NORTH BEND, OR – The Coquille Indian Tribe has been authorized to begin distillery liquor production and sales within its sovereign lands in Coos Bay. The distillery will be the first tribally owned spirit production enterprise in the State of Oregon.
The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park, owned and operated by Coquille Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO), plans to feature a distillery producing several varieties of distilled spirits. The casino will sell the products in its bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. The Mill will also undergo its most significant renovation, adding to its already impressive Bayfront footprint. Revenue from the distillery and related retail operations will be distributed to the tribe, which provides its 1,200 members with healthcare, education, and services in five Southern Oregon counties.
“The Coquille Tribe stayed strong and resilient through the invasion of our homelands, through forcible removal, through the Western Oregon Termination Act and everything else thrown at us over the centuries,” said Brenda Meade, Coquille Tribal Council Chair. “Since our Restoration in 1989, we have gone from the brink of annihilation to becoming one of the largest employers on the Oregon coast. That exercise in sovereignty has led us to this time in our history, and our most recent collaboration is another step in our mission to create and foster prosperity for our people and our communities.”
The Mill has partnered with Heritage Distilling Company, headquartered in Gig Harbor, WA, with production and retail operations in Eugene, OR, in its plans for a CEDCO-owned and operated distillery. The tribe sought out Heritage Distilling Company due to its track record of not only delivering award-winning products but also working to create economic development among various tribes around the country as it expands its Tribal Beverage Network (TBN) model.
“The tribe has always had a vision for expansion to meet the needs of today’s sophisticated travelers and refined palates,” said Margaret Simpson, CEO of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation. “Oregon has a deep history in wine and beer, and we are recognizing the growing demand for locally produced, high-quality spirits with this endeavor. After much research and evaluation, we are confident Heritage Distilling has a fitting brand to complement our vision.”
