Pacific Northwest whiskeys to warm your heart (and your belly)

Terroir is a term you often hear attached to wine — from the nutrients in the soil to the moisture in the air, essentially it’s the taste of place. But that idea also seeps into whiskey production; a hallowed craft with far-off roots that blossomed in the Pacific Northwest thanks to favorable ingredients and ingenuity, distilled down to a drink unlike any you’ll find elsewhere.

Are you ready to discover the flavors of locally made whiskeys? That’s the spirit.

Westland Distillery Garryana Edition 9

Quercus garryana, or Oregon white oak, is having a moment. The tree, found only in the PNW, is the foundation of Portland International Airport’s new main terminal — as well as the pièce de résistance of this bottle, born in white oak barrels in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood. The series’ latest installment carries burnt marshmallow, biscuit, mocha, and almond cream to your nose, landing ground clove, cinnamon, peppermint, and bread pudding on your palate.

Wildwood Spirits Co. The Dark Door

This award-winning bourbon opens your mind (and taste buds) to a “farm to distillery” approach, incorporating organic non-GMO corn, white wheat, and barley all sourced from Washington State. After aging four years in artisanal barrels, it emerges into your tumbler carrying rich brown sugar and floral notes.

Freeland Spirits Bourbon

For an outfit known for its gin, this women-owned and -operated distillery in Portland’s Northwest District leans on its Southern heritage to make a pretty mean bourbon. A pour from the signature bottle unlocks toffee and marmalade aromas, followed by the taste of baked berries, soft caramel, vanilla beans, cocoa, and spice. Resting in Elk Cove Vineyards’ pinot noir oak barrels connects it to the here and now, imparting a velvety finish that caught the eye of people in the know.

Westward Whiskey Original

Collaborations are calling to members of this distilleries’ whiskey club — the library stocks exclusive crossovers with Ken’s Artisan Sourdough, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, and even a batch made with stout barrels from Fort George Brewery. But leading the flagship portfolio is the accessible-to-all Original, which offers a whiff of orange peel and caramel, and stone fruit, honey, and coconut on the tongue.

McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

The first sip of the American single malt revolution started in Oregon, where more than 25 years ago, pioneering distiller Steve McCarthy paired old-world wisdom from Ireland with his own thirst for innovation. Connoisseurs can still enjoy his 3-year and 6-year recipes — expect balanced peat with mellow sweetness and smoke — at the Hood River tasting room.

Want to know a few places to try these and other local libations out on the town? We’ll give it to you straight.

Seattle metro

Observatory Bar at Smith Tower

Head to the Emerald City’s infamous first skyscraper to sample a flight of four different takes on an old fashioned while you take in the 360-degree view. Mixologists can also craft a whiskey cocktail based on your preferred flavor profiles. Admission tickets are required to reach this 35th-floor speakeasy.

The Ballard Cut

With 1,200+ bottles, options are certainly not lacking for thirsty patrons. You can find 2Bar Bottled In Bond, Westland’s Garryana (the third, fifth, and seventh editions), as well as Copper Works Distilling.

Hearth at The Heathman Hotel

A Woodinville Whiskey Co. flight is served here featuring bourbon, rye, and port cask pours. This spot’s convenient location also makes it a supremely walkable staycation destination.

Portland metro

The Pope House Bourbon Lounge

Amble up the stairs of this Victorian house to enjoy a , join the bourbon derby — a reward system for trying different varieties — and watch “Preach,” a comedy show held every Thursday at the downstairs bar.

Multnomah Whiskey Library

This vintage membership based bar’s brick walls, oil-painted portraits, and rolling ladders take you back in time with a modern twist. Visitors can take advantage of a one-time hall pass reservation to experience its extensive collection.

Scotch Lodge

Dark wood and green accents infuse the Pacific Northwest spirit throughout the space and the menu; the Black on Black cocktail is a Rose City revel made with Westward single malt, Smith Tea lavender cordial, Amaro Ciociaro, and peppercorn foam.