Pacific Coast Spirits

About the Distillery

Pacific Coast Spirits is a handcrafted small-batch distillery in Oceanside, California, that uses organic, non-GMO ingredients sourced from local farmers. The distillery produces American single malt, various bourbon- and whiskey expressions, as well as gin and agave products. The inspiration comes from California’s ingredients and from the desire to unite coastal and mountain cultures in spirits, and the distillery’s products have received medals at international spirit competitions.

History

The distillery’s visibility in competitions is a central element of its recent history. In 2021, Pacific Coast Spirits was rewarded at the American Distilling Institute Competition with several awards, including California Dry Gin and agave products, as well as a silver medal for an early version of their Triticale Bourbon. The 2022 season brought even more medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where American Single Malt earned Double Gold, and several products received gold or silver, including bourbon expressions and barrel-rested as well as agave spirits. These results reflect a focus on developing both classic and experimental editions in small batches.

Ingredients and Production

Production is based on handmade small-batch work: each production takes place in small lots with emphasis on organic, non-GMO ingredients sourced from local farmers. The range spans American single malt, bourbon, rye, corn-based whiskeys, as well as gin, agave spirits, brandy, rum and liqueurs, providing flexibility in both distillation choices and product development. The distillery’s story mentions a personal approach and inspiration from “bringing the mountains to the sea,” as well as an ambition to create synergy between spirits, craft cocktails, and cuisine.

Aging and Barrel Types

The distillery’s portfolio includes products where barrel resting is used as a technique, for example Golden Sunset Barrel Rested Gin, and agave spirits appear both as blanco and reposado, demonstrating the use of reposado aging. Barrel finishes and reposado aging are documented elements in their approach to maturation and product variation.

Whiskies

Pacific Coast Spirits produces a broad range of spirits: agave spirits, American Whiskey (including bourbon, rye and corn-based expressions), single malt, gin, brandy, rum and liqueurs, as well as pre-mixed cocktails. Several of their whiskies and gin varieties have been medalled at major competitions in 2021 and 2022, highlighting both classic American expressions and experiments such as triticale-based bourbons.

Philosophy and Craft

The company’s values revolve around handmade small-batch production, the use of organic and non-GMO ingredients, and direct sourcing from local farmers. Pacific Coast Spirits emphasizes letting regional ingredients and landscape inspiration influence the products and aims to create products that work in both cocktails and culinary contexts.

Awards and Recognitions

• DOUBLE GOLD (2022, Double Gold, American Single Malt)

• GOLD (2022, Gold, California Bourbon (Batch 2))

• GOLD (2022, Gold, California Triticale Bourbon (Batch 2))

• GOLD (2022, Gold, Golden Sunset Barrel Rested Gin)

• SILVER (2022, Silver, California Dry Gin)

• SILVER (2022, Silver, Agave Spirit Blanco)

• SILVER (2022, Silver, Agave Spirit Reposado)

• SILVER (2022, Silver, California Blue Corn Whiskey)

• BEST IN CLASS / DOUBLE GOLD (2021, Best in Class, Double Gold, California Dry Gin)

• BEST IN CATEGORY (2021, Best in Category, Agave Spirit Blanco)

• SILVER (2021, Silver, California Triticale Bourbon (Batch 1))

• SILVER (2021, Silver, Agave Spirit Reposado)