Seattle Distilling is just a ferry ride away from Downtown, amongst the beautiful farmland of Vashon Island (and a well-known community of anti-vaxers). This family-run business sources local, sustainable ingredients to make scratch spirits, including an herbaceous gin, unfiltered vodka, single-malt whiskey, and even a coffee liqueur for a hyperlocal White Russian.

Locally grown corn and wheat are the backbone of these true-to-Washington spirits; in fact, 2Bar’s bourbon was the first to be made from all Washington grain, and both the whiskey and moonshine are smoother than many.

Recently purchased by The Rémy Cointreau Group, Westland has made a name for itself as being well-stocked with some of the best booze in town, and its tasting room has a thoughtful selection of small-pour cocktails. Whether the acquisition by an international conglomerate breaks your heart or lifts your spirits, toast the local legend by trying some Scotch-style peated whiskey, still an uncommon product for American producers, or the Pedro Ximinéz and Oloroso cask-aged Sherry Wood whiskey, infinitely drinkable alone or in a cocktail.

Skip Tognetti's Italian background informs his very fine booze-making efforts. The vodka is lovely, and it forms a perfect base for the limoncello and arancello rosso (blood orange liqueur), which are the real draws here. Look for an amaro coming soon.

A visit to this waterfront-adjacent space is a must. On one of the most interesting distillery tours around, you’ll learn about the history of Copperworks' stills, plus get the chance to taste an incredibly flavorful vodka. The company's classic gin and limited-edition aged gins are noteworthy, and two different types of single-malt whiskeys, alternating releases, are worth going out of your way for.

Fans of other brands’ flavored vodkas don’t know what they’re missing until they taste those engineered by this Capitol Hill micro-distillery. Here you’ll find chili pepper, rosemary, and citrus versions of the clear spirit, each with a bold, true flavor and plenty of useful applications. The whiskey and gin, plus a special edition of the latter aged in the former's barrel, are also lovely.

It’s a good thing there's so much space at the distillery and tasting room on Elliott Avenue, because the awards keep coming. The company's Barrel Raider whiskey is blended in-house from outside sources, while Old Log Cabin Bourbon is a Washington malt-based spirit inspired by a historic brand. Try the 7 Stars Moonshine, too, which is made in several flavors. You can even sit in the Batch Bar and enjoy a house cocktail with delicious deep dish pie from pizzeria-in-residence Windy City Pie.

This indie-darling describes itself as “Steampunk meets the speakeasy.” Organic, heirloom grains and botanicals, artesian waters, and hand-made stills make this full-circle distillery what it is — pure and sweet. Look out for a handful of award-winning whiskeys alongside vodka and gin.

This tiny Ballard distillery makes a mighty fine Aquavit — fitting, considering the Scandinavian history of the neighborhood. Available in multiple flavors including classic caraway, citron, and dill, it’s a true expression of a traditional spirit. And don't miss the Cherry Bounce, an aged sour fruit liqueur. You can even sit and pair sips and samples with a board of cured fish now that there's a cafe aspect.

Big Gin is nearly a household name thanks to the fine folks from Ballard’s Captive Spirits. With a classic variety and a bourbon barrel-aged version, plus a variety of limited releases (peat-barreled, anyone?), these aren’t your grandpa’s gin. Oh, and be on the lookout for a new distillery in just a few short months.

With six years under its belts, Woodinville Whiskey Co. is the most recognized name in Washington State whiskey. Stop by to taste an American whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, a rye variety, or even take home a kit to try aging your own.

Follow the green fairy to Woodinville, where the Pacifique Absinthe is distilled and poured freely. Approachable and refreshing, it’s definitely worth the trip. The Voyager Gin, too, is a nice choice for the lover of London dry.

John Howie wine director Erik Liedholm has an award-winning palate, scooping up plenty of hardware for his somm skills. In 2015, he put his palate to a different use, opening Wildwood Spirits in Bothell. There, he makes the beloved Kur gin, featuring apples from his own yard, as well as Douglas Fir.