{"title":"Sonoma County Distilling","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"sonoma-county-distilling-bourbon-750ml","title":"Sonoma County Distilling Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSonoma County Distilling Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 46% ABV (92 proof) California bourbon double distilled in direct-fired alembic copper pot stills. A Gold medal winner at the Sunset International Spirits Competition, this wheated bourbon represents one of the earliest craft distilling operations in the modern American whiskey revival.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 46% (92 Proof)  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Wheated Bourbon  |  Distillery: Sonoma County Distilling Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSonoma County Distilling Co. was founded in 2010, making it one of the first 200 licensed distilleries in the United States during the craft spirits boom. The bourbon uses a mashbill of 70% corn, 25% wheat, and 5% malted barley — a wheated recipe that replaces the rye grain found in most traditional bourbon mashbills. What truly distinguishes this whiskey is its double distillation in handmade alembic copper pot stills heated by direct flame, a method far more common in Scotch and Cognac production than in American bourbon. This labor-intensive approach requires constant hands-on attention and produces a spirit with a heavier, more texturally rich character than the cleaner profiles typical of column-distilled bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet corn and warm vanilla arrive first, followed by a layer of freshly baked cornbread and toasted oak. Beneath those initial impressions, subtle sandalwood and an almost cookie-dough sweetness emerge with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with a pronounced earthy caramel and candy corn sweetness that moves quickly into toffee brittle and roasted almond at mid-palate. A noticeable woody quality — sawdust-like in its raw, unvarnished character — builds through the mid-palate, balanced by smoky roasted vanilla and a touch of dark spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long, with rich bitter dark chocolate and brewed coffee lingering alongside drying oak tannins. A faint sweetness of toffee popcorn persists as the woodier notes slowly fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sonoma Bourbon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 92 proof, this bourbon drinks well neat or with a single large ice cube that gradually opens up the sweeter vanilla and toffee elements while tempering the wood. A few drops of water can also soften the sawdust-like oak tannins and amplify the caramel corn character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn cocktails, the pot-still richness holds its ground against strong modifiers. An \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e highlights the toffee and dark chocolate notes without being overwhelmed by bitters. A \u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs the bourbon's earthy sweetness against Campari's bitterness for a well-matched contrast. A \u003cstrong\u003ePaper Plane\u003c\/strong\u003e leverages the higher proof and wheated softness to keep the bourbon present alongside Aperol and Amaro Nonino.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon drinkers exploring craft California whiskey for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a whiskey enthusiast who values unusual production methods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing pot-still versus column-still bourbon styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar shelf focused on American regional whiskey diversity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sonoma Bourbon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The dominant profile is earthy caramel, toasted vanilla, and toffee brittle, layered with darker notes of coffee and bitter dark chocolate. A noticeable raw oak and sawdust quality gives it a rustic, unpolished character that distinguishes it from smoother, mass-produced wheated bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sonoma Bourbon compare to Maker's Mark?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are wheated bourbons, but Sonoma uses alembic pot stills and direct-fire distillation rather than Maker's Mark's column-still method, resulting in a heavier, more texturally dense spirit. Maker's Mark tends toward a rounder, softer sweetness at 45% ABV, while Sonoma's 46% ABV expression carries more pronounced oak tannins and a grainier mouthfeel from the pot-still process.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sonoma Bourbon good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 92-proof strength and pot-still body give it enough weight and complexity to reward slow, attentive sipping. A few drops of water can help tame the woodier edges for those who prefer a gentler experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sonoma Bourbon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is distilled at Sonoma County Distilling Co. in Sonoma County, California. Founded in 2010, the distillery was among the first wave of modern American craft distilleries and remains one of the few producing bourbon entirely within Northern California.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sonoma Bourbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket complements the bourbon's earthy, charred oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles echo the coffee and cacao on the finish. Aged Gouda or sharp cheddar matches well against the toffee sweetness. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, caramel-forward palate. Cornbread with honey butter creates a natural pairing given the corn-forward mashbill.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Sonoma Bourbon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sonoma Bourbon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sonoma Bourbon positions in the premium craft tier, above mass-market wheated bourbons but in line with other small-batch, pot-still American whiskeys. The hand-distilled, direct-fire production method and limited scale justify the step up for drinkers specifically seeking the flavor profile that alembic distillation delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Sonoma Bourbon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining feature here is the distillation method: direct-fired alembic pot stills are virtually unheard of in bourbon production, and the flavor impact is unmistakable. The result is a heavier, more grain-forward, texturally dense whiskey that stands apart from the cleaner, lighter profiles of column-distilled competitors. Its Gold medal at the Sunset International Spirits Competition confirms that the approach translates into a well-regarded finished product, not just a novelty. For anyone building a bourbon collection that stretches beyond Kentucky orthodoxy, Sonoma County Distilling's expression makes a compelling and genuinely different addition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sonoma County