Crater Lake Spirits’ Hazelnut Espresso Vodka could be “Coolest Thing made in Oregon”

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crater Lake Spirits Hazelnut Espresso Vodka has been named as one of 16 finalists in the annual “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon” competition. The contest is hosted by Oregon Business and Industry to highlight products created across the state.

While Hood River Distillers recently acquired the rights to distribute the vodka, the product continues to be manufactured at Bendistillery in central Oregon.

Korrie Dodge, vice president of marketing at Hood River Distillers, emphasized the broader economic impact of supporting local producers. “When you're supporting a brand Made in Oregon, you're supporting a lot of people,” Dodge said. “We employ around 60 people, in Oregon. And also: fun fact about this product is that we buy the coffee from Sisters Coffee Company, which is also, you know, a family-owned business in central Oregon. So, if you're voting for us, you're not only voting for one Oregon company, but you're you're kind of technically voting for two. So it's just really nice to keep business and money in the state we all live in.”

Beyond the state contest, the beverage has earned industry recognition. Chilled Magazine gave the vodka an award this year, with a of 95 out of 100.

Voting for the first round of the “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon” contest ends Sept. 28.

You can vote for it on the contest's website.