Celebrating our legacy
The tale of my Great-Uncle, Jake O’Shaughnessy, and his Seattle Saloon, started in August of 1904. In those early days, he cleverly added pieces of old oak casks, which he referred to as “savor spears”, to his whiskey barrels to enhance the character of spirits for his eager patrons.
Over a century later, inspired by “Uncle Jake’s” inventiveness, my father and I revived this tradition. We began infusing oak staves into aged barrels of whiskey for our restaurants, resulting in smooth and distinctly flavorful spirits.
As a woman-owned distillery in Woodinville, WA, we celebrate life’s moments, big or small.
This LeRoy Neiman painting holds a cherished spot in our family’s history. When my father and Mick McHugh arranged for the creation of this iconic piece from Neiman, they made a memorable transaction at the Café Deartiste in New York City, presenting their payment in Gold Bullion. Two police guards, accompanied by dogs, escorted the gold and placed it on the table before Neiman.
Upon closer inspection of the painting, one can spot several notable figures. Naturally, Neiman depicted himself alongside Tim and Mick. He also included the renowned Bill the Beerman, celebrated for vending beer throughout the aisles of the Kingdome in its prime. The painting features Father Tallous, the priest who officiated my parents’ wedding, as well as the illustrious opera-singing bartender, Robert Julian.
Following the commissioning of the painting, a dinner party was held in honor of LeRoy Neiman. In a jovial moment, after a few drinks, Neiman stood and declared to the guests, “May all artists continue to mystify the public with their art.”
Original FX McRory’s as painted by LeRoy Neiman in 1980.
Northwest Spirits is founded upon my fascination of mystery, magic and romance. Growing up, I remember sneaking into my dad’s Seattle saloon, the famous Jake O’Shaughnessy’s, and peering in wonderment at the tall mahogany library ladder rolling over the never-ending rows of colorful bottles.
Smells of cracked leather, rich wood paneling and swirls of tobacco from the cigar room permeated my imagination and are still ingrained in my mind to this day. From these memories and the inspirations of generations past, I carry on this proud tradition with Northwest Spirits.
Merrisa Firnstahl-Claridge
5th Generation
100 years of history
My great-great-great grandpa was a master maker of famous colby cheese in Wisconsin.
My Great-Great Grandpa, German Firstahl, started the legendary Sunny Jim Peanut Butter Company which my Grandpa, JP, ran for 35 years. My dad. Tim Firstahl opened over a dozen restaurants. Jake O'Shaughnessey's was made famous by the Guinness Book of World Records for having the world's largest selection of fine spirits. After 50 years of running Seattle's best drinking establishments. I joined my dad in opening the Seattle classic Von's Gustobistro. Now it's my turn to proudly carry forward the tradition of our lineage with Northwest Spirits. — Missy Firstahl-Claridge (5th generation)
