Craft distillers from coast to coast attended the 6th Annual Great American Distiller’s Festival (GADF) on October 23 and 24, 2010 at the Tiffany Center in NW Portland. 38 separate distilleries poured more than 70 gins, vodkas, whiskey’s and rums in a celebration of all things “spirited.”

Special events included seminars for distillers and tours of Portland distilleries. Seminar presenters included Bernie Kipp Alcohol Compliance Advisor for Stoel Rives LLP; Japanese Whiskey distiller Yuri Kato, and former master distiller for Maker’s Mark, Dave Pickerell.

GADF hosted the largest number of distillers and attendees to date, reflecting the growth of craft distilling in the United States and Oregon. Oregon is an established hotbed for craft breweries and wineries, and craft spirits are quickly becoming the third leg of the fermentation stool. Oregon boasts nearly two dozen distilleries, with at least eight in Portland. Several Portland distillleries have made “distillery row” in South East Portland official by forming a nonprofit organization and offering tours of each distillery at particular hours.