Our Pacific Northwest climate fosters many beautiful and delicious treasures. Some of the most prized are wild chanterelle mushrooms. At Woodborne Spirits craft distillery in Tumwater, they turn these rare and highly sought-after mushrooms into elegant and complex varietals of gin and vodka.
Woodborne Spirits Gin and Vodka Celebrate a Deep Connection to Our Region
Woodborne Spirits is the passion project of Jason Bishop, a longtime mushroom forager himself. Bishop began collaborating with esteemed local distillers Ray Watson and Lesa Givens to bring mushroom-infused, historically inspired spirits to commercial markets – and to welcome those unfamiliar with the chanterelle into a realm traditionally reserved for foragers and seasoned mushroom enthusiasts. They use Thurston County’s local artesian spring water and hand-foraged chanterelle mushrooms to create a vodka with apricot, hazelnut and black pepper notes. Their gin combines the same profile with tangy citrus and juniper berry flavors.
Woodborne Spirits, the joint venture comprised of, Bishop and industry veterans Watson and Givens, has quickly made its mark by winning seven prestigious medals in national tasting competitions. Building on Watson and Givens’ combined 15+ medals earned over 13-years in the distilling industry, Woodborne exemplifies their commitment to crafting exceptional, award-winning artisan spirits rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
Tumwater Craft Distillery Honors the Elusive Chanterelle Mushroom
Bishop, an entrepreneur with a background in cannabis and espresso before Woodborne, loves to transform the spark of inspiration into a reality. The choice of mushroom wasn’t an accident. Bishop says that chanterelles are prized not just for their flavor, but for their connection to the forest and people who explore it. “For generations, foragers have been infusing chanterelles into spirits at home,” he adds. “That tradition sparked the inspiration to bring something truly unique to the broader market, capturing the earthy, aromatic character of the mushroom in a refined, delicate spirit. It’s about honoring the old ways while crafting something entirely new.”
Woodborne Spirits only sources their mushrooms from local mushroom foragers. Chanterelle mushrooms are notoriously difficult to find, often hidden beneath foliage. Woodborne Spirits believes that spending hours in the cold, damp autumn forest searching for these delicate, frilly orange, yellow and white treasures is a labor of love and should be supported.
The creation of Woodborne’s chanterelle gin and vodka is a distinctive innovation born from Bishop’s vision and Watson’s expertise. Watson has developed a unique method to unlock and capture the true essence and flavor of the mushrooms, setting these spirits apart from all others. Their delicately smooth vodka highlights the earthy elegance of chanterelles, subtly accented by a whisper of apricot. The gin opens with a perfect balance of juniper and pine notes, unfolding into gentle spice, and finishes with a warm, savory umami character that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Award-Winning Woodborne Spirits Products are Locally Foraged and Hand-Crafted
Watson and Givens never rush the distilling process. “We feel like an individual put time into foraging this beautiful northwest mushroom,” says Watson, “and so we should put the time into creating beautiful spirits.”
When it comes to sales and distribution, all three founders exhibit the same dedication, experience and savvy. Starting a business, says Bishop, demands 100% belief in yourself and a 100% belief in the product. “When you’re building something from the ground up,” he says, “especially in a tight-knit place like Thurston County, that conviction is everything.”
“We’ve found that people truly want to support local businesses, especially those that are investing in the community and the region’s culture,” says Bishop. “That drives us to be present; we don’t just send our bottles out into the world, we show up ourselves. We’re often out at events, pouring and tastings, talking with people face-to-face. It still surprises some folks to see that it’s actually us – the owners and distillers – behind the table. But honestly, who better to share the story, explain the craft, and connect with the community?”
Don’t Miss Out on the Mushroom With Woodborne Spirits
Since production started in 2023, people near and far – both tasters and judges alike – are taking note. To date, Woodborne Spirits has medaled in every competition they’ve entered. This includes a gold medal in the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge 2025, a silver in the Northwest’s most prestigious competition (SIP awards), a silver and bronze at the LA invitational, two silver medals at the Denver International Spirits Competition 2025 and most recently a Silver at the highly coveted Bartenders Choice awards.
Consistent recognition from peers and industry leaders has elevated Woodborne Spirits from a novel concept to a bold, forward-thinking force in craft distilling. Born in Olympia, Woodborne reflects a deep connection to the land and its abundant resources – capturing the true essence of the Pacific Northwest and bottling it for all to experience. With a strong foundation and growing acclaim, the future is undeniably bright for this innovative, locally rooted brand.
You can pick up a bottle at their Tumwater location, Total Wine & More, Lacey Liquor, or T Brothers Liquor Lounge. Online orders are also available on their website. To sample perfectly poured cocktails using their gin and vodka, they recommend Woodborne Spirits’ tasting room (located at the distillery), or Cheeky Martini Lounge in downtown Olympia at 406 Washington Street SE. If your favorite restaurant or cocktail lounge doesn’t carry Woodborne Spirits, ask them to stock it. Supporting local helps grow an award-winning, innovative, homegrown business that proudly represents Thurston County.
Follow Woodborne Spirits on Facebook and Instagram for updates and product additions. Not sure how to showcase the product once you’ve brought it home? Visit their website for culinary and cocktail inspirations, including curated recipes from the Woodborne distillery team. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a cozy date night, charcuterie board hors d’oeuvres or a relaxed weekend brunch, you’ll find the perfect pour. Fan favorites include pasta with a chanterelle vodka marinara, an elegant gin and tonic with a splash of elderflower liqueur, and the bold chanterelle vodka bloody mary, a savory twist perfect for brunch or an indulgent afternoon. They also appreciate any innovative cocktails you might design, proudly displaying your recipes on their pages for others to recreate.
Woodborne Spirits Distillery
2442 Mottman Road, Tumwater
360.705.4000
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