Whiskey comes in many shapes and under many labels. Though all are called whiskey and can be enjoyed neat, on ice, or in mixed drinks, the similarities often end there. Irish and Canadian whiskeys each have a distinct creation process resulting in unique-tasting drinks.

Columbia Distributing serves beverage retail outlets in Oregon and Washington. Here, we take you step-by-step through the whiskey-making process to discover the difference between Canadian and Irish whiskey.

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Prosecco and champagne are both known for their sparkle. Though their names are often used interchangeably, these two sparkling wines are quite distinct. Knowing the difference can help you select the right bottle when pairing foods, mixing a cocktail, or planning an event.

At Columbia Distributing, we distribute alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to retailers throughout Oregon and Washington. Learn more from our experts about what sets prosecco and champagne apart.

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Determining which kind of whiskey is right for you and your cocktail can be confusing. With so many options – how do you choose? Here, Columbia Distributing highlights the main differences between two popular types of whiskey – rye and bourbon. Both whiskies offer unique flavors and can work to enhance the taste of your cocktail. With knowledge in serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Oregon and Washington, Columbia Distributing discusses what rye whiskey is, what bourbon is, and how they differ.

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At Columbia Distributing, we believe making the world a better place starts by helping out at home. While being a premier beverage distributor in Washington and Oregon may be our job, our passion is to give back to the communities we serve. Thanks to United Way’s Hands On Greater Portland volunteer program, Columbia Distributing is pleased to continue its charitable work and stay true to its vision and values.

As part of Community Impact Week, Jason Beam, Director of Sales at Columbia Distributing, and members of his team based in Wilsonville, OR, volunteered their time at The Kindness Farm. This nonprofit farm has a mission to cultivate equitable access to healthy produce, provide education on growing food, care for land using regenerative agriculture, and foster a vibrant community. Here, we discuss the impacts our employees made at The Kindness Farm.

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Columbia Distributing is proud to have served communities across Washington and Oregon as a premier distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages since 1935. Our reputation for delivering quality products and outstanding customer service wouldn’t be possible without our passionate team members, such as Brie Malik, Merchandising Supervisor at the Eugene branch. Malik has been working for Columbia Distributing since July 2020. Here, she shares her insights into what makes Columbia Distributing such a great place to work.

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Studies show that more and more American workers value a workplace that makes meaningful efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to a report from Pew Research Center, 56% of employed adults in the United States believe increasing DEI in work environments is beneficial.

At Columbia Distributing, we’ve always been dedicated to the communities we serve throughout Washington and Oregon. We recognize that answering the call of more DEI requires real effort. In response, we’ve created the Inclusion Council to highlight our diverse workforce, ensure all teammates have a voice, and guide the company in following sustainable, strategic DEI practices. Learn more about the council and our commitment to DEI.

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Since its founding in 1935, Columbia Distributing has been committed to providing clients throughout Oregon and Washington with some of the leading brands in the beverage business. The company has been through a lot of changes. In 2008, Columbia Distributing, Mt. Hood Beverage, and Gold River Distributing merged to form Columbia Distributing as it stands today. In 2018, the company acquired General Distributors, Inc., and Marine View Beverage. With an extensive selection of domestic and craft beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, Columbia Distributing is the go-to choice for businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest.

One employee who has been steadfast through all these changes is Dusty Auxier. As the delivery director for Columbia Distributing’s site in Canby, Oregon, Auxier has been with the company for 28 years. Here, Auxier shares his perspective on the organizational culture at Columbia Distributing and why he enjoys his role.

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Seth Paterson appreciates that teamwork is valued at Columbia Distributing. It takes a group effort to coordinate all the detailed logistics of delivering cold beverages to clients all over our service area in Oregon and Washington. Paterson has been with the Columbia Distributing team for 25 years! He currently works as the sales director for Columbia Distributing’s location in Vancouver, Washington. Here, he shares insights into his leadership role and what it’s like to work for a leading beverage distributor.

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It’s a team effort to supply retailers across the Pacific Northwest with refreshing beverages from the top brands in the industry. At Columbia Distributing, we couldn’t do the work we do without our amazing employees – and no one knows that better than Michelle Rose. As senior vice president of human resources, Rose is responsible for overseeing the HR teams in Kent, Washington, and Wilsonville, Oregon. Here, Rose highlights some of the programs and initiatives that make Columbia Distributing a great place to work.

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At Columbia Distributing, we pride ourselves on being a reliable source of the best non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages around. We couldn’t do the work we do without our merchandisers, who stock products at all our retail partners.

Today, we’re highlighting Sarah Meisner, one of the members of our merchandising team. Meisner has worked as a merchandiser at Columbia Distributing since August 2021. Here, she shares a few insights into the employee culture at Columbia Distributing and why it’s a great place to work.

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