Ransom Old Tom Gin opens with seductive aromatics of juniper berries and coastal forest, set off by apothecary spice notes of cardamom and angelica. The palate is rich and silky, with malt flavors punctuated by lively citrus zest and heady exotic notes of coriander and teak. The gin continues with suppleness and power, with the warmth and richness of the malt carrying clean, focused botanicals on a long, elegant finish.

Ransom Spirits was started by Tad Seestedt in 1997. Initially, the distillery made small amounts of grappa, eau de vie and brandy. In 1999, Ransom began the production of a number of small-batch fine wines, and In 2007 we took up the craft of grain-based spirits, adding gin, whiskey and vodka to the lineup. By 2010, we combined our crafts of winemaking and distilling to create our first Dry Vermouth.

Ransom Farms is located in the Willamette Valley – in the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range. We purchased a forty-acre farm outside of Sheridan, Oregon in 2008. Barley has been planted since 2008, and our first vines were planted in the spring of 2010. In keeping with our commitment to sustainability and stewardship, our farm has been certified Organic since 2011.

Our wines exemplify true varietal character and express the individuality of our growers, vineyards, and vintages. Choosing vineyards with a commitment to quality and sustainability is always our first step, but they must also have pure expression of terroir, unique flavors. We seek out old vine, high elevation sites, many in the Eola Hills, which have the innate nerve and balanced acidity to make evocative, food-friendly wines naturally.

We distill our spirits in a hand-hammered, direct-fired French alembic pot still. We make all of the selective cuts by taste and smell – without the use of computers or robots. Traditional distillation retains greater aromatic intensity and body from the raw materials we select with great care. We mash and ferment our base wort on site weekly in small batches, sourcing local and organic grains where possible and incorporating barley grown on our own farm. Our gins include the finest natural botanicals, many of which are organically grown in Oregon.

Here in the green foothills of the Oregon Cascades, a new tradition of winemaking and distilling is springing to life. At Ransom Spirits, we strive daily to embody our core values of historicity, craftsmanship, and terroir. In working hard every day to make products that speak to their literal and figurative roots, we believe that we have created dynamic, terroir-driven wines and craft spirits with the weight and aromatic complexity of their predecessors.

We believe that wine and spirits are a celebration of life. Drinking premium quality, handcrafted wine and spirits can compliment good food and add to the sense of delight and fulfillment found in gathering to eat and drink. It is the function of libations to enhance fellowship, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. So visit the market, invite over friends and family, and raise a toast to health and happiness through good meals, conversation and socializing! SALUD!