Distillery profile

Solar Spirits

Explore the distillery's history, craft, production, and the distinctive character of its whiskies.

Last updated
Show on map All distilleries

Solar Spirits

Overview of the Distillery

Solar Spirits is located in Richland, Washington, and is a small, modern distillery that combines local ingredients with solar energy. The brand produces award-winning spirits such as an American single malt based on 100% Washington-grown malted barley and a cranberry-based vodka, and also welcomes guests into a tasting room with cocktails and small plates.

History

2017 – Sip Northwest Judges' Pick (Founder's Release)

American Single Malt Whiskey — 4 Year was awarded the 2017 Sip Northwest Judges' Pick as Founder's Release.

2017 – Sip Northwest Double Gold (tasting category: Best Flavored Vodka)

One of the company's vodka expressions was awarded the 2017 Sip Northwest Double Gold in the Best Flavored Vodka category (referenced on the Coffee Vodka page).

2020 – American Distilling Institute Silver Medal

Coffee Vodka was awarded a 2020 American Distilling Institute (ADI) Silver Medal.

Raw Materials and Production

The production rests on local ingredients and tight control of the process. The single malt is made from 100% Washington-grown malted barley, milled on site; the milled grain is kept whole until it is piped directly into the mash tun, to preserve as much of the grain's integrity. Distillation takes place through a combination of pot and column stills in a double-distillation process, with solar thermal energy supplying the distillation heat. For vodka, the distillery uses a cranberry‑vodka base; the aromatic Coffee Vodka is infused with a local cold-brew concentrate that slow-steeps to give a deep espresso character. These elements show a production that prioritizes local ingredients, on-site milling control, and a solar-based energy approach.

Aging and Barrel Types

For their single malt, primary aging is documented at four years in American oak. After the primary aging, the whiskey is finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The combination of American oak for the core build and a sherry finish is a deliberate method to add depth and roundness to the final product.

The Whiskies

The range, as it appears in the webshop and on the tasting room menu, includes an American single malt aged four years as well as flavored vodkas such as a Coffee Vodka built on a cranberry-vodka base. The products are sold in the tasting room and online, and the tasting room's cocktail menu and small plates complement sales and brand visibility. Several of the products have received regional and national awards.

Whisky Type / Series Age Cask and Style Flavor Profile Status
American Single Malt Whiskey — 4 Year American Single Malt 4 Year American oak and Oloroso sherry cask (finish); finish: Oloroso sherry finish 100% Washington-grown malted barley, on-site milled, double distilled on pot and column stills powered by solar energy. Aged four years in American oak and finished in Oloroso sherry cask.; Nose: Caramel, vanilla, toasted grain (described on product page); Taste: Dried fruit, honeyed malt (described on product page); Finish: Long, fading warmth (described on product page) Current; Core range; Available in webshop and tasting room
Coffee Vodka Flavored Vodka Cold-brew from a local roaster meets Solar Spirits' cranberry-vodka base. Solar-distilled vodka keeps the base clean; coffee extract adds deep espresso character. No artificial flavors.; Nose: Espresso, dark cocoa, toasted caramel (described on product page); Taste: Pure coffee, silky body, natural sweetness; Finish: Bittersweet chocolate-like warmth (described on product page) Current; Core range; Available in webshop and tasting room

The Whiskies' Style and Flavor Profile

Several releases point toward caramel and vanilla from aging in American oak, dried fruit and honeyed malt from the single malt, as well as intense espresso, dark cocoa, and roasted sweetness from Coffee Vodka. These descriptions appear across the product texts and sketch a picture of both malt-based, sweeter oak characters and bold, roasted coffee notes in the flavored series.

Visiting the Distillery

The tasting room is open several days a week and described as a warm, intimate lounge where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, small plates, and live events. The address is 702 The Park Way, Ste B, Richland, WA 99352. Opening hours are listed for Tuesday to Saturday with later hours on weekends; events such as concerts and themed evenings are announced regularly.

The stated hours are Tuesday 15:00–20:00; Wednesday 15:00–20:00; Thursday 15:00–21:00; Friday 15:00–22:00; Saturday 15:00–22:00.

Philosophy and Craft

Solar Spirits emphasizes local ingredients and energy efficiency. The distillery highlights the use of Washington-grown ingredients, on-site milling to preserve ingredient quality, and solar thermal energy as the driving force in distillation, which is both a craft choice and a sustainability initiative.

Sustainability

  • Use of thermal solar energy in distillation.

  • Emphasis on local ingredients as part of the production chain.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Judges' Pick (Founder's Release) (2017, Judges' Pick, American Single Malt Whiskey — 4 Year)

  • Double Gold (2017, Double Gold in the Best Flavored Vodka category, Coffee Vodka—referenced on the Coffee Vodka page)

  • ADI Silver (2020, Silver Medal, Coffee Vodka)