For those looking to lift a glass in support of US veterans, here’s a curated selection of spirits produced by distillers with a military background.

4 Spirits Distillery (Corvallis, OR)

In 2011, Dawson Officer established 4 Spirits Distillery with a mission to create superior craft spirits that honor all service members. The name 4 Spirits is dedicated to Lt. Erik McCrae, Sgt. Justin Linden, Sgt. Justin Eyerly and Sgt. David Roustum, who served with Dawson in Baghdad, where they lost their lives. Also, the 4 Spirits Foundation is dedicated to raising funds and supporting causes that provide education and mental and social health support to veterans and their families.

Their 4 Spirits Barrel Aged Gin, the newest spirit in their lineup, is slightly aged in Single Malt Whiskey barrels for 4 to 6 months. The balanced notes of citrus, juniper, and cardamom with a touch of oak on the finish combine to create a unique gin with a whiskey feel.

4-Spirits Distillery (Photo: The Brand)

Fireside Distillers (Eugene, OR)

Fireside Distillers has been majority Veteran owned and Veteran led since 2013. It was started by a USMC veteran working as a civil engineer and his former employer. Their initial goal was to bring people together during experiences that bring them a sense of camaraderie. In 2021, they fulfilled a dream of becoming a full distillery and started hand-making whiskey, rum, brandy, and whatever struck their wandering minds. Also, they collaborate with many local veteran (and nonveteran) non-profits assisting in their mission to provide services to their stated causes.

While their naming convention isn’t very original, the recipes for their libations certainly are. For example, Whiskey #8, “Veterans Day Edition,” features midnight wheat, which created a porter-like mash that, in turn, created a coffee-forward whiskey.

Fireside Distillery (B. Garrison)

Heritage Distilling Co. (Tumwater, WA, with seven total tasting rooms across WA and OR)

For nearly a decade, this veteran co-founded distillery has been raising funds for military-affiliated charities and non-profit organizations. In 2023, they launched their Special Operations Salute™ product line to raise funds for organizations that support the Army US Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. The Service to America Salute™ product line officially launched in 2024 with their War Dogs™ Edition, honoring the service, loyalty, courage, and sacrifice of America’s working dogs. 10% of gross profits from every bottle sold goes to benevolent non-profit partners that support human and K9 warriors, veterans, and their families.

Their Special Operations Salute™ Whiskey – Army SOF Edition is a blend of two 6-year-old bourbons and a 7-year rye whiskey mashed, fermented, and distilled by Heritage, and then proofed to 105 (“Howitzer Strength”). An aroma of smoke, caramel, honey, pear, and tobacco lends to tasting notes of floral bee pollen, clove, sweet malt, chocolate, and vanilla.

Heritage Distillery Tasting Flight (B. Garrison)

Old Soldier Distillery (Tacoma, WA)

After retiring from the Army after 20 years of service, Andrew Fairchok co-founded Old Soldier Distillery with Rodney Kaeding, who served for 27 years in the Air Force. Their Old Soldier White Corn Whiskey is made in small batch lots using a traditional corn whiskey recipe from a distant relative who fought during the Civil War for a sweet and smooth finish.

Old Soldier Distillery (Photo: The Brand)

Skunk Brothers Spirits (Stevenson, WA)

Skunk Brothers Spirits was started by a family of disabled veterans who wanted to build on their grandfather’s prohibition-era moonshine recipe. The name was inspired by their pops, who earned the nickname “Skunk” when he ran into a skunk during a snowstorm. While Skunk’s father was an illegal moonshiner in Oregon, the family decided to go legal with the family business. Their Moonshine Corn Whiskey is a classic take on an old American tradition made from 100% Washington-grown corn mashed, fermented, and distilled in-house for a warm, buttery, sweet flavor.

Skunk Distillery (Photo: The Brand)