Swede Hill Distilling

Overview of the Distillery

Swede Hill Distilling is a family-owned craft distillery located in the heart of the apple orchards in Yakima Valley, Washington. Since 2013, Kevin and Pamela Milford have been producing small-batch spirits using fruit from the family farm and local ingredients—from clear, fruit-infused moonshine to a single-barrel American Whiskey. It is a true farm-to-bottle project with local roots and simple, artisanal methods.

History

The history of Swede Hill begins with Swedish immigrant families who, in the early 1900s, planted apple orchards in the Yakima Valley; the area became known as "Swede Hill" and remains part of the distillery's identity. Kevin and Pamela Milford have continued the family's connection to the land and opened Swede Hill Distilling in 2013 as a family-owned craft distillery. In the years since its founding, the distillery has expanded a range of small-batch infused spirits and a single-barrel American Whiskey. In 2018, the distillery was recognized in regional competitions, including a SIP Northwest Gold Medal and a Silver Medal at the Washington Cup National Spirits Competition.

Ingredients and Production

Swede Hill works directly with raw materials from the family farm and other local suppliers in the Yakima Valley. The products include a single-barrel American Whiskey on a mash of corn, rye and malted barley, as well as a range of fruit-driven infusions featuring fresh apple and cherry. Moonshine is produced as a clear, neutral spirit and infused in small batches with fresh fruit; for example, apple and cherry infusions are highlighted. The distillery's raspberry vodka is produced with over a pound of Northwest raspberries per batch. Many technical details about distillation, fermentation, and equipment are not specified, but the focus is clearly on small-batch, artisanal infusions and the use of local ingredients.

Maturation and Barrel Types

The primary aging information concerns the American Whiskey, described as aged in American white oak (new American white oak) — the product description mentions 4–5 years of aging, while other pages mention two years, illustrating variation in the figures. For the rest of the range, especially the fruit-infused moonshines and vodka, the products are clear spirits or bottled infusions where barrel aging is not central.

Whiskies

The portfolio consists of a single-barrel American Whiskey and several fruit-based small-batch spirits. The most visible products are American Whiskey (single barrel), Apple Pie Moonshine (available in 375 ml and 750 ml), Cherry Moonshine (750 ml), and a Raspberry Infused Vodka (750 ml). The products are marketed as handmade, naturally gluten-free, and free from artificial colorants, and Swede Hill handles distribution in Washington themselves and supplies a number of local retailers.

Whiskies: Style and Flavor Profile

The overall flavor profile ranges from bourbon-like notes in the whiskey to clean, fruity infusions. Specifically, caramel and vanilla are noted for the American Whiskey; the Apple Pie Moonshine variants contain baked apple, shortcrust pastry and a touch of cinnamon; the Cherry Moonshine highlights a balance between sweet and tart cherry, and the Raspberry Vodka is described as fresh and fruity. These directions cover both aging-influenced notes and clean, fruit-driven aromas.

Visit the Distillery

The tasting room is located in Yakima and is open by appointment only. Swede Hill welcomes both individuals and groups, and tastings must be requested by phone or email to book. A phone number and a contact email are provided for bookings; opening hours and fixed tours are not specified, but practice is appointment-based.

Philosophy and Craftsmanship

Swede Hill builds its production on a farm-to-bottle mindset: fruit from the family farm and local ingredients form the backbone of the production. The distillery prioritizes small-batch production, craft, and clean products without artificial additives. Family ownership and local rootedness are highlighted values.

Prices and Recognitions

• SIP Northwest Gold Medal (2018, Gold Medal)

• Washington Cup National Spirits Competition (2018, Silver Medal)