Whidbey Island Distillery was started in 2010 by Beverly and Steve Heising. Bev notes, “We came up with this crazy idea to start a distillery; the laws [had] just changed in Washington to allow craft distilleries. This license requires that you use 51% or more Washington Grown products.” Steve adds, “We have managed to use close to 90% Washington products in our liqueurs.”
When the Heisings decided early in 2024 to retire, two of their employees, Mike Huffman and Jonathan Bower, wanted to become the new co-owners. Mike and Jonathan had worked at the distillery since 2014 and 2015 respectively. They created a business plan and began working with the Whidbey Island Economic Development Council and the Washington Small Business Development Center. In late September 2024, they secured the funding to purchase the property and distillery, and became the new owners.
With a background in sales and management, Mike Huffman truly enjoys building connections with people. His journey into the world of brewing began at an early age when he started homebrewing with his brother. He cherished the moments spent together while learning the science behind the brewing process. In 2002, he expanded his interests into winemaking when his wife's family established a vineyard and winery in Southern California.
In 2014, Mike and his family moved to Whidbey Island where they embraced the vibrant community of passionate producers and small family-owned businesses. He was the first full-time employee the Heisings hired. He quickly established himself as the distillery's General Manager and, a year later, he hired Jonathan, the distillery's second full-time employee and the current Master Distiller.
Jonathan Bower developed a passion for whiskey and how it is made in early adulthood. He found the dynamics involved in whiskey creation to be fascinating, with all the layers to explore: grain combinations, brewing techniques, distillation, and wood aging. He set out to learn everything there was to know about making whiskey. He started bartending and working in liquor stores, trying new whiskies and developing his palate.
In 2010 Jonathan relocated from Colorado to Washington and was managing a state-run liquor store as the state was transitioning to private alcohol sales. After privatization, he worked at a liquor store helping to create one of Washington’s first local spirits collections. After 8 years on the sales side, he decided it was time to pursue the creative side, and in May of 2015 he interviewed with Mike Huffman for a production position at Whidbey Island Distillery. The rest, as they say, is history.
Since it’s founding, Whidbey Island Distillery has received several awards for its products. Their Raspberry, Loganberry, Boysenberry, and Blackberry Liqueurs have all won national and international prizes. The Beverage Testing Institute awarded their Blackberry Liqueur 98 points, making it one of the highest-rated spirits in North America. Whidbey Island Distillery also produces two grain-to-bottle rye whiskeys: “Bunker Rye”, and a single-batch select straight rye called “Rye Wisdom” which was named “Best of the Northwest” rye whiskey by Sip Northwest Magazine in 2023, and was given a Platinum award. All of these are available at the tasting room at 3466 Craw Road in Langley.
Mike and Jonathan are excited to usher the distillery into its next chapter. Committed to maintaining the integrity established by the Heisings, they will continue using local ingredients, produce and distill their spirits, and strengthen their relationship with the Whidbey Island community. “The Heisings have taught us many valuable lessons over the years, and we feel honored to follow in their footsteps,” Mike proudly states.
Stop by Whidbey Island Distillery at 3466 Craw Road in Langley. They offer complimentary tastings seven days a week. Current hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call ahead to arrange for a tour or to ask what is available for limited releases. You can email them at hello@whidbeydistillery.com. You can also visit their website: www.whidbeydistillery.com.
