Coquille Tribe, Heritage Break Ground on Casino Expansion, Distillery

The Coquille Indian Tribe of Oregon announced a new collaboration with the leading craft distiller of innovative premium brands, Heritage Distilling Company, Inc. Earlier this week, the duo announced the groundbreaking of what will become the state’s first Tribally owned distillery and tasting room which will be located at The Mill Casino-Hotel and RV Park on Coos Bay in North Bend.

Mill Casino Expansion Breaks Ground

The groundbreaking marks the first major step toward the accomplishment of the project which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The collaboration between the Tribe and Heritage will bring both Heritage and Coquille-branded spirits to guests of the popular premium gaming and entertainment destination. The drinks will be produced and bottled on Tribal land, and will be available across the venue’s restaurants, retail stores and casino bars.

Besides producing and bottling spirits, the project will also involve the development of a Heritage-branded tasting room, an overhaul of the Plank House restaurant, as well as two indoor digital golf suites. The luxurious tasting room will offer guests stunning views of Coos Bay, spanning two floors and featuring two full-service bars, as well as retail outlets, a cigar lounge and other amenities.

Heritage has been led by Justin and Jennifer Stiefel since 2011. It is currently the most-awarded craft distiller in North America and a recognizable brand delivering premium quality spirits, including whiskies, vodkas, rums, gins, as well as ready-to-drink cocktails, among other alcoholic drinks. In collaboration with Native American Tribes, Heritage helped found the Tribal Beverage Network (TBN) in an effort to develop Heritage-branded distilleries, tasting rooms and branded spirits for Tribal hotels and casinos across the country.

The Project Represents an Important Milestone

Jennifer Stiefel, Heritage Distilling’s president and co-founder, revealed that it is exciting to see the launch of this landmark project together with the Coquille Tribe. “This marks a significant milestone for the Tribe, the Tribal Beverage Network and Oregon’s craft spirits industry,” the executive added.

Stiefel added that Heritage and the Coquille Tribe share the same mission for innovation and self-sufficiency, which is why the development of the first Tribally owned distillery marks an exciting moment. “This is more than a distillery—it’s a long-term economic resource that will support the Tribe for generations to come,” the executive explained in conclusion.

“After more than two years of planning, negotiating with the state of Oregon, and completing design work, we are thrilled to have broken ground on this historic project.“

Margaret Simpson, CEO of CEDCO, the Coquille Tribe’s venture arm that owns and operates The Mill Casino-Hotel and RV Park

Margaret Simpson, the CEO of CEDCO, a venture arm on behalf of the Tribe that owns and operates The Mill Casino-Hotel and RV Park, spoke about the extensive process that preceded the groundbreaking. She acknowledged that before breaking ground for the renovations and new distillery, the project had gone through two years of planning and negotiations with the state.

Simpson added: “All members of the team, including Heritage Distilling and fi architecture, have brought forth a design for a customer experience space that will be unparalleled for hundreds of miles in every direction.” Finally, she acknowledged that the completion of the project will reaffirm the attractiveness of The Mill Casino Hotel as a go-to destination for the region.