Black Butte Whiskey by Deschutes Brewery and Crater Lake Spirits Wins Best in Show at International Spirits Competition

Crater Lake Spirits and Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon have announced that Black Butte Whiskey has won Best in Show at the inaugural Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition. Full details can be found below.

BEND, Ore. – Crater Lake Spirits, one of America’s pioneering craft distilleries, and Deschutes Brewery, America’s 10th largest craft brewery, have been awarded Best in Show for the 2019 release of their collaborative Black Butte Whiskey in the inaugural Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition. The esteemed judging panel represented large volume buyers, influential media, successful distillers and other professionals from the spirits industry.

Black Butte Whiskey is a 94 proof American malt whiskey distilled from Deschutes’ popular Black Butte Porter beer. Aged three years in #4 char American oak barrels, the resulting whiskey retains the malty, chocolatey notes of Black Butte Porter and woody, earthy flavors from the oak. Bottles of the limited-edition 2019 batch are currently available while supplies last at the Crater Lake Spirits Tasting Room in downtown Bend, Oregon as well as retailers in select markets. Drinks by the glass are also available at the Deschutes Brewery pubs in Bend, Oregon, and Portland, Oregon, and the Portland International Airport pub. More information on availability can be found at www.craterlakespirits.com.

“We are thrilled by this win and to earn Best in Show against such a deep field of brands is really an honor,” said Alan Dietrich, Crater Lake Spirits CEO. “It means even more to be here with our partners at Deschutes Brewery. Both of our teams have worked tirelessly to redefine the traditional American whiskey category.”

“We’re honored to receive this recognition that speaks volumes to the uniqueness and complexity of this whiskey,” said Deschutes Brewery founder, Gary Fish. “The idea for this collaboration was born decades ago through conversations over beers and the result has generated incredible excitement from both craft beer lovers and spirits fans.” 

In addition to the Best in Show accolade, Black Butte Whiskey was named Best American Craft Luxury Whiskey. Crater Lake Spirits also received silver medals for its Reserve Dry Gin and Rock & Rye Whiskey. Crater Lake Reserve Gin is 90 proof, new American style dry gin distilled using hand-picked central Oregon juniper berries, coriander, Seville orange peel, glazed orange peel and grapefruit. It is also gluten-free and kosher. Crater Lake Rock & Rye is a modern interpretation of a pre-prohibition classic crafted with rye whiskey, dark cherry, blood orange, and house-made bitters.

About Crater Lake Spirits

Founded in 1996, Crater Lake Spirits is one of the nation’s original craft distilleries and is one of the most awarded craft distilleries in the country. Flagship brands are traditional American style gins, vodkas and whiskies all produced at their distillery in Bend, Oregon. To learn more visit www.craterlakespirits.com. 

About Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery, family and employee owned since 1988, is one of the quintessential beers of the Pacific Northwest. Founded on the guiding principles of true craftsmanship, ultimate quality, and extraordinary consumer experience, Deschutes Brewery is recognized for defining beers such as Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA and the non-stop release of pioneering small batch experimental and barrel-aged beers. Deschutes can be found at its brewpubs in Bend and Portland, Oregon, Tasting Rooms in Bend, and Roanoke, Virginia and at accounts in 31 states across the country. Visit Deschutes Brewery’s beer finder at https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/beer-finder/ to find a Deschutes beer near you. www.deschutesbrewery.com