Distilleries in the Gorge are starting with the assistance from MCEDD financing.
August 2014: Chris Taylor and Roy Slayton came 
together around the idea that they could produce quality spirits, using locally sourced ingredients in the Columbia Gorge. Working together to start Camp 1805 Distillery down on the Hood River Waterfront they are sharing the process from grain to glass with their 
customers. Currently, Camp 1805 is producing white whiskey, rum, and vodka. They are barrel aging whiskey and rum and working on gin as well as other spirits for the future. Roy and Chris came to MCEDD and the Oregon Investment Board as they were looking at financing the start up costs for a micro-distillery. The two entities provided loans to Chris and 
Roy that have enabled them to purchase the equipment they needed, improve their tasting room space, and have working capital to start up the tasting room and move their business forward. If you would like to learn more, visit their website or their tasting room at the Hood River Waterfront.
October 2014: Skunk Brothers Spirits was developed by two brothers with a passion for hand-crafted spirits and an idea to get back to their roots and make something uniquely Northwestern. This small batch craft distillery, set to open in Stevenson, is 
focused o
n high quality Moonshine, hand-crafted spirits, and liqueurs. They are looking to utilize local ingredients to make unique products and their hand-crafted corn whiskey and other spirits. In addition, the Donoho family is looking to create a tasting room Gorge visitors and residents alike can relax and enjoy while experiencing their products. To put together financing, Skunk Brothers came to MCEDD and the Skamania EDC, who worked in partnership to enable them to purchase additional necessary equipment, and provide working capital to get through renovation of their tasting room and beginning batches of their products. For more info on Skunk Brothers, visit their Facebook page!