Crater Lake Rye Whiskey
Crater Lake Rye Whiskey is a 40% ABV (80 proof), 750mL straight American rye whiskey from Crater Lake Spirits in Bend, Oregon. Per producer copy, it is distilled from rye grain and aged in American oak until it pours a honey colour — a soft, approachable rye from Bendistillery, founded in Bend in 1996 and now producing on a farm property in nearby Tumalo. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Straight American rye whiskey
- Grain: Rye grain (producer-era sources differ on the exact percentage — see flag)
- Maturation: American oak
- Origin: Crater Lake Spirits (Bendistillery), Bend / Tumalo, Oregon
- Producer: Bendistillery, founded 1996 by Jim Bendis
High-Desert Rye from Bend, Oregon
Bendistillery launched in Bend in 1996 with Crater Lake vodka and gin and grew into one of Oregon's anchor craft distilleries, moving production to a 24-acre farm in Tumalo in 2010. Its standard rye is the easy-drinking end of the range — where the Reserve and Estate bottlings chase proof and age, this one is built for smoothness: creamy sweetness first, rye spice second. Find it among the rest of our rye whiskey shelf, browse the wider whisky range, or visit the Crater Lake vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Creamy toffee and vanilla, per producer copy. Palate: Toffee and vanilla opening into peppery rye spice, with the USA Spirits Ratings judges noting baking spice and roasted caramel corn. Finish: Soft oak.
How to Enjoy
Its gentle spice makes it a friendly first pour neat or on the rocks, and a forgiving rye for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned where you want the vermouth and bitters to share the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Crater Lake Reserve or Estate Rye? No. Reserve Rye is a 96 proof, three-year bottling and Estate Rye is a 93 proof, five-year bottling from estate-grown rye. This is the standard 80 proof Crater Lake Rye.
Has it won any awards? Yes — it took a Silver Medal with 82 points at the USA Spirits Ratings in 2021, whose judges noted baking spice, toffee and roasted caramel corn.
Where is it made? In Oregon's high desert, by Bendistillery — founded in Bend in 1996 and producing at its Tumalo farm property since 2010.
Smooth Oregon rye with a peppery edge — order Crater Lake Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.