Just a couple years ago there were only two federally licensed distilleries in the state of Washington. The number of liquor makers has risen with a new law allowing distilleries that produce up to 20,000 gallons a year to register as “craft distilleries.” These small distilleries can open tasting rooms and small amounts of liquor on site. Five of the new craft distillery licenses have been granted and 13 are pending. Pacific Distillery obtained a regular license last year and is now producing Pacifique abinsthe. Pacific couldn’t take advantage of the craft license because their primary ingredients come from out of state (grain spirits from Kentucky and fennel from Florence, Italy) but they are benefiting from the repeal of the U.S. ban on absinthe.