Talking Cedar, the first-ever tribal-owned distillery in the United States, is making headlines with the expansion of its whiskey program, aiming to become a leader in American whiskey production. Located on the Chehalis Tribal lands in Washington, Talking Cedar has quickly become a notable name in the world of spirits since its founding in 2020. With a unique mix of innovation, state-of-the-art equipment, and rich tribal heritage, Talking Cedar’s new whiskey venture under the guidance of Master Distiller Matt Hofmann has positioned it on an exciting trajectory.
A Historic and Modern Distillery Rooted in Tradition
Talking Cedar is not only a major hub for the Chehalis Tribe's craftsmanship and heritage, but it also represents a groundbreaking achievement in Indigenous-owned distilling. The distillery gained prominence after overturning a long-standing 1834 law that prohibited distilling on Native lands. Today, it operates a massive 35,000-square-foot facility that includes a distillery, brewery, and restaurant, offering visitors a full experience of Chehalis culture and hospitality.
The distillery’s equipment is among the most advanced in the industry, featuring the largest continuous still west of the Mississippi and an array of stills suited for producing diverse types of spirits. This cutting-edge setup allows Talking Cedar to offer a diverse portfolio of handcrafted spirits, from the award-winning Kayak Gin to small-batch flavored whiskeys, cask-finished brandies, and a special blended malt whiskey created with Seattle’s well-known Westland Distillery.
Matt Hofmann: Pioneering a New Chapter at Talking Cedar
At the helm of Talking Cedar’s whiskey program is Matt Hofmann, an industry veteran who has reshaped American Single Malt and earned accolades like Whisky Magazine’s Craft Producer of the Year and a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. Hofmann, known for his years as co-founder and master distiller at Westland Distillery, joined Talking Cedar with a mission to expand the boundaries of American whiskey and elevate Talking Cedar’s whiskey program to national recognition.
Hofmann’s initial visit to Talking Cedar was exploratory, yet he immediately saw potential in the facility’s extensive resources and equipment. He was inspired by the opportunity to introduce new techniques and flavors in a place primed for innovation. “The scale of ambition and equipment at Talking Cedar is impressive,” Hofmann shared, highlighting the unique prospects that Talking Cedar presents with its top-tier setup. He envisions Talking Cedar evolving into one of the premier whiskey producers in the U.S.
Innovation and Experimentation in Whiskey Craft
Hofmann’s experience and expertise in American Single Malt bring a wealth of knowledge and techniques to Talking Cedar. Under his direction, the whiskey program aims to produce an expansive range of whiskey styles, from malt whiskeys and bourbon to Irish-style and grain whiskeys. Hofmann’s method for double pot still production, known for enhancing flavor complexity, will be instrumental in crafting Talking Cedar’s new whiskeys. He emphasizes that the goal is not only to learn how to make different styles of whiskey but to establish a legacy of innovation and distinction that can set Talking Cedar apart for decades to come.
The approach to whiskey-making at Talking Cedar is grounded in a spirit of collaboration and exploration, with Hofmann and the team pushing creative boundaries. For Hofmann, this collaboration is more than a job—it’s a chance to share his expertise while learning from Talking Cedar’s Head Distiller, Ryan Myhre, and the team. Myhre, who oversees the production of Talking Cedar’s current lineup, expressed his excitement about working alongside Hofmann, citing the value Hofmann brings with his refined palate and innovative ideas. "When you have a world-class palate like his in the room, anything is possible," said Myhre. This collaborative energy is fueling a new phase at Talking Cedar as the distillery explores bold flavor profiles and unique techniques.
Building a Legacy for the Next Hundred Years
The new whiskey program is not simply a short-term project but a long-term vision shared by both Talking Cedar and Hofmann. The goal is to create a diverse portfolio of spirits that will appeal to whiskey enthusiasts across the country while establishing Talking Cedar as a prestigious name in the American whiskey landscape. Hofmann emphasized that this expansion is about laying a foundation for the next century, ensuring that Talking Cedar continues to innovate and thrive for generations to come.
Talking Cedar’s growth reflects its dual commitment to honoring Chehalis Tribal heritage and embracing modern craftsmanship. As the first tribal-owned distillery in the U.S., Talking Cedar is a pioneer for Indigenous distillers, and its new whiskey program promises to enhance its already impressive reputation. The distillery not only produces its own spirits but also offers contract distillation, enabling industry partners to benefit from its top-notch facilities and expertise.
A New Era for Talking Cedar and American Whiskey
The whiskey program at Talking Cedar marks a significant milestone in the distillery’s journey, further showcasing the Chehalis Tribe’s commitment to innovation, cultural heritage, and quality craftsmanship. With Hofmann’s leadership, Talking Cedar is poised to bring a distinctive, Indigenous-owned perspective to the American whiskey market, blending tradition with modern techniques to create unforgettable spirits.
Talking Cedar’s future looks bright as it embarks on this exciting chapter, building a name that resonates both within and beyond the spirits industry. With a combination of visionary leadership, advanced technology, and a foundation rooted in cultural heritage, Talking Cedar’s whiskey program is set to leave a lasting impact on American whiskey for years to come.