San Diego distilleries brewing another craft revolution
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A new breed of handcrafted beverage producers is causing big waves on the West Coast
San Diego, California USA – The city is gaining prestige as the “Capital of Craft Beer” with more than 150 craft distilleries in the area. They offer scenic tours, tasting rooms, and a sense of their sophisticated spirits.
The following breweries are on the noteworthy list:
You & Yours Distilling Co.
This chic establishment is the only woman-owned distillery in Southern California. It was launched by Laura Johnson, a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the food and drink division.
It’s a full production distillery and events space in the heart of the city that features original creations while also paying homage to some timeless classics. Guests can sample their beautifully garnished cocktails, award-winning vodka, and their flagship Sunday Gin.
You & Yours Distilling Co. has an Instagram-worthy design bounded by a relaxed yet urbane vibe.
FruitCraft – Fermentary & Distillery
FruitCraft is proud to be employee-owned and mission-driven.
It’s an urban distillery that was founded in 2009 by two San Diego natives – twin brothers Alan and Brian Haghigi. Their mission is to highlight fruits at the core of their menu, featuring unique brandies on tap including pineapple, mango, pomegranate, cranberry, and pumpkin spice.
FruitCraft’s business model is to do what nature has done since the beginning of time, which is to ferment every other fruit.
Seven Caves Spirits
Seven Caves Spirits is a promising craft distillery located in Hillcrest and La Jolla.
The establishment features handcrafted liquors including its flagship barrel-aged rum – a bronze medal winner from the American Distilling Institute – and their New Orleans inspired rum made of sugar and molasses sourced straight from Louisiana.
Seven Caves Spirits believes in crafting beverages with only the best ingredients possible.
Cutwater Spirits
One of the West Coast’s largest distilleries, Cutwater Spirits is a 50,000 square-foot facility in Miramar.
They produce unique liquors in small batches. From habanero and horchata-flavoured vodkas, to whiskeys, rums, and canned cocktails, to their signature Cali-Baja flavours.
It’s an award-winning distillery with a foundation that’s built on tradition, creativity, and curiosity.
Old Harbor Distilling Co.
A pioneer in the distillery trade, Old Harbor Distilling Co. in the East Village utilizes farm-fresh produce picked from local sources.
It takes pride in its old harbour spirits and cocktails, like the San Miguel Southwestern Gin, and other signature spirits such as the Ampersand Cold Pressed Coffee Liqueur and the Navy Strength Barrelflag Rum.
Malahat Spirits Co.
Malahat Spirits Co. combines traditional techniques with creative experimentation. And just like their liquors, they have an intricate tasting room designed and named after the famous Southern California rumrunner ship.
Malahat Spirits Co. seeks out only the most extraordinary ingredients and produces spirits infused with ginger, black tea, and spices, as well as specialty rums aged in a cabernet barrel.
There are many exciting places to visit in San Diego. Visitors who wish to take home souvenirs from their trip may shop for distillery-related items at the new Collins & Coupe Cocktail Supply Co. in El Cajon Boulevard. This industrial-style store is stocked with decorative barware, vintage glassware sets, bitters, syrups, stirrers and more.
For destination shops catered to cocktail aficionados, Raised by Wolves in La Jolla’s Westfield UTC is expected to open early next year.
And for more information about San Diego’s booming craft distillery scene, visit the San Diego Distillers Guild. You may also find more offerings, vacation packages, and discount coupons at San Diego Tourism Authority’s official website.
