Caitlin Bartlemay Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated in Oregon's Distilling Legacy

At a young age, Hood River woman was spirited away by the science of fermentation

From Farm Roots to Leading the Charge, Caitlin Bartlemay’s Journey in Distilling

Caitlin Bartlemay’s Journey in Distilling

Caitlin Bartlemay is at the forefront of two powerhouse distilleries, Clear Creek Distillery and Hood River Distillers, boasting 37 years of craft-distilling experience. Merging in 2014, these distilleries are iconic in the Oregon landscape.

Bartlemay, who hails from a farm in Eastern Oregon, holds a degree in food science with a specialization in fermentation and a minor in chemistry from Oregon State University. Her journey with Clear Creek began immediately after her last university exam. Working alongside master distiller Joe O’Sullivan, Bartlemay played a pivotal role in developing Timberline Vodka, which features Pacific Northwest apples and spring water from Mt. Hood.

This vodka swiftly earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Throughout her 12-year tenure at Clear Creek, Bartlemay and her team have garnered over 30 awards for their diverse range of spirits.

Bartlemay sat down with Oregon Business to discuss her experience in the distilling industry, the inclusive work culture at Clear Creek, her personal drink preferences, and the future of the distillery.

The Farm Roots:

Growing up on a century-old wheat ranch in Eastern Oregon, Bartlemay was no stranger to hard work. She spent her early years assisting her dad and his friends, even becoming a solo combine driver at the young age of 14. Later, her family ventured into vineyard and winery operations. Despite her parents’ initial bafflement at her fascination with cooking shows, Bartlemay’s love for food science and fermentation continued to grow.

Fermentation Fascination:

While at Oregon State University, Bartlemay took a class titled “Introduction to Beer, Wine and Spirits,” which ignited her passion for spirits. This experience also revealed a significant knowledge gap regarding the production of spirits. This gap led to a commitment to educate people about the origins of spirits and the importance of investing in quality. Bartlemay believes that for many Americans, there’s still a disconnect in understanding how spirits are created, especially in comparison to beer and wine. Her desire to learn more about this process propelled her forward.

A Trailblazing Distiller:

Bartlemay emphasizes that being a female distiller at Clear Creek isn’t unusual. She acknowledges the trailblazing women before her, like Rachel Inman, who was part of the early team at Clear Creek. In Bartlemay’s view, what sets Clear Creek apart is their commitment to hiring based on capability and enthusiasm rather than factors like gender. While this open-minded approach is not yet the industry standard, Bartlemay feels fortunate to be where she is.

Debunking Vodka Myths:

Bartlemay is eager to dismantle common misconceptions about vodka. Many believe vodka must be made from potatoes, while others view it as a base for mixing with fruit juice. She clarifies that in the U.S., any spirit distilled over 190 proof is legally considered vodka. Furthermore, vodka can be produced from a range of sources, dispelling the notion that it must be potato-based. She adds that vodkas can have character and flavor, challenging the myth that they must be entirely neutral.

The Future of Timberline Vodka:

Bartlemay is enthusiastic about the potential of Timberline Vodka. It aligns with the rising trend of consumers wanting to understand the origins and composition of their spirits. She highlights their partnership with the Freshwater Trust, a nonprofit using technology to target river improvement efforts. For Bartlemay, this is an opportunity to educate and advocate for impactful change in freshwater ecosystems.

Hood River woman breaking barriers in male-dominated distillery industry

Preferred Vodka Cocktails:

In her downtime, Bartlemay leans towards water rather than spirits. However, when she indulges, her go-to is a vesper featuring Clear Creek blue plum brandy. For home cocktails, she suggests adding a quarter or half-ounce of Clear Creek brandies to Timberline martinis for a unique touch. She also shares the “Bertini” recipe, combining Timberline, Clear Creek Doug Fir, and maple syrup for a delightful Pacific Northwest cocktail.

Caitlin Bartlemay’s journey through the distilling industry is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to education. As head distiller and barrel room coordinator, she continues to inspire and lead in an industry that’s rapidly evolving. Her commitment to quality and her role in groundbreaking initiatives, like Timberline Vodka, is poised to leave a significant mark on the distilling world.

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