b'Making Sure aStoried Whiskey Library Embraces History and ChangeItshould come as no surprise that the ownersof a Portland bar with a cozy library-like setting, a vast selection of whiskeysand spirits, and an eye toward community connection are graduates ofSouthern Oregon University.Marlys Hutson 93 and Ed Hutson 93 have turned Portlandssame curiosity and wonder he had in his history courses at SOU. historic Multnomah Whiskey Library into a popular gatheringMy history classes were so inspiring, and my love of history is spot for curious folks who love spirits and fine food. The pairstill reflected in our business, said Ed.credit their success to finding each other and creating a thrivingThe library aspect of the business doesnt end with the name and business to their experiences at what was then Southern Oregonatmosphere. The Hutsons work to share the stories of the whiskeys State College. Im thankful that I found SOSC, said Ed. Itthey feature and often host events that showcase the people, changed my life for the better. For Marlys, SOU was a placeincluding multicultural and women creators, behind the whiskeys.where she felt like she was part of something meaningful. Marlys and Ed say part of what makes their business successful Serendipity led Marlys and Ed to the university and each other.is that the spirits community in Oregon is so strong. Oregon has SOU was kind of a last-minute choice for me, said Marlys. Ialways had an amazing cocktail scene, said Marlys. Ed concurs. knew I wanted to be in the state, and I wanted a smaller school.And as far as chefs and bartenders go, weve seen the talent A friend of mine was going there, and she talked me into it. Itrickle up into local distilleries, he said.chose the school sight unseen, but it ended up being a perfect fit,The couple say their work at the Multnomah Whiskey Library she said. Ed had chosen to attend a college in California, but ais always changing. In a place like the library, you walk in and serendipitous stop in Ashland changed his life.theres always something new, he added. Theres someone Ed joined the Raider football team as a linebacker. I lovedcool and different who comes in every day and talks about what being part of the team, and I loved Ashland and the outdoortheyre making and how theyre making it.activities, he said. As a history major, Eds classes helped shape his perspectives on the world. I especially remember my Native American history and European history classes, but all the courses opened my eyes to what other cultures have goneI especially remember through and how all humans face the same struggles, he said.Ed admitted that managing his time was a challenge early on,my Native American but he found a balance between sports and academics and thrived in both. Learning time management skills to play football andhistory and European do school work was so important. I had a lot of lessons from my coaches and teammates and learned the value of striving towardshistory classes, but all the one goal. Ill never take that for granted, he added. Marlys learned resilience at SOU. My freshman year, I had acourses opened my eyes to little too much fun and wasnt a very good student. I learned that if things arent going the way theyre supposed to, you can put awhat other cultures have little work in and change your situation to make it better, she said. My professors were so supportive and encouraging. gone through and how all After graduation, Marlys worked in apparel manufacturing at Nike, and Ed purchased and operated a Portland-based rentalhumans face the same equipment company. When the chance to buy the Multnomah Whiskey Library came up in 2018, they leapt at the opportunity.struggles.Ed was always interested in whiskey, and the business piqued the THE RAIDER|SPRING 202511'