Deception Distilling

Driving between Mount Vernon and Anacortes, we couldn’t help but be enticed by the distillery ads across the highway from the Swinomish Casino.
«FREE TASTING ROOM!»
«APPLE PIE MOONSHINE!»
Went by today and it was so great.
We were greeted by Paul, the owner, standing behind the granite counter. Apparently that was his business before the spirits-​making — granite counter tops (which is based next door). Deception Distilling only opened last year.
After some lovely conversation, Paul pulled out a few glasses and we sipped some moonshine, vanilla vodka, gin, and — the pièce de résistance — the apple pie moonshine. It’s so good, and Paul started telling us about the different things people have made with it. Ice cream syrup. Bread pudding. Spiked apple cider. Our eyes grew wider with the possibilities.
And yes, the tasting was entirely free. You’re only really getting what equates to a couple sips each, but if you’re buying it helps to know what you’re getting beforehand.
The bottles are priced at $ 23 apiece, but with Washington state tax it comes up to $ 30. We gladly picked up the apple pie moonshine. They accept cash or card.
When we asked if it was OK if we took pictures of the still (which was made in Germany) through the window, Paul opened the door and ushered us in saying we could take pictures of anything we liked.
We met one of the guys working there who took us around to see the distilling process, opening lids off things so we could watching the yeast boiling. He pulled the corks off of casks and let us smell the bourbon they’ve been making.
Highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area!