Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Spirits in Richland, WA
At Solar Spirits, we craft award-winning spirits with a commitment to sustainability and quality. Our process begins with sourcing premium ingredients directly from Pacific Northwest farms, including cranberries, barley, grapes, and a variety of botanicals. We harness solar energy to power our mash process, reflecting our mission to create a distillery fully powered by the sun. Our innovative approach combines a solar thermal system with Renewable Energy Credits to offset electricity use, ensuring environmental responsibility. Our team of experts, including founding distiller Jim Batdorf and master distiller Dan Watt, brings decades of experience in chemical engineering, fermentation, and enology to perfect every batch.We utilize both pot and column stills for precise flavor control, producing small-batch vodkas, gins, brandies, and whiskies. Our dedication to excellence has earned recognition for high-quality spirits, including our Eclipse Vodka and Single Malt Whiskey. We offer shipping to select states and invite customers to experience our sustainably crafted products. Our tasting room provides an opportunity to sample our spirits while learning about our solar-powered process. We prioritize transparency, using no hidden fees, and maintain a focus on community through local partnerships. Our passion for innovation drives us to continually explore advancements in solar technology and sustainable distillation methods.
Services
London Dry Gin
Barrel Finished Gin
Eclipse Vodka
Single Malt Whiskey
Coffee Vodka
Cranberry Brandy
Cosmic Cosmo
Highlights and features
- Our mash process is powered by solar thermal technology
- We source 100% local ingredients from Washington farms
- Award-winning spirits recognized for high quality
- We offset electricity use with Green-e Energy Certified RECs
- Our team includes a PhD chemical engineer and WSU-trained master distiller
Associations and certifications
- Green-e Energy Certified
Services
London Dry Gin
Our London Dry Gin features traditional botanicals with juniper, coriander, and citrus notes. Double-distilled using both pot and column stills for crisp clarity. Perfect for classic cocktails or neat tasting.
Single Malt Whiskey
Aged single malt whiskey made from Washington barley. Solar-powered distillation preserves rich flavors of oak, caramel, and subtle smoke. Aged in small batches for complex character and smooth finish.
Eclipse Vodka
Ultra-pure vodka distilled from local wheat. Solar-powered process maintains clean, smooth profile with slight sweetness. Triple-filtered for exceptional clarity and versatility in cocktails.
Coffee Vodka
Smooth vodka infused with locally roasted coffee beans. Balanced blend of rich coffee flavor and clean vodka base. Ideal for dessert cocktails or after-dinner sipping.
Cranberry Brandy
Craft brandy made from Washington cranberries. Solar-powered distillation preserves bright tartness with subtle sweetness. Versatile for cocktails or pairing with desserts.
People
Jim Batdorf
Founding Distiller
PhD chemical engineer with 30 years in process technology. Pioneered sustainable distillation methods at Solar Spirits while maintaining award-winning quality standards.
Dan Watt
Master Distiller
WSU Tri-Cities enology graduate with expertise in fermentation. Manages production operations while applying fine dining experience to enhance flavor profiles.
Questions
What makes Solar Spirits environmentally sustainable?
We use solar thermal tubes to power our mash process and purchase Green-e Certified Renewable Energy Credits to offset electricity use.
Where do you source your ingredients?
All base ingredients come from Washington state farms, including cranberries, barley, grapes, and specialty botanicals.
Do you offer shipping for your spirits?
Yes, we ship to select U.S. states through our online store.
Who are the key team members at Solar Spirits?
Founding distiller Jim Batdorf (PhD chemical engineer) and master distiller Dan Watt (WSU enology graduate) lead our production.
What spirits do you produce?
We craft London Dry Gin, Barrel Finished Gin, Eclipse Vodka, Single Malt Whiskey, Coffee Vodka, and Cranberry Brandy.
How are your spirits distilled?
We use both pot and column stills for double distillation, allowing precise flavor control in every batch.
Reviews (7)
Debora Acevedo
Jan 23, 2021
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We are long haul Professional Drivers, I called Solar Spirits hoping To obtain hand sanitizer . Its increasing difficult to purchase throughout
the country. We were able to purchase "2" wine bottles full of sanitizer. Thank you
the country. We were able to purchase "2" wine bottles full of sanitizer. Thank you
Dannie Strable
Jun 18, 2020
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Dan and Jim are some of the most knowledgeable spirit makers in the industry. Their vision to start a sustainable distillery and figure out a way use renewal energy is outstanding. The coffee vodka was one of my favorites on my visit. The Cosmo in a close second. If your reading this try their products! You won't be disappointed.
Kasey K.
Apr 02, 2020
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During these hard times I thought it would be great to support local. We purchased a hand sanitizer "kit". I thought this would be good to have around the house and something the kids could make as an experiament. Well... we went to the disterlly and for sanitation and health we weren't allowed in which is perfect. They brought out our purchase to our vehicle and all they had was a liquid no kit. When asked about it the worker was rude and said they don't have anything. First and last time for me. Regret going to this place and won't be back.
Bj Vanderboom
Nov 02, 2018
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Fantastic spirits and very welcoming staff. Interesting and unique selection. Some of their vodkas and gins are down right dangerous! (In a good way haha!) Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
*My only disappointment is that they were completely out of their whiskey, but I guess it means it's pretty good.
*My only disappointment is that they were completely out of their whiskey, but I guess it means it's pretty good.
Vicki M.
Oct 04, 2018
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In August while visiting my sister, we had a delightful time at this distillery one eve. Very cool place. The man behind the counter (on the 10th) was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the samples (vodka, gin, and brandy) and bought a few mini bottles to take with us. My sister was already planning a trip back and plans to buy some of the coffee vodka when she returns. I'll be back next visit.
Gwen Pennington
Sep 17, 2016
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Affable and knowledgeable owners in an adorable space. Environmentally conscious production and tasty spirits. Visit and support this local, craft distillery!
Jill Y.
Jul 04, 2015
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Not many places will open up for a private tasting on the Fourth of July. But Solar Spirits welcomed us with open arms. I was so impressed with their tastings. We were able to taste their vodka, but I am looking forward to tasting their gin and brandy. Their product knowledge was impressive and really helped me understand the amazing process of distillation. So excited for their grand opening!
