Scratch Distillery
The story of Scratch Distillery is a love story. A first date. A commitment to organic ingredients and from-scratch methods. And a belief that great spirits and great personal relationships go hand in hand.
Scratch Distillery opened in Edmonds, Washington, in 2015, but the story began in 1987 when Bryan Karrick made his date Kim a gin and tonic on the first sunny spring day at Michigan State University. Bryan denies it and laughs, “I don’t recall that. Alcohol is not allowed on campus at MSU.”
The love of gin grew along with the love between the Karricks. They married and then landed in Edmonds, where Bryan opened an optometry practice. Kim, a self-described “gin nerd,” brewed beer, worked in wineries, and finally determined that she wanted to make gin on her own terms.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