Distilling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837761220777,"sku":"32410","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Sonoma-County-Distilling-Bourbon__73826.jpg?v=1730493622"},{"product_id":"sonoma-county-distilling-rye-750ml","title":"Sonoma County Distilling Rye 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSonoma County Distilling Rye 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% rye grain whiskey from Sonoma County, California, bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2022 Sunset International Spirits Competition and was voted 2023's Best Whiskey in the North Bay, establishing it as one of California's standout craft ryes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 46.5% (93 proof)  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Style: Rye Whiskey  |  Distillery: Sonoma County Distilling Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSonoma County Distilling Company operates out of Sonoma County in Northern California's wine country. The distillery employs a direct-fired, handmade copper pot still — an alembic design more commonly associated with Cognac and single malt Scotch production — and double distills every run. The mashbill is 80% rye sourced from California and Canada with 20% malted rye from the United Kingdom, making it a 100% rye grain whiskey. After distillation, the spirit matures in new charred American oak barrels and receives an additional finish in older wood, adding layers of complexity that set it apart from the column-distilled ryes dominating the American market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet minty evergreen and eucalyptus arrive first, followed by lime zest, a whisper of dill, and dried apricot. Graham cracker and cinnamon linger underneath, adding a baked warmth to the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is creamy and surprisingly sweet, with vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet giving way to a mid-palate surge of allspice and white pepper. Deeper rye spice — cinnamon, caraway, and nutmeg — builds steadily, anchored by a rich walnut nuttiness that rounds out the profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long, with warming rye spice and toasted wood that gradually recede. Vanilla sweetness and a gentle herbal quality persist, keeping the finish balanced rather than aggressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sonoma Rye\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 46.5% ABV, this rye drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens the creamy vanilla and fruit notes without drowning the spice. A few drops of water can further unlock the sherbet and apricot character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn cocktails, the pot-still richness and 100% rye grain bill bring distinct personality:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The walnut and vanilla sweetness pair naturally with sweet vermouth, creating a rounder, more textured cocktail than column-distilled ryes typically deliver.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSazerac:\u003c\/strong\u003e The herbal, minty backbone and white pepper spice stand up to absinthe and Peychaud's bitters without getting lost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The creamy mouthfeel and baking-spice depth need only a sugar cube and a couple dashes of Angostura to shine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRye enthusiasts exploring California craft distilling beyond bourbon country\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey lover who appreciates pot-still character and small-batch production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar with distinctive American ryes for cocktail experimentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing pot-distilled vs. column-distilled rye whiskey styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sonoma Rye taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with creamy vanilla and orange sherbet sweetness before rye spice — allspice, white pepper, cinnamon, and caraway — takes over at mid-palate. Walnut nuttiness and a minty herbal quality round out the profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sonoma Rye compare to Bulleit Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulleit Rye uses a 95% rye \/ 5% corn mashbill and is column-distilled at MGP in Indiana, producing a leaner, drier spice character. Sonoma Rye's 100% rye grain bill and copper pot-still double distillation yield a noticeably creamier body with more fruit and walnut richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sonoma Rye good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 46.5% ABV hits a sweet spot that delivers full flavor intensity without excessive heat, and the creamy mouthfeel from pot distillation makes it a comfortable neat pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sonoma Rye made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is distilled and aged at the Sonoma County Distilling Company in Sonoma County, California, using handmade copper pot stills and locally influenced grain sourcing from California, Canada, and the United Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sonoma Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged cheddar complements the walnut and vanilla sweetness. Smoked salmon echoes the herbal, dill-like aromatics. Dark chocolate amplifies the baking spice notes. Roasted pork with an apple glaze plays off the dried apricot and allspice. Toasted pecans mirror the nutty finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Sonoma Rye come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 46.5% ABV (93 proof).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sonoma Rye worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sonoma Rye positions in the premium craft tier, reflecting handmade pot-still distillation, a 100% rye grain mashbill, and small-batch California production — factors that justify the step up from mass-market ryes for drinkers who value artisanal methods and distinct regional character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Sonoma Rye?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat genuinely distinguishes this whiskey is its production method: double distillation in a direct-fired copper alembic pot still, a technique virtually no other American rye producer uses at this scale. That process delivers a heavier, more texturally rich spirit than the column-distilled ryes that dominate the category. The Gold Medal from the 2022 Sunset International Spirits Competition and its recognition as the North Bay's Best Whiskey in 2023 confirm that the approach translates to the glass. For rye drinkers looking beyond Kentucky and Indiana, Sonoma County Distilling represents one of California's most credible entries in American whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sonoma County Distilling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837761253545,"sku":"32411","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Sonoma-County-Distilling-Rye__87879.jpg?v=1730493626"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/sonoma-county-distilling.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}