Distillery and Hood River Distillers is one that combines pioneering personalities, exceptional products, and phenomenal teamwork," Bartlemay said in a news release. "Whether we are continuing the legacy of the first American Single Malt, bottling spirits distilled from the bounty of the Pacific Northwest or creating new custom flavors to celebrate innovation in the whiskey category, I’m proud to lead this next generation of distillers.”

Before working as a logistics coordinator for Clear Creek, Bartlemay earned a bachelor's in Food Science and Technology at Oregon State University. After graduating, she says she sent out job applications to every distillery in the Pacific Northwest. Nearly a decade after Clear Creek and Hood River merged, the distillers now produce nearly 1 million cases of spirits per year.

“Caitlin’s vigilant commitment to excellence in every facet of her job is one of the qualities that has made her such an exceptional member of our team,” Hood River Distillers President and CEO David Ballew said. “Her passion for quality and craftsmanship is evident in each product that she touches. It’s only fitting that as we celebrate our 90^th anniversary, we recognize Caitlin for her leadership in helping Hood River Distillers and its brands continue their heritage of quality in the Pacific Northwest.”

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