Melissa "Mel" Heim to Serve as Executive VP Operations of Eastside Distilling

Ms. Heim, who earns industry accolades for her keen palate, holds the distinction of being the first female master distiller west of the Mississippi. Before joining Eastside, Ms. Heim perfected her spirit crafting skills under the tutelage of the master distiller of Portland's Rogue Distillery & Public House. Appropriately for her new job position, Ms. Helm co-founded and served as president of Clear Boots Society, an organization that supports women's leadership in the spirits industry.

A Portland native, Ms. Heim is an active soccer player in the PDX adult recreation league and, as a pre-teen, set Oregon records by achieving her first of three black belts in the Korean martial art of Tae-Kwon-Do with over twenty years of mixed martial arts experience. She graduated from Canby High School in 2001 and went on to study English at the University of Oregon where she was a member of the school's Tae-Kwon-Do Club.  

Grover Wickersham, Executive Chairman of Eastside Distilling, commented, "As our new Exec VP, Mel will continue to put the highest possible quality into our spirits as we increase production to meet growing demand both here in Oregon and in exotic new markets like China, Canada and Seattle."

Wickersham continued, "Mel has truly 'paid her dues' and earned her new senior leadership role. Despite being a youthful and energetic 33 years old Master Distiller, Mel is already a modestly grizzled ten-year veteran of the craft spirits movement. Mel has created by herself, or helped to create, a portfolio of whiskeys including Burnside Bourbon, Barrel Hitch, Cherry Bomb, Marionberry, and our popular Portland Potato Vodka and Coffee Rum. Mel, in my opinion, is just hitting her stride, and we at Eastside expect that she will be helping us offer our loyal customers some insanely great new spirits in the future." 

"I am excited to take on a greater leadership role with Eastside Distilling," said Melissa Heim, Executive VP of Operations.

Ms. Heim continued, "Eastside is helping Oregon make a significant contribution to the boom in craft distilling. We've been enjoying strong growth trends in whiskeys and bourbons over the last few years with increased popularity among millennials and women. Eastside plans to fully benefit from these trends by continuing to provide innovative and high quality spirits at affordable prices. I truly enjoy making and offering small batch, unique products like our beer schnapps made from local Portland beers, and our limited release bourbons aged in Oregon Oak, which is something I'm very proud we pioneered and are still the best at crafting."  

About Eastside Distilling
Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI) is located in Southeast Portland's Distillery Row, and has been producing high-quality, master crafted spirits since 2008. Makers of award winning spirits, the company is unique in the marketplace and distinguished by its highly decorated product lineup that includes Barrel Hitch American Whiskies, Burnside Bourbon, Below Deck Rums, Portland Potato Vodka, and a distinctive line of infused whiskeys. All Eastside spirits are master crafted from natural ingredients for unparalleled quality and taste. The company is publicly traded under the symbolOTCQB: ESDI. For more information visit: www.eastsidedistilling.com or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in obtaining new customers; the Company's success in product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; the Company's success in integrating acquired entities and assets, and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and interim Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release may include statements related to our strategic focus, product verticals, anticipated revenue, and profitability. The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this release.

Investors:
Robert Blum, Joe Diaz or Joe Dorame
Lytham Partners, LLC
(602) 889-9700
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161205/445883
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161009/426641LOGO

SOURCE Eastside Distilling, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.eastsidedistilling.com