Beginning with a wild idea while fishing, the man behind Dry Fly Distilling has decided to hang up his whiskey thief and head back to the water. Don Poffenroth, founder of Dry Fly, is retiring and passing the distilling baton on to the next generation.

“It just felt like the right time,” Poffenroth said in a news release. “Considering our new partnership with Charlie Wagner (of Wagner Family of Wines and Caymus Vineyards) and Patrick Donovan’s 17 years of experience as master distiller, I knew he was ready to take over my spot as president of Dry Fly. I know the distillery and all we have worked to create is in good hands. This distillery is one of the greatest things I have done in my life. I could not be prouder of our accomplishments.”

Dry Fly was incorporated in early 2007 and began producing in September of that year. During Poffenroth’s tenure, the distillery gradually grew in both products and popularity. Today, you can find Dry Fly products in 35 states, with distribution continuing to grow. 

All Dry Fly products – from whiskey, to gin, to canned cocktails – have won countless awards. The distillery was also named “Distillery of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute. Due to the product’s popularity, the distillery expanded and moved location in 2021, allowing it to meet the ever-growing demand for quality craft spirits.

“Don’s impact on the craft distilling world cannot be overstated,” Donovan, new distillery president, said. “He has done everything from writing laws to define craft distilling in Washington state, to being one of the first Americans to work with Christian Carl, a German builder of stills. He is also just an all-around good guy who has made Dry Fly a great place to work. I thank him for creating a real family atmosphere.”

While Poffenroth will be stepping away, he will still serve on Dry Fly’s board of directors and keep an eye on the direction of the distillery’s business. Spokane will also remain his home base, even though he hopes to do a lot of traveling.

Read more: Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2024 Ranked

About Dry Fly Distilling

Dry Fly Distilling began with Don Poffenroth and a good friend, knee-deep in a Pacific Northwest river, just outside the lie on a scenic bend. The two friends discussed how fortunate they were to live, work, and play in one of the most amazing places on Earth. That conversation hatched an idea to find a way to share their mutual love of hand-crafted spirits and the natural beauty and purity of the Northwest. Dry Fly Distilling was born. For more information, visit www.dryflydistilling.com.