Frequently asked question

Why does my whiskey look hazy or have sediment?

Bird Creek is non-chill filtered, and at 92 proof that means the fatty acids and esters that give the whiskey its body stay in the bottle instead of being filtered out. When a bottle gets cold — a winter delivery truck, a cool cupboard, a refrigerator — those compounds come out of solution and form a light cloud or a soft wisp near the bottom. Warm the bottle to room temperature and it dissolves completely. Chill it again and it comes back. That reversibility is exactly how you know it's a solubility effect and not spoilage. Whiskey at this proof can't support bacteria, yeast, or mold. Nothing has gone wrong with your bottle.

ABOUT BIRD CREEK

  • Bird Creek Whiskey is a Pacific Northwest whiskey brand focused on American Single Malt and the character that specialty and heritage barley can bring to whiskey. Our approach connects the grain, the people who grow and malt it, and the craft of aging and distilling.

  • We put barley at the center of the whiskey-making process. By working with different varieties of barley grown in the Pacific Northwest, we explore how grain variety, distillation, oak and time shape the whiskey in your glass. 

  • American Single Malt is a newly established whiskey category (December 2024). With whiskey made from 100% malted barley, distilled at a single U.S. distillery, and aged in oak barrels. Bird Creek uses this category to explore the flavors and character of rare and heritage barley. 

  • The name "Bird Creek" comes from the Bird Creek Tract D Recreation Area on the Southeast side of Mount Adams in Washington, a landscape that informs our connection to the Pacific Northwest and the outdoors. Each compass cap has coordinates to our favorite trailhead. 

  • Bird Creek works with Talking Cedar, a tribally-owned distillery in Rochester, Washington, for distillation, Our whiskey ages in Portland, Oregon, where we also bottle whiskey in-house at our tasting room. 

OUR WHISKEY

  • Our lineup includes expressions made with individual barley varieties and blends that bring different grains together. Availability varies by release and inventory. Check our current whiskey lineup or visit the tasting room to see what is available.

  • A single-variety whiskey highlights one barley variety, allowing its character to take center stage. A blend combines different whiskies to create a flavor profile shaped by the characteristics of each component.

  • American Single Malt is a newly established whiskey category (December 2024). With whiskey made from 100% malted barley, distilled at a single U.S. distillery, and aged in oak barrels. Bird Creek uses this category to explore the flavors and character of rare and heritage barley. 

  • A single-cask whiskey comes from one individual barrel rather than a blend of multiple barrels. Each barrel can develop its own character through aging, so single-cask releases can vary in flavor and availability.

  • Cask-strength whiskey is bottled at or near the strength at which it comes from the barrel, rather than being reduced to a standard bottling proof with water. This can deliver a more concentrated expression of the whiskey.

  • Proof is a measure of a spirit's alcohol strength. In the United States, proof is twice the alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, 92 proof is 46% ABV.

  • Non-chill-filtered whiskey is not chilled and filtered through the conventional process used to remove certain compounds that can cause haze at lower temperatures. This approach helps retain the whiskey's natural character, texture, and flavor.

  • Start by smelling the whiskey gently, then take a small sip and let it move across your palate. Notice the aromas, flavors, texture, and finish. Adding a few drops of water can help open up some expressions, especially at higher proof. There is no single right way to enjoy it.

  • That's up to you. A few drops of water can bring out different aromas and flavors, while ice can lower the temperature and gradually dilute the whiskey. We encourage you to try it neat first, then experiment to find what you enjoy.

  • Keep your bottle upright, tightly sealed, and away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Unlike wine, whiskey does not need to be stored on its side.

  • Whiskey can gradually change as it interacts with air in the bottle. To help preserve its character, keep the cap tightly closed and store the bottle away from heat and sunlight. Bottles with very little whiskey remaining may change more noticeably over time.

BARLEY & PRODUCTION

  • Barley is the foundation of our whiskey. Different varieties can contribute different aromas, flavors, and textures, giving us a way to explore the relationship between agriculture and the finished spirit.

