Production places
Connections to water sources, peat places, maltings, cooperages, warehouses and maturation sites. Uncertain connections are labelled.
No documented production places are linked to this distillery yet.
Griffo Distillery
Brief overview of the distillery
Griffo Distillery is located in Petaluma, Sonoma County, and combines craftsmanship with a data-driven approach to spirit production. The distillery is particularly known for Scott Street Gin, their cold brew coffee liqueur, and for working experimentally with whiskey, including the use of stout barrels. Griffo also offers contract distillation and an open Tasting Bar with tours and tastings.
History
Griffo opened in 2015 with an ambition to elevate flavor experiences through a combination of craftsmanship and precision. In 2016 they received early recognition when Scott Street Gin won a gold medal at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition. Over time, the company has expanded its lineup to include gin, vodka, a cold brew coffee liqueur, and experimental whiskey releases. In 2023, new partners and leadership joined under CEO Will Maroun, helping the company expand distribution to 47 states. In 2025, Scott Street Gin was named "America's Greatest London Dry Gin" by The Gin Guild. Griffo also runs a bonded operation under DSP-CA-20051 and has established an active visitor and events program in Petaluma.
Raw Materials and Production
The production is characterized by the use of a specially commissioned copper pot still (Betty), a 320-gallon unit with extra ports mounted to collect more measurements during distillation; the still was manufactured by Vendome Copper & Brass. This solution aligns with the distillery's stated aim of combining craftsmanship with scientific precision. Griffo operates both its own spirits production and offers contract distillation for other brands. Public descriptions highlight precision in the distillation process but do not provide detailed mash bills, fermentation times, or full technical parameters.
Aging and Barrel Types
The distillery documents the use of stout barrels in connection with their Stout Barreled Whiskey, demonstrating that they work with barrels that previously held stout. There is no complete public overview of all barrel types or aging times, but beer barrels are included as a concrete element in their aging practices.
Whiskies
The lineup centers on gin (with Scott Street Gin as the signature product) supplemented by vodka, a cold brew coffee liqueur based on Equator Coffees, RTD Espresso Martini, and whiskey projects. The whiskey side appears experimental and collaborative, illustrated by a planned single malt collaboration with Lagunitas in 2026 (Still Waldos) as well as stout-barrel-aged products. The distillery also markets contract distillation services and club memberships to local and state customers.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Barrel and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stout Barreled Whiskey | American whiskey | Stout barrels | Whiskey referred to as Stout Barreled Whiskey, documented as aged or finished in stout barrels. | |
| Still Waldos (Lagunitas Single Malt Whiskey collab 2026) | Single malt whiskey | Single malt collaboration between Griffo and Lagunitas, referred to as Still Waldos with reference to 2026. | Upcoming |
Visiting the Distillery
The public can visit Griffo in Petaluma. The Tasting Bar has set hours Thursday to Sunday, and the Marketplace is open Monday–Friday. A guided Tour and Tasting is offered for $30 per guest and includes a tour of the production floor, the opportunity to see Betty, Griffo's 320-gallon copper pot still, and a guided tasting of five selected spirit samples. After the tour, guests may stay in the Tasting Bar and order food from local partners. For groups over six people, please contact the distillery to arrange larger tours, and bookings are made via the distillery's booking page where you select a time slot.
The stated hours are Tasting Bar: THURSDAY 5PM-9PM, FRIDAY 2PM–7PM, SATURDAY 2PM–7PM, SUNDAY 1PM–6PM. Marketplace: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-5PM. Tasting bar hours may change due to private events.
See times and book a visit.
Philosophy and Craft
Griffo explicitly works to unite craft and science; they describe their products as "scientifically crafted" and have invested in a customized pot still with extra ports to measure and control distillation parameters. At the same time, they offer contract distillation and collaborations, reflecting both technical capability and a collaborative business model.
Awards and Recognitions
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America's Greatest London Dry Gin (2025, Scott Street Gin)
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Gold Medal (2016, Gold, Scott Street Gin)