One of the many accomplishments we are proud of here at the Stone is our commitment to partnering with other local businesses to produce health conscience food and delicious libations for our guests. Recently, we were introduced to a small batch, Southern Oregon distillery called New Port Distilling. Created by locals Charlie Bass and Anna Nickels Hoeper, New Port Distilling specializes in gin and vodka with many local infusions during the distilling process to produce truly, one-of-a-kind spirits unique to Southern Oregon. Another interesting signature method they use? They incorporate coconut carbon filters made from coconut shells! Not only is it renewable, but coconut shell carbon has a high density of micro-pores, allowing for the best possible filtering of contaminants to ultimately provide a super smooth product.

Having tried their spirits, Standing Stone was so impressed that we decided to partner with New Port Distilling to feature two new house cocktails on our summer menu; in the name of supporting local, but also in appreciation of delicious, superior tasting spirits!

We recently spoke with Charlie and Anna to gain a closer look at this local business that is quickly building a name for themselves!

Charlie Bass & Anna Nickels Hoeper

Standing Stone: “Can you tell us how your company was created?”

“We worked together for many years at Greenleaf Restaurant in Ashland. We became great friends in our time there, and we both had a passion for side projects such as a small, late night experimental delivery pizza pop up called ‘Stonetop Pizza’ in 2014.” Charlie developed a passion for gin and the distilling process over the years, and once it was time to transition from Greenleaf, a distillery seemed like the natural choice. Anna had completed a baking and pastry program at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute and saw an opportunity to join Charlie, and bring her knowledge of flavor pairing and cocktail creations to the business when they opened their tasting room in October of 2020.

SS: What botanicals do you use in the distillery process?

“The two rules of gin are that they have to be at least 40% alcohol and flavored with at least 51% juniper. Our London Dry Gin pairs juniper with the classic gin base of coriander, lemon, angelica root and orris root, but also has notes of paradise seed, cardamom, lemongrass and cassia bark. We also have our Beard & Flannel Gin, which we made to capture the terroir of Southern Oregon, that uses more local botanicals such as Douglas Fir, lavender, sage, mugwort and chamomile. Our latest addition is our aromatic gin that features flavors of Southeast Asia, with lemongrass, ginger and lime leaf.

SS: What are your thoughts on recently partnering with us to feature two new house cocktails on our Summer Menu?

“We adore Standing Stone’s commitment to using and supporting local. We both have been patrons of The Stone for many years and never had any doubt that your company would do our products justice, and of course, you delivered. We started our company right before the COVID-19 pandemic, and nothing has been more incredible than the way local businesses have rallied to support each other. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to the local restaurants and bars that have brought us into their establishments and worked with us, when they too have been trying to survive the year; businesses exactly like Standing Stone!”

SS: Where is your Tasting Room located, and what are the hours?

“We currently do tastings Friday – Sunday, 2 – 6 PM at our warehouse in Central Point at 201 Bateman Dr., Unit 23. We hope to move to a more central location in the next year, as we are quickly outgrowing our current space.”

SS: Where do you see your company in 5 years?

“We plan to expand our bottle sales outside of Oregon and add more spirits, such as rum. We also hope to continue to build relationships with restaurants and bars throughout the state, as well as have a dedicated cocktail bar where we can showcase more of our experimental mixed drinks and spirits.”

SS: Where can customers find your spirits for purchase?

“We sell bottles out of our location in Central Point and additionally are stocked in most local liquor stores. The Ashland and Talent Liquor Stores, specifically, keep our products at the ready.”

New Port Distilling’s four signature spirits.

We here at the Stone are proud to introduce our two new house cocktails featuring New Port Distilling:

Standing Stone Elderflower Martini

New Port Distilling Beard & Flannel gin, dry vermouth, St. Germain Liqueur, lemon twist, served up.

Standing Stone Strawberry Spritzer

New Port Distilling vodka, strawberry puree, lemon press, soda, on the rocks.

Come in any time to enjoy these delicious creations, or to simply try New Port’s gin and vodka, available at our full-service bar.  When you choose Standing Stone, you’re choosing local many times over! Cheers!