117° West Spirits

Stir up your afternoon or evening at this warm and inviting artisanal distillery, serving grain-to-glass spirits from small batches produced right on site. From the venue’s signature whiskeys to citrusy hopped gin, to brandy made from California grapes and rums from pure sugar cane, the lineup is truly homegrown.

Recipes come courtesy of founder and local chemistry teacher Justin McCabe, armed with more than two decades of home-brewing experience and a doctorate in chemistry itself. His passion for the craft, paired with a one-of-a-kind copper pot still with a Gatling Column built by hand, combine to deliver the golden nectar savored by all who sit down for a sip.

As 117° West is foremost a whiskey distillery, McCabe is committed to sourcing nearly 100 percent California-grown grain, which is then mashed, fermented, distilled, barreled, and bottled. Whiskeys include the prized Single Malt, Rye Malt and Wheat Malt, as well as other creations, for a total of six in the collection. Each small batch is different, resulting in spirits both flavorful and complex.

Guests interested in flights are invited to taste any three whiskeys, or a combo of rum, gun and brandy, or mix it up and choose three different spirits, before taking a bottle home. Bartenders are happy to share knowledge with savvy drinkers and newbies alike. (Of note: California law allows pours to a maximum of 1.5 oz. per guest per day, so return visits are encouraged.)Rum aficionados will appreciate that McCabe’s rum recipes are distilled from pure sugar cane. Options include a pot-distilled white rum. It does not contain molasses like many other rum recipes and instead emulates a Brazilian-inspired Cachaça. The white rum makes for a delicious daiquiri or mojito and is used as the base for the bar’s spiced and aged rums.

Gin connoisseurs will love the Genever (Dutch for “juniper” with floral and herbal notes from the tree) and predecessor to London Dry Gin. The 117° West Gin offers up a West Coast twist, adding hops along with citrus, hibiscus white sage and cacao nibs. The underlying malt flavor with floral hop aromas works well in a Negroni or Tom Collins, and also makes for a palate-pleasing Gin ‘n Tonic.

Fans of the whiskey, rum and gin products will love the same quality, authenticity and originality in the 117° West brandy. The copper-hued spirit, often served as an after-dinner drink, is distilled from California grapes from local San Diego wineries. Aged in American oak barrels, the brandy features caramel and vanilla notes along with the base raisin and plum flavors.

The venue also offers the spirits in cocktail form — guests may enjoy a Mai Tai, Old-Fashioned (made with savory house bitters), a Whiskey Sour and other classics. Seasonal cocktail menus and specials include the Forbidden Sour (pomegranate whiskey with a dried blood-orange garnish) for fall; the cozy Hot Toddy in winter; and lighter and zestier drinks in the spring.

Not to be missed are instructive (McCabe is an educator, after all) and entertaining YouTube cocktail tutorials. The videos conveniently bring the tasting room into the homes of customers who can’t always visit in person. Learn how to make a New York Sour, for example, which can make for a perfect New Year’s Eve libation. Access the videos on the 117° West Spirits website.

For sensational spirits straight from the source, venture to 117° West Spirits in Vista. This gem is tucked into a business park just off Sycamore Drive. Enjoy drinks, tastings and an easy-going vibe 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, with a 3 p.m. start on Saturdays. Also shop online at https://117westspirits.com or find 117° West Spirits at select retailers.