Meet The Owners – James Bay Distillers

January 29, 2022

Everett Economy

Editor’s note: MyEverettNews.com is working to introduce our readers to more independent business owners here in Everett, Washington. We want to highlight their businesses, tell their stories and invite you to shop locally and help move Everett forward. If you know of a business we should feature, send us a suggestion via email: news@myeverettnews.com. Leland Dart – Publisher

Leigh and Ernie Troth began distilling at their Everett location in 2018.

Galloping Goose Whisky is a multiple award winner.

Leigh and Ernie in front of their large still invite you to come have a cocktail.

Back in 2014 Leigh and Ernie Troth were watching one of those reality shows on TV. This one was about making moonshine way out in the woods and under the radar.

Finding the idea of distilling interesting but not wanting to have to hide from Revenuers they began to research how to build their own legal craft distillery.

At that time, they were living in Virginia but looked at starting their business in Canada to take advantage of tax and export regulations first in Alberta and then in British Columbia.

After a visit with relatives in the Shoreline area in 2017 they discovered Everett, Washington and found a place they felt would perfectly meet their needs.

Ernie Troth explained it this way, “It’s smart to try to pivot a plan than try to force it where it may not work as well.”

Located in a small industrial park at the south end of Paine Field at the intersection of 111th SW and 31st SW you’ll find James Bay Distillers.

A theme of James Bay is cross border spirits. They issued their first release in 2019. Galloping Goose Premium Canadian Whisky has been an award winner with five gold medals including a 97-point double gold medal. Other products offered include gin, vodka and an Italian Finocchietto developed by Ernie after years of living in Italy and the southern Mediterranean.

Ernie told us, “We also have permits from the United Kingdom to import Scotch whiskies in bulk and then release our own new blends of Scotch: single grain, blended malt, blended Scotch.”

If you’d like to visit the Distillery, their hours are Mondays: Closed. Tues-Thurs: 12-5pm. Fri-Sat: 12-7pm. Sunday: 1-5pm.

They offer tastings, cocktails and have lots of folks who stop by while taking in the sights at Paine Field Airport. You can purchase in person or whisky and gin are currently available for shipping via UPS in Washington State, Alaska, Nevada and the District of Columbia. (They’re also on Door Dash during hours the distillery is open)

According to Ernie another unique aspect of the business is you can invest through whiskey, “You could buy a barrel to celebrate a child’s birthday, have it held for 18 years and then sell it and use the proceeds to help pay for college.”

Events with food vendors are another avenue being explored by the folks at James Bay. Leigh says their first food event of the new year will happen on February 12th starting at 12 noon with the folks from Atomic Wieners. They’ll be pairing with Whisky Root Beer Floats and Gincicles (Summer gin, orange soda and half and half).

To learn more about Leigh, Ernie and James Bay Distillers visit their website here.



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My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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