Talking Cedar Brewery & Restaurant

Honoring the Past. Building the Future.

The Chehalis Tribe has long called the lands of Southwest Washington home. Today, Talking Cedar carries that legacy forward through hospitality, innovation, and self-determination.

Our Story

A Path Forward

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation have deep roots in Southwest Washington where the Chehalis people have always lived along the rivers, forests, and coast. Today, the Tribe continues to invest in cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and a future built on sovereignty and self-determination.

People of the Sands

Known as the “People of the Sands,” the Chehalis Tribe has long maintained a close relationship with the land and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. That connection continues to shape the Tribe today, influencing everything from stewardship of natural resources to the businesses built for future generations.

Talking Cedar reflects that identity. “Talking” honors the Tribe’s strong oral tradition of storytelling, where history, teachings, and culture are passed from one generation to the next. “Cedar” recognizes the cedar tree’s enduring role in daily life, craftsmanship, and cultural practice throughout the region.

The 1834 Law & What Changed

Overturning a 180-Year Ban

When the Chehalis Tribe set out to build a distillery, they discovered a federal law dating back to 1834 that prohibited distilling on tribal land. Originally enacted during the Andrew Jackson administration, the restriction remained in place for more than 180 years. Rather than abandon the vision, the Tribe worked alongside tribal leaders and lawmakers to overturn the prohibition at the federal level, helping restore the right for tribes to legally distill on their own land. That effort led to a historic first: the creation of the first tribally owned distillery in the United States and the first spirits ever legally distilled on tribal land.

The Brewery Story

Crafting Something Bigger

Talking Cedar was created by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation to build economic opportunity, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and invest in future generations. What started as a brewery plan grew into a destination brewery and the first tribally owned distillery in the U.S.

Our facility crafts award-winning beer and spirits using water from an aquifer beneath our tribal land, blending modern technique with local sourcing and Pacific Northwest botanicals. From our flagship beers to Kayak Gin, every release reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and community — an investment in the Chehalis Tribe’s future and a celebration of self-determination.

Award Winning Tribal Beer

Explore Our Full Lineup

From crisp lagers to bold ambers, every can is shaped by Chehalis tribal land and Pacific Northwest ingredients. Find your new favorite.
All Beers