New Basin Distilling Company — Attraction in Madras

This distiller still needs to do some work, but has a lot of potential. I came by directly after the 8-21-2017 solar eclipse during my 8/20-8/21 trip to Madras and tried their gin and their huckleberry lemonade. The gin was reasonably smooth and clean, and went down easily, but lacked maturity, especially the floral and sylvan overtones that make gin different from every other kind of liquor. Combined with a very standard proof and a lack of sweetness, the result was what should be considered a reasonably tasteful cheap gin. The huckleberry lemonade on the other hand was very good, and the friend I was with was very satisfied with his mule, which seems to indicate to me some talent with mixology on the part of the bar staff. Great service, obvious family atmosphere among the staff and clientele compliment the simple and innocent arrangement of picnic tables, concrete floors, an ordering counter and snacks in tin buckets that usually characterizes a Seattle brewery, while large fairy white Christmas lights complete that youthful feeling with that childlike romantic feeling of limitlessness and wonder that is such a part of being 23 years old, but the building the brewery is housed in looks like a...

We stopped by today after visiting Ericksson Aircraft. Josh (assistant distiller) was an amazing host. He was outside working on grinding up wheat but came in, told us a TON about the distilling experience, and shared wonderful info. Knowing the source of the water (Opal Springs), the local rye and wheat, and the true passion he had for creating farm-to-bottle spirits made it an extra special experience. My spouse opted for the rye whiskey, which also had a beautiful label. They're carried in many liquor stores in Oregon, but if you're driving around near...

No one from New Basin was there when we arrived. The coffee stand outside told us that even though New Basin was supposed to be open, they had just left and she didn't know when they would be back. But she thought they'd be back. I understand having to close early, I just wish they'd left a note on the door letting you know if theyd be back or let the coffee stand know. Just as we were leaving someone arrived and told us it would be another hour until someone else would arrive and that person would open the store. We couldn't wait that...