Interview: Advancing indigenous representation in the spirits industry

In this exclusive interview, Justin Stiefel, CEO of Heritage Distilling Co, discusses the steps taken to establish Oregon’s first tribally-owned distillery. He highlights the importance of overturning the 1834 law that restricted tribal involvement in distilling and shares how the Tribal Beverage Network (TBN) is creating economic opportunities, empowering Native American communities and setting the stage for greater diversity and inclusion in the spirits industry.

Oregon makes history with first tribal distillery

After more than two years of planning, a distillery will open on Tribal land in Oregon, in which both Heritage and Coquille-branded spirits will be produced and bottled. These products will then be sold in the bars, restaurants and retail outlets of The Mill Casino-Hotel in Coos Bay, Oregon.

The project is expected to open to the public by the end of the year.

“After more than two years of planning, negotiating with the state of Oregon, and completing design work, we are thrilled to have broken ground on this historic project,” said Margaret Simpson, CEO of CEDCO, which operates The Mill Casino-Hotel & RV Park.

South Sound – February 4, 2025

The Drinks Business – February 5, 2025

KOBI-TV – February 6, 2025

Coquille Tribe Gets Green Light to Build Medford Casino

The Coquille Indian Tribe recently received federal permission to build a casino off the interstate in Medford, a cap to a rocky 13-year public process.

The Department of the Interior signed a record of decision in the matter Jan. 10, the Oregon Journalism Project reported.

Oregon Business – January 21, 2025

KDRV.com – January 15, 2025

Rogue Valley Times – January 15, 2025

Oregon Public Broadcasting – January 14, 2025

The Oregonian – January 13, 2025

Coquille Tribe to Launch First Tribal Distillery in Oregon

The Coquille Indian Tribe and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) have authorized a landmark agreement for distillery liquor production and sales within its sovereign lands in Coos Bay.  The proposed distillery will be the first tribally owned spirit production enterprise in the state of Oregon. 

The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park, owned and operated by Coquille Economic Development Corporation, plans to feature a distillery producing several varieties of distilled spirits.  The casino will sell the products in its several bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. The Mill will also undergo the most significant renovation in a generation, adding to its already impressive bayfront footprint.  Revenue from the distillery and related retail operations will be distributed to the Tribe, which provides its 1,200 members with health care, education, and services in five Southern Oregon counties.

KATU Portland – May 16, 2024

Yahoo! Finance – May 16, 2024

Indian Gaming – May 17, 2024

Yahoo! News/KOIN – May16, 2024

KMTR Eugene – May 17, 2024

KOBI Medford – May 17, 2024

KOIN Portland – May 17, 2024

Tribal Business News – May 17, 2024

Craft Brewing News – May 29, 2024

OregonLive.com – June 25, 2024