Rye grain | Fresh cut grass | Fresh oak | Faint baking spices | Vegetal

Watery vanilla | Light fresh oak | Rye spice | Thin mouthfeel

Fresh cut oak | Rye spice | Dash of vanilla buttercream frosting | White peppercorn

Bendistillery was founded in 1996 in Bend, Oregon, by Jim Bendis and is credited as one of America’s earliest craft distilleries. The distillery became known for emphasizing local Oregon ingredients, Cascade Mountain water filtered through volcanic rock, and Northwest-inspired branding and flavors. In 2026, Hood River Distillers acquired the Crater Lake Spirits portfolio, though Bendistillery continues to produce and bottle the spirits at its Bend facility.

Sometimes there’s no getting around the fact that no matter what grain type, mashbill, or oak barrel you use, you can’t beat Father Time. In the case of Crater Lake Rye, that’s exactly the case. The sip highlights youthful scents with a focus on a more vegetal aroma. The palate and finish are defined yet thin, highlighting young, watery notes. It’s not a bad sip, but one that is definitely in need of a longer time in the barrel to bring it up to being an average rye in the marketplace. This is one of those whiskeys that will appeal to those living in or from Bend, Oregon, who feel connected to the area and want to support businesses there. For everyone else, other ryes, especially for the price point, will provide a higher-quality experience.