Skip Rock Distillers
About the Distillery
Skip Rock Distillers is a small craft distillery in Snohomish, Washington, founded in 2009. The distillery makes small batches of handmade spirits — from bourbon and rye to white and triticale whiskey — and prides itself on using local ingredients and direct sourcing from farmers. The result is a locally anchored range that also includes vodka, gin, rum, and liqueurs.
History
In 2009, Ryan and Julie Hembree decided to turn their interest in local ingredients and good spirits into reality and founded Skip Rock Distillers in Snohomish. The project began as a local passion for craftsmanship and has since grown into a name recognized in the Pacific Northwest. The company has gradually expanded its lineup while maintaining a production model based on small batches and handmade production. Skip Rock has also prioritized close relationships with farmers and suppliers, which has been central to their identity during the growth period.
Ingredients and Production
Production at Skip Rock is characterized by small batches and handmade work. The raw materials are used fresh and local whenever possible; when ingredients are purchased from other states, it is done directly from selected farmers. The production team includes Ryan Hembree as co-owner and Brian Roys as production manager and distiller. The distillery's lineup spans different types of spirits, reflecting a flexible production, but technical details about distillation equipment, the number of alembic stills, or fermentation times are not disclosed on the pages.
Whiskeys
Skip Rock has a broad craft-focused lineup, with the whiskey range including bourbon, rye, white whiskey, and triticale whiskey. In addition to whiskey, they also produce vodka (including a potato vodka), gin, rum, brandy, and liqueurs. Production is carried out in small batches with a focus on local ingredients and handmade processing, which marks the portfolio as a whole.
| Whiskey | Type / Series |
|---|---|
| Skip Rock Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Skip Rock Rye Whiskey | Rye |
| Headwaters White Whiskey | White Whiskey |
| Triticale Whiskey | Triticale Whiskey |
Visiting the Distillery
The distillery has a visiting address in Snohomish and is open to visitors during the week. Regular hours are Monday to Saturday 11:00–17:00, with special hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, as well as closed days Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For practical questions about visits, events, or purchases, you can call the distillery or write to the specified email address.
The stated hours are Monday–Saturday 11:00–17:00; Christmas Eve 11:00–15:00; Closed Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve 11:00–15:00; Closed New Year’s Day.
Philosophy and Craft
Skip Rock works from a craft-focused approach: production in small batches, handmade from scratch, and maximum use of local ingredients. When ingredients must be sourced from other states, they are purchased directly from farmers to ensure quality and long-term supplier relationships. The aim is to create unique, nuanced, and balanced spirits that work both neat and in cocktails.