Born out of curiosity and motivated by a shared belief in living and drinking wild and free, Wilderton’s passion led them to create a distilled spirit beyond alcohol, and I am here for it!
REIMAGINING SPIRITS FOR THE ADVENTUROUS DRINKER
GET TO KNOW THE FOUNDERS
Fellow Oregonians Brad Whiting and Seth O’Malley came together to create a new vision for distilling. A liquor industry veteran, Brad longed for drink options that would celebrate the complexity and experience of a traditional spirit, which paired better with an active lifestyle. An expert distiller, Seth had a passion for botanicals and was constrained by the limited flavors celebrated in spirits. When the two connected, the answer was clear: they set out to create distilled spirits rooted in flavor, unbound by alcohol.
With Oregon’s adventurous spirit as their guide, Seth and Brad began a two-year journey of experimentation. Free from the confines of traditional thinking, they combed Seth’s vast library of botanical samples, tried dozens of wild combinations, and experimented with various production methods. The goal? To create spirits with unique flavor and complexity that would elevate non-alcoholic cocktails.
AN OBSESSION GROUNDED IN NATURE
Their home in the Pacific Northwest is enveloped by wilderness, so it’s no surprise that the natural world informs much of how we live. From recreation to food and drink, celebrating the land isn’t a trend here—it’s a given.
This anticipation of having the best of nature is why they can’t walk past an unknown plant without picking a leaf or flower to study and smell. When they saw the opportunity to create distilled spirits based on flavor rather than alcohol, they felt liberated—botanicals just shine brighter in non-alcoholic creations.
Their local plant diversity is incredible, but relying solely on these nearby resources would restrain our flavor palette. So, they looked way beyond the borders of the Pacific Northwest, sourcing ingredients from around the world. Now, with hundreds of new botanicals available, they have assembled the pleasantly unexpected, complex flavor combinations that are Wilderton.
MADE FROM SCRATCH IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Created by hand in Portland, Oregon, they combine traditional methods of tea making, perfumery, and alcoholic spirits to craft their non-alcoholic expressions.
Beginning with bundles of carefully chosen raw botanicals, our small batches are patiently brewed to extract their flavors and aromas. Then, using a process known as vacuum distillation, they utilize a Spinning Cone Column still to harness the power of gentle heat, refining and intensifying the combined essences of these raw botanicals without the introduction or removal of alcohol.
Tasting notes:
- SPICE
- WOOD
- SMOKE
Reminiscent of a calming hike through dense Oregon rainforests mixed with memories from spice markets of the East. Earthen is warm and exotic with a hint of smoke and a familiar bite that pleasantly lingers on the tongue.
Tasting notes:
- CITRUS
- HERBACEOUS
- FLORAL
Inspired by picnics in the fertile valleys of the Pacific Northwest and dreams of sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines. Lustre is bright, tangy, and lush with a delicate long-lasting finish.
Wilderton Alcohol-Free Cocktail Recipes
Their botanical non-alcoholic expressions are handcrafted to provide beautiful, bold, and complex flavors, however you choose to enjoy them.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: When you purchase Earthen & Lustre, they will include Instagram-inspired, square-shaped recipe cards that will make your home mocktail-making a breeze! And just LOOK at how many different recipes you can make from these two flavor profiles.
Earthen AF Cocktail Recipes:
- Green Tea Jab
- Irish Copy
- Earthen Agua Fresca
- Pomme Et Terre
- Modern Old Fashion
- Derby Day
- Earthen & Lemonade
- Earthy Beet
- Rise & Shine On
- Blood Moon
- Pacific Reverie
- Wild Bramble
- Winter Botanical Breeze
- Earthen Highball
- Daily Cresent
- Wild & Free
Lustre AF Cocktail Recipes:
- All That Lustres
- Camo-Miel
- Early Toast
- Rake’s Progression
- Wilderton Wassail
- Bergamot Smash
- Northwest 75 (Sober Curator Pro Tip; This is paired with another Pacific Northwest favorite JOYUS, which we have featured)
- Lustre Margarita
- City of Rose
- Citrus Paradisi
- Citrus Flower Sour
- Down The Rabbit Hole
- Heart Warmer
- Tandoori Dream
- Ginger Orange Mule
- Daybreak
- Lustre & Tonic
- Sour Poet
Alysse Bryson, Sober Curator (@alysseinthecity) • Instagram photos and videos
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: We know we mix a mean mocktail. HAPPY EVERY HOUR will keep you up to date on the latest and greatest trends in the world of mocktails and zero-proof beverages.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … because drunk never looks good.
Happy Every Hour With Jøyus Wines: A Woman-Owned Business By a Washington State Native That Brings You All The Fun & Taste With NO Alcohol
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Based in the Pacific Northwest, The Pathfinder Nonalcoholic Spirit Alternative Will Become Your New Favorite
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
