Figgins was dubbed 'Western Innovator' by the Capital Press newspaper and has been called an 'influential act' by SEATTLE magazine, both in connection to his distilling activities, and he is considered by many to be a folk hero amongst Washington craft distillers.  He crafted the first commercial brandy, rye whisky and single-malt whisky in Washington.  Attributable to such experience, Figgins is going grey and is thinning up top.  Perhaps a trifle bit before his time, we think, but paying one's dues and ensuring high quality would tend to do that to a gentleman-farmer and third-generation distiller. When asked about what motivates his daily work, Figgins retorts, "Isn't it about time?" ~ seemingly mentioning both achieving one's goals AND the practice of cask maturation, all in one breath.