Swede Hill Distilling’s Moonshine Tasting Room In Washington Is One Hidden Speakeasy You’ll Want To Tour

Beer, wine... and apple pie moonshine? When it comes to libations, Washington is second to none. Not only does the Yakima Valley produce the majority of the hops that make the entire country's beer, but the wine industry is thriving. But that isn't the only thing we do well. Distilleries are popping up all over the state, including the small but impressive Swede Hill Distilling in Yakima.

Swede Hill Distilling is located in Yakima's West Valley neighborhood, on what is affectionately known as Swede Hill.

The nickname dates back to the early 1900s, when hundreds of Swedish immigrants came to the Yakima Valley and planted orchards in the area.

Kevin and Pamela Milford own the distillery, and Pamela’s grandparents were among the immigrants who planted and farmed the land in the area.

Swede Hill Distilling has been operating since 2013.

Kevin and Pamela have spent their entire lives in the Pacific Northwest, and their spirits are made from local ingredients.

They sell whiskey, cherry moonshine, and their famous apple pie moonshine.

The moonshine is a clear, natural spirit, infused in small batches with fresh apples and tart pie cherries and bottled at 60 proof.

The whiskey is single-barrel and known for its smoothness and hints of vanilla and caramel (yum).

The tasting room in Yakima is open by appointment only, but it's definitely worth checking out.

To make an appointment, you can fill out a form on their website or call 509-930-4106.

And if you can't make it to the tasting room, don't worry -- you'll often see Swede Hill's spirits at Farmers Markets, on store shelves, and at local events.

They also host occasional events at the distillery, which you can find information for on the Facebook page or on the website.

If you have yet to sample moonshine, you really can't go wrong with Swede Hill.

Come see why this small family distillery is making such a big impact statewide.

Have you ever heard of this local distillery? If you can't visit the tasting room anytime soon, you can always buy some moonshine online.