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South Sound spirits

Sip on locally crafted boozes throughout the South Sound

HDC has more than one tasting room to get your fix! Photo credit: HDC Instagram

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Craft distilleries are still a fairly new concept in the South Sound region. It wasn't until 2008 that distilleries were legal in the state of Washington. So, in the past 10 years, we've gone from having not a one, to a select few, and now the distilling scene is picking up some steam. Though those who broke out onto the scene are no longer with us, they paved the way for others to forge ahead in crafting delectable boozes for the people's consumption. Here are a few local distilleries you ought to add to your liquor cabinet: 

Heritage Distilling Co. is a nationally recognized brand who got its start in Gig Harbor. Not only are they one of the most awarded craft distilleries, they have tasting rooms popping up all over the state including two tasting rooms in Gig Harbor, Ballard, Capitol Hill, Roslyn and even beyond state borders into Eugene, Oregon. Though they might be best loved for the Brown Sugar Bourbon, HDC crafts a wide array of spirits like gin, bourbon, whiskey and flavored vodkas. They've got your boozy needs covered. heritagedistilling.com

Tucked away in an unassuming space in University Place, Chambers Bay Distillery is crafting spirits that are making appearances on shelves here, there and everywhere. Their inventory is swiftly expanding but currently includes their Greenhorn Bourbon, Ghost Dog Whiskey and Ran Vodka. The vodka compels with a sea salt infusion. CBD even crafts their boozes with wild yeast harvested from a local apple orchard. 2013 70th Ave. W., University Place, chambersbaydistillery.com

Old Soldier Distillery's story is they are using a traditional corn whiskey recipe from a distant relative during the Civil War. This small batch distillery crafts four spirits, a traditional whiskey and bourbon plus a white whiskey and butterscotch-flavored whiskey. It's safe to assume they love the brown boozes. 309 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, oldsoldierdistillery.com

Nightside Distillery has some products that are both compelling and approachable. Some of the basics include their vodka, gin and bourbon while the less expected are the Nightside Aquavit, Nightside Apple Pie and a Nightside Lemondrop which is designed to be poured, chilled and sipped as is. 2908 Meridian Ave. E., Edgewood, nightsidedistillery.com 

The 222 Market is home to a plethora of rad, locally operated establishments and among them is Shoebox Spirits. Their current selection includes six small batch spirits, all produced in-house from Washington-grown malted barley. They've got your moonshine needs covered and this ain't your grandpappies hooch: Apple Pie Shine, Peach Pie Shine, Tropical Shine and a Single Malt Moonshine plus a vodka and Oly Gin. 222 Capital Way, Olympia, shoeboxspirits.com

Sandstone Distillery has some awards under their belt as well, including their Stone Carver Vodka and White Whiskey. They also have a gin, barrel-aged whiskey and even a bacon whiskey. I'm enticed by the Vapor-Infused Vodkas boating rosemary, lemon-ginger, garlic and chive and more. And the Stone Carver Black Gin, which states that it's mysteriously dark and a distinctive, licorice laced gin. 842 Wright Rd. SE, Tenino, sandstonedistillery.com

Ouzo, Grappa and Brandy, oh my! Expect the unexpected at Mastrogiannis Distillery. A small batch, family-owned distillery with a motto like Maraki! Which translate to the soul, creativity and love that they put into everything they do ... well, it sounds like they got spirit. Tasting room by appointment only. 805 Durango St. SW, Lakewood, 206.701.9202, mastrogiannisdistillery.com 

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