Fall/Winter Newsletter Series: 2bar Spirits

One of the Eastern Washington farms that supplies 2bar wheat. Photo courtesy of 2bar Spirits

Nathan Kaiser's boots shuffle past stacks of Washington wheat lining one wall of his SODO distillery. As he guides us along, explaining each step in the distillation process, his enthusiasm for the booze business is palpable - contagious, even.

Hailing from deep in the heart of Texas, the 2bar Spirits owner was among the first to open up shop in Seattle after the liquor laws changed. Now, with moonshine, award-winning vodka, and small-batch bourbon beckoning from the tasting room shelves, the charming 2bar crew is easily winning over Seattle.

What led you to the distillery business?

2bar Spirits is a combination of a number of passions of mine: science, art, making things and family. I absolutely love working at 2bar and being able to produce spirits from scratch. We source all of our grain directly from local farmers and make everything on site. As we say, we go from grain to glass.

How did 2bar Spirits get its name?

The 2bar name goes back generations in my family with the 2bar ranch, where five generations of my family have worked the land. My grandfather was born on the ranch and continues to work it to this day. I must say, I really enjoy the fact that there are hints of moonshining in the family past, so we really are continuing a family legacy.

Is your moonshine recipe a family heirloom?

Unfortunately, we don't have the family's moonshine recipe. That being said, we make an excellent sipping 'shine that can be enjoyed neat, on ice or in a cocktail.

Where do you go for a great cocktail?

My favorites are The Sexton in Ballard and Liberty on Capitol Hill. Both have amazing service and make amazing drinks!

What's your favorite cocktail to mix at home?

Ginger Moon: 3 parts ginger beer, 1 part 2bar Moonshine, ice and lime.

Find more information about 2bar Spirits in our Fall/Winter Newsletter available in our locations and online. Get to know our other featured distilleries, Sound Spirits, Letterpress Distilling and Project V Distillery & Sausage Company.