  • We work with growers and maltsters across the Pacific Northwest. Our grain partners have included farms and maltsters in Washington and Oregon, with varieties such as Baronesse, Full Pint, Purple Egyptian, Scots Bere, Francin, and Oregon Promise appearing across our releases and projects.

  • Heritage barley refers to older or historically significant barley varieties that have been preserved and cultivated over time. These varieties can offer distinctive agricultural and flavor characteristics, giving whiskey makers additional ways to explore grain.

  • Seed to Sip reflects our interest in the entire journey from grain to glass. It highlights the farmers, maltsters, distillers, and other people whose work shapes the whiskey, as well as the choices made along the way.

  • Oak barrels contribute color, aroma, flavor, and texture as whiskey ages. The interaction between the spirit and the wood over time is an important part of the finished whiskey's character.

  • Bird Creek whiskey ages in Portland, Oregon. The aging process allows the spirit to develop as it interacts with the oak barrel over time.

  • Bird Creek works with Talking Cedar in Rochester, Washington. Talking Cedar is a tribally owned distillery, and the partnership is part of our commitment to working with regional producers.

VISITING BIRD CREEK

  • Yes. Visit our tasting room in Portland to explore Bird Creek Whiskey, learn about our releases, and experience the whiskey with our team.

  • Bird Creek Whiskey Tasting Room

    815 SE Oak Street, Suite B

    Portland, Oregon 97214

    Open noon-5PM, Tues-Sat. Some holidays excluded. Please check our tasting room booking page to see current availability. 

  • The tasting room is a great place to explore our whiskey and learn about the differences between expressions. Available tasting options depend on the current lineup and tasting room offerings.

  • Yes, subject to availability and applicable sales and shipping restrictions.

  • Bird Creek hosts special events and member experiences throughout the year. Contact the tasting room to ask about current events and private gathering options.

BUYING BIRD CREEK WHISKEY

  • You can find Bird Creek Whiskey at the Portland tasting room and select retailers. Availability varies by expression and location. Check our Whiskey Locator or contact us to find a current stockist.

  • Bird Creek expressions are available through participating Oregon liquor stores, depending on the release and local inventory. Check with your local store for current availability or check out our Whiskey Locator.

  • Please visit our Nationwide Shop. Availability depends on the product and distribution arrangements. Some releases may have limited geographic availability. Check our current online store and retailer information for options in your area.

  • Some releases have limited quantities or geographic restrictions. A bottle may also be temporarily unavailable or sold out. Check the product listing or contact us for help finding a retailer.

  • Yes. Bird Creek releases limited-production whiskeys, including experimental finishes. These releases may sell out and are not always reproduced.

BIRD CREEK WHISKEY CLUB

  • The Bird Creek Whiskey Club is a membership program for people who want a closer connection to our whiskey, releases, and experiences. Membership benefits vary by tier.

  • The club has three tiers: Base Camp, Ridgeline, and Summit. Each offers its own set of benefits and experiences.

  • All tiers include access to at least one bottle allocation per release and free shipping on eligible bottle orders within Oregon. Additional benefits vary by tier and may include tastings, events, and exclusive experiences.

    Find all club information here.

  • No. An allocation gives members the opportunity to purchase a bottle from a release and helps them avoid missing out when a batch sells out. Bottles are purchased separately.

  • Membership includes free shipping on eligible bottle orders within Oregon, subject to the club's current terms and applicable shipping restrictions.

  • The Summit Blending Party is an annual experience where Summit members taste and evaluate whiskies together to create a member-built blend. Members help shape the recipe through a collaborative tasting and voting process.

  • Yes, you can cancel or change your membership at any time.

  • Sign in to your Bird Creek Whiskey Club account to review membership information and access eligible event RSVPs. Contact us if you need help accessing your account.

CONTACT & SUPPORT

  • Send us an email or give us a call

  • Our hours are from noon-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Some holidays excluded. 

  • We aim to respond to email requests within 1 business day. 

  • Send us an email.

  • Yes. Custom engravings are available for all flasks. If you have a custom idea in mind, send us an email before placing your order to check availability. You can also place a note in your checkout to reach out to you for customization clarification.