Stillwagon Distillery, Charleston OR
Rick Stillwagon from Stillwagon Distillery

Rick Stillwagon

Stillwagon Distillery

About Us

Stillwagon Distillery is a producer of fine spirits. We produce a variety of rums, whiskey, and vodka. We also are working toward a goal of zero waste by converting all our waste byproducts into beneficial and potentially marketable products.

How We Got Started

It all began with my interests in aquaculture, agriculture, aquaponics, and greenhouse cultivation. Raising fish and creating an ecosystem requires study of many technologies. The really short answer is: Alternative fuels and energy led to steam, which led to water distillation, which led to fuel ethanol distillation, which led to the production of distilled spirits.

Products & Services
Devil's Own Rum, Whiskey Run Single Malt Whiskey, Persian Reed Vodka by Stillwagon Distillery
We produce a variety of premium rums, whiskey and vodka
Contract distilling by Stillwagon Distillery
We can provide distilling services to wineries, and other entities wishing to produce a distilled spirit.
Event Cocktails by Stillwagon Distillery
We can come to your event and pour hand crafted cocktails using our premium rums, vodka, and whiskey.
Recommendations Given (14)
"Great small business, friendly professional staff."
"Great Winter time fun! They also do events throughout the year, and support their community!"
Recent Activity

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on December 31, 2019
2019 fell a little short of our expectations.  We grew in some areas, but we had to regroup in others.  Tariffs on imported supplies increased cost while we couldn't justify price increases to match our increased cost of goods. It was an interesting year, and the next will be also. (more) 2019 fell a little short of our expectations.  We grew in some areas, but we had to regroup in others.  Tariffs on imported supplies increased cost while we couldn't justify price increases to match our increased cost of goods. It was an interesting year, and the next will be also.

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on November 12, 2019
We will be open and selling! (more) We will be open and selling!

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on October 11, 2019
By making those services relevant to their business, convenient, and cost effective.  (more) By making those services relevant to their business, convenient, and cost effective. 

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on July 16, 2019
Your local SBDC will have a number of lending options they can direct you toward including SBA backed loans.  Depending on the state you are in, and the area within that state, there are often grants and loans for small business for areas that have poor economical status.  They are usually... (more) Your local SBDC will have a number of lending options they can direct you toward including SBA backed loans.  Depending on the state you are in, and the area within that state, there are often grants and loans for small business for areas that have poor economical status.  They are usually collateral backed, sometimes up to 200% of the loan value.  But, they are usually less stringent on the type of collateral.  They will take equipment, vehicles, and other personal items.  In our area of Oregon it is the CCD.  Only an angel investor or family will loan or invest in a business plan alone.  Everyone else wants to see that you have "skin in the game."  Some cities have lending programs for small business, but they want collateral as well.

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on February 11, 2019
Face to face networking builds the the best relationships.  Social media is ok, and better than no networking at all.  Face to face is real, personal, and you build more trust and confidence as you continue to work together.  I still prefer to do business with people I meet in person when at all... (more) Face to face networking builds the the best relationships.  Social media is ok, and better than no networking at all.  Face to face is real, personal, and you build more trust and confidence as you continue to work together.  I still prefer to do business with people I meet in person when at all possible.  I will pay more for that personal attention and relationship.

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on November 07, 2018
Finding distributors in other states with platforms like LinkedIn. (more) Finding distributors in other states with platforms like LinkedIn.

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on November 07, 2018
Legal hurdles for advertising and sale of spirits. (more) Legal hurdles for advertising and sale of spirits.

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on November 07, 2018
I would of course prefer to outsource my marketing.  It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to constantly keep fresh content up.  But finding a cost effective, and accountable service is impossible.  Marketing your business or products requires knowledge of the product, access to your... (more) I would of course prefer to outsource my marketing.  It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to constantly keep fresh content up.  But finding a cost effective, and accountable service is impossible.  Marketing your business or products requires knowledge of the product, access to your customer base, and monitoring of the efficacy of the material presented.  Are they engaging? What is the response? Do they need additional information?  Advertising and marketing is much more complex than it was 25 years ago.  Newspaper, magazines, radio, TV, phone book, and a sign or bill board were your options.  Static, and unresponsive, until someone called or came to your place of business.  Now people can respond directly to your ad, on that platform, and they want a response before moving forward.  It requires a more delicate, informed, and focused effort and response than ever before.  Outsourcing this requires finding someone that actually cares if they drive that person toward you for the sale.

Rick from Stillwagon Distillery Answered this on November 03, 2018
I respond with addressing and correcting the issue, if valid, and invite them to try us again.  I had one gentleman that wanted a refund, which I offered immediately, but I also offered to replace the product with two of his choice.  He ended up taking the two products and has become one of our... (more) I respond with addressing and correcting the issue, if valid, and invite them to try us again.  I had one gentleman that wanted a refund, which I offered immediately, but I also offered to replace the product with two of his choice.  He ended up taking the two products and has become one of our biggest fans and supporter.

Our Recognition

We're highly recommended by locals on Alignable

Highly Recommended

By 50+ Local Business Owners!