People: Portraits8

Kevin Barrett, owner of Swallowtail Spirits in Springfield, and Kyle Akin, owner of Crescendo Spirits in Eugene, are among the main organizers of the Southern Willamette Craft Distillers, a group of local spirits distillers who are trying to raise the visibility of their buisinesses by offering a “passport” to the public that provides free tastings and other perks. The group also is working with the larger Oregon Distillers Guild to lobby for regulation changes and reduced state taxes on their industry.

Kevin Barrett, owner of Swallowtail Spirits in Springfield, and Kyle Akin, owner of Crescendo Spirits in Eugene, are among the main organizers of the Southern Willamette Craft Distillers, a group of local spirits distillers who are trying to raise the visibility of their buisinesses by offering a “passport” to the public that provides free tastings and other perks. The group also is working with the larger Oregon Distillers Guild to lobby for regulation changes and reduced state taxes on their industry.