The 2008 Great American Distillers Festival

August in Portland means it’s time for the Great American Distiller’s Festival, a yearly gathering of artisan distillers from around the country who converge on the Rose City to display their wares and let sprits enthusiasts taste some of the amazing products being produced across the U.S. This year’s event takes place August 23 and 24 at the Gerding Theater in Portland’s Pearl District. Admission is only $10 for one day and includes a taster glass and three taster tickets. A two-day pass is just $16.

We’re especially looking forward to the Bartender Mix-Off happening on-site both days. This competition is always a blast and a terrific showcase of some of the most talented bartenders in the area. Last year’s winner, Suzanne Allard, now with the new 50 Plates, wowed judges with her delicious cocktails and entertaining presentation. We can’t wait to see who takes home top honors this year, with a grand prize of $1000! If you’re interested in competing, click here.

For more info on the festival, click here. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, Aug 23, 1-9 p.m. | Sunday, Aug 24, 1-7 p.m.
$10 per person for 3 pours; $1 per pour thereafter
Mixology Competition: Saturday, 2 p.m. | Sunday 2 p.m.
Gerding Theater: 128 NW 11th Ave. (at Davis), Portland, Ore.

See a full list of the participating distillers (not to mention Bill Owens, keynote speaker and president of the Distilling Institute)

List of participating distillers, as of 8/1/08:
Artisan Spirits, OR
Bardenay, ID
Bendistillery, OR
Cascade Peak Spirits, OR
Celebration Distillation Corp, LA
Dolmen, OR
Dry Fly, WA
Flag Hill Distillery, NH
Hangar One, CA
High West Distillery, UT
Highball Distillery, OR
House Spirits, OR
Indio Spirits, OR
Integrity Spirits, OR
McMenamin’s Edgefield, OR
Modern Spirits, CA
New Deal, OR
Peach Street, CO
Philadelphia Distilling, PA
Prichards, TN
Ransom Spirits, OR
Rogue Spirits, OR
Sarticious, CA
Stranahan’s, CO
Stringer Orchard, CA
Sub Rosa, OR
Woodstone Creek, OH