Tribal-Owned Distillery Welcomes American Single Malt Pioneer as General Manager
Talking Cedar, the first tribal-owned distillery in the United States, has announced a significant expansion of its whiskey program with the addition of renowned industry veteran Matt Hofmann as Master Distiller and General Manager. The Grand Mound, Washington-based distillery, which began operations in 2020, is located on Chehalis Tribal lands and features a 35,000-square-foot facility that includes a brewery, distillery, and restaurant.
State-of-the-Art Facility Anchors Growth Plans
The distillery is equipped with advanced equipment, including the largest continuous still west of the Mississippi, positioning it for innovation in craft spirits. Talking Cedar currently produces ten spirits, including the award-winning Kayak Gin, a series of flavored whiskeys, cask-finished brandies, and a blended malt whiskey made in partnership with Seattle’s Westland Distillery.
Matt Hofmann Brings Deep Expertise to Pacific Northwest Distillery
Hofmann, co-founder and former Master Distiller of Westland, is widely credited with helping define the American Single Malt whiskey category. His accolades include Forbes 30 Under 30, Whisky Magazine’s Craft Producer of the Year, and Imbibe’s Person to Watch. “The scale of equipment and ambition at Talking Cedar is impressive,” said Hofmann. “It has the potential to become one of America’s foremost distilleries. I feel inspired to be working with the Talking Cedar team. The sky’s the limit.”
New Program to Explore Broad Range of Whiskey Styles
Hofmann outlined an ambitious vision for the whiskey program: “The initial goal is to learn how to make anything and everything: malt whiskeys, pure pot still style whiskeys, Irish style whiskeys, grain whiskeys, and bourbon.” He added that the long-term goal is to help Talking Cedar establish a legacy whiskey program that endures for the next century.
Collaboration with Head Distiller Ryan Myhre Promises Innovation
Head Distiller Ryan Myhre praised Hofmann’s contributions and unique palate: “Hofmann has developed a very reliable and polished model for double pot still production of American single malt—and one, crucially, that allows for maximum flavor expression. Our team is learning a lot from his palate. This is truly the beginning of a new era for Talking Cedar.”
Pioneering Indigenous Craft Spirits on Chehalis Tribal Lands
Talking Cedar is notable not only for its production capabilities but also for its cultural significance. The distillery was instrumental in overturning an 1834 law that prohibited distilling on Native lands. Today, it continues to promote Indigenous craftsmanship and agricultural legacy through its spirits, made from Pacific Northwest ingredients grown on tribal land.
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