Coquille Tribe plans to open Oregon’s first tribal-run distillery, with casino tasting room

Thursday, October 10, 2024 3:17 PM
  • Kyra Buckley, Oregon Public Broadcasting

Margaret Simpson has a vision for how locals and visitors can soon enjoy an evening at the Mill Casino in Coos Bay: sipping a craft cocktail made with liquor distilled onsite while enjoying a cigar and the stunning view of the water, with the tree-topped mountains on the horizon.

Simpson is CEO of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, which runs the casino and is helping oversee the project that will make her vision a reality. In partnership with Washington-based distilling company Heritage, the Coquille plan to open the first tribal-run distillery in Oregon at The Mill.

“Cocktails are, for a lot of people, that preferred drink,” Simpson said.