Channel Islands Distillery
Overview of the Distillery
Channel Islands Distillery opened in 2013 as Ventura County’s first legal distillery and draws its name and inspiration from the local Rum Row history. The distillery produces small batches of rum, whiskey, vodka and agave spirits from organic ingredients and combines traditional pot distillation with modern reflux equipment to achieve both character and purity.
History
The story begins with the 1920s Rum Row, where ships anchored outside the three-mile limit and helped shape the local rum-running scene. The maritime heritage has inspired the name and spirit of the distillery. In 2013 Channel Islands Distillery was established as Ventura County’s first legal distillery with the aim of combining local history and craftsmanship. The leadership brings a solid scientific background in environmental toxicology and laboratory work, which has led to a focus on precision, documented methods, and operational quality in the distillery's operations.
Raw Materials and Production
Distillation ranges from classic pot distillation in small batches to a high-yield reflux column for vodka. Several rums and spirits are made from organic whole cane sugar or molasses; Suave Agave is produced from 100% organic agave harvested in Mexico. The vodka achieves extra purity through repeated reflux distillation (described as equivalent to 150 distillations) and is run at least three times. The whiskey is noted with a defined mash bill and is distilled in a pot still, while the rum expressions are often batch-distilled in traditional pot stills. Production practices emphasize small batches, raw material quality, and process control.
Aging and Barrel Types
Aging varies by release: American oak barrels are used for several aged spirits; Grey Ghost undergoes cycle-aging in American, Hungarian and French oak barrels followed by pressing to capture the 'devil’s cut'; Po Uila is aged in sherry casks, and Suave Agave rests in a secret blend of barrels. Different barrel types and methods are used purposefully to create variation between releases.
Whiskies
The range includes several rum expressions (Signature Aged Rum, Signature Silver Rum, Grey Ghost Extra Dark Rum, Po Uila 152‑Proof), an organic vodka (California Vodka), an agave‑spirit (Suave Agave) and a coming small-batch whiskey (93001 Main Street Whiskey). The products emphasize organic ingredients, small-batch production, and a combination of traditional distilling methods and experimental barrel handling.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Age | Barrel and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93001 Main Street Whiskey | Small‑Batch Corn & Rye Whiskey | American oak barrels (charred) | A small-batch whiskey with a mash bill of 51% corn, 47% grain and 2% rye. Distilled in a traditional pot still and aged in American oak barrels. Marketed as a young, lively expression bottled at a somewhat higher proof. | Upcoming | |
| California Vodka | Vodka | Distilled from 100% organic whole cane sugar on a high-yield reflux column (described as equivalent to 150 distillations) and run at least three times to achieve high purity and clarity. | Current | ||
| Grey Ghost Extra Dark Rum | Extra Dark Rum | Cycle‑aged in American, Hungarian and French oak barrels; pressed; finish: pressed to capture the 'devil’s cut' | A limited edition extra-dark rum, batch‑distilled in a pot still from organic dark sugarcane and molasses. Cycle‑aging in several oak types and pressing are used to highlight the so-called 'devil’s cut'. | Limited | |
| Po Uila 152‑Proof Rum | Over‑proof Rum | Sherry barrels | An over‑proof extra-dark rum (marketed as 152‑proof) distilled from organic sugarcane and aged in sherry casks. The product is inspired by local rumrunner legends. | Current | |
| Signature Aged Rum | Aged Rum | American oak barrels | A rich, amber-colored rum made from organic sugarcane and pot‑distilled, aged in American oak barrels. The product notes mention vanilla, spices, orange zest and caramel; Nose: creamy vanilla, zesty orange peel; Taste: warming spices, smooth caramel; Finish: balanced and soft | Current | |
| Signature Silver Rum | Silver Rum (unaged) | No oak aging | A non‑aged white rum distilled from organic roasted sugarcane and molasses in a pot still. No barrel aging to preserve a clean, cocktail-friendly character.; Finish: Silky finish | Current | |
| Suave Agave | Agave spirit | Secret blend of barrels | An agave‑based spirit distilled in a pot still from 100% organic agave and then aged in a secret blend of barrels to develop a golden color and complexity.; Finish: Smooth | Current |
Whiskies’ Style and Flavor Profile
Product descriptions highlight three common directions: dark caramel and molasses tones in the extra-dark rum expressions, creamy vanilla and warming spices in the aged expressions, and tropical/fruit notes in the over‑proof and certain rum expressions. Vodka is described primarily by its extraordinary purity and clarity after repeated distillation.
Philosophy and Craft
The distillery's stated approach combines local maritime identity with scientific precision. Management draws on experience in environmental toxicology and laboratory work to ensure accuracy and quality, while prioritizing organic ingredients and small-batch production.