San Diego, which is situated on the coast of Southern California, is one of the most popular and well-recognized cities in the entire state, and indeed across the rest of the United States.

There’s so much to see and do in San Diego, including a very vibrant nightlife, with countless bars and eateries full of amazing food, and some of the best alcoholic beverages around.

Many popular drinks served in San Diego bars are actually made by using alcohol that is made entirely within the city, which makes it a great way to engage with the spirit of the city.

If you’ve found yourself intrigued by the prospect of trying some of these drinks, then you’ve likely also found yourself wondering whether there are any distilleries in San Diego that specifically specialize in whisky!

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place, because today we are going to find out about some of the best whisky distilleries in San Diego!

A Little Bit About The City

San Diego is one of the most popular cities in California and the closest to the Mexican border. Thanks to its positioning, near the Pacific coast, San Diego is known for its sunny weather, with blue skies hanging overhead just about every day!

The sunny weather of San Diego doesn’t just make it popular with tourists and families looking to enjoy the Summer, but it is also incredibly popular with those looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife.

There are so many bars and restaurants, many with outdoor areas, that are perfect for soaking up the sun, while also enjoying some refreshing alcoholic beverages.

Are There Any Whisky Distilleries In San Diego?

Absolutely. There are countless distilleries found within San Diego, making it one of the most productive cities in all of California! Let’s take a look at these distilleries now.

Storyhouse Spirits

Located at 1220 J Street, Storyhouse Spirits is easily one of the coolest places to head to if you not only want to enjoy some handcrafted whisky but also to enjoy it in arguably one of the coolest environments in the city.

The central bar area of Storyhouse Spirits is truly full of energetic atmosphere, yet it has a great sense of sophistication to it that perfectly matches the sophisticated taste of the whiskeys that they produce.

There is also plenty of outdoor space, so you can sip your whisky while also basking in the San Diego sun. While you taste your whisky, you can also order some of the amazing food that is carefully hand-prepared in the kitchen to perfectly complement the flavor of your drink of choice!

Directly adjacent to the main bar area is the actual distillery itself! The bar area is slightly raised, so that, when looking out over the balcony, you can actually see some of the distilling equipment, in all of its shiny copper glory!

Though Storyhouse Spirits may actually be one of the newer names within the world of whisky distilling, they have managed to create a truly immense reputation within that small space of time. Local people love heading to this venue to enjoy food and beverages together and see in the weekend!

Once you’ve tasted some of the whiskeys for yourself, you can actually book to be taken along on one of the periodic tours, which will show you around all of the equipment, and show you exactly how all of the whiskeys and other spirits are made!

Fruitcraft

Fruitcraft is one of the most unique distilleries in all of California, and also one of the most eclectic. Not only does this Hillcrest-based facility produce a range of whiskeys, but they also produce a massive range of other alcoholic beverages via its winery, brewery, and their cidery.

This particular business is actually entirely employee-owned and was first set up by two brothers who sought to find new and unique ways to produce alcoholic beverages, and create brand-new flavors that would easily delight the senses of all who tried them!

All of the alcohol made on-site is made naturally and without the inclusion of any artificial elements. They make use of fresh fruit, which allows them to create some great and complex flavors that you can then experience for yourself.

This distillery does not just produce its range of alcoholic beverages, but it also sells them on-site via the tasting room!

The tasting room alone is full of eclectic charm, thanks to the numerous decorations found across its walls, and the recycled nature of the furniture! And you can soak in all of this atmosphere as you sip on your whisky, accompanied by some truly delicious food that is made on-site.

Malahat Spirits Co.

Malahat Spirits Co. produces one of the very best rye whiskeys that we have ever had the chance to try out for ourselves. All of the spirits produced at this Miramar distillery are distilled in twin copper pot stills, which helps to give them plenty of flavor and charm.

Though you won’t be able to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at every part of the facility and how the drinks are produced, you will often get the chance to see fresh drinks being prepared from the main tasting area.

The tasting room can be booked for all kinds of events, such as birthdays, weddings, and work functions, and it makes for a great social space to collectively enjoy the taste of some of the best local cocktails, and, of course, some of the best whiskeys.

The distillers here are never content to just stick with tried and trusted formulas, so you can always count on there being something new to explore every time you pay a visit to the facility.

The origins of this distillery are also incredibly interesting, so make sure to chat to the crew within to find out a little bit more, while you taste it for yourself!

What Else Is There To Do In San Diego?

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, then, obviously you need to pay a visit to some of the amazing distilleries and bars that are dotted across the city, but you also don’t want to miss out on some of the other amazing attractions and sights to be found across the city.

We totally recommend taking a visit to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This amazing park is home to 1,500 acres of preserved land that you can explore on foot. It also directly overlooks the coastline, so you can look out over the vast horizon, feel the sun on your skin, and breathe in the fresh air.

Make sure to also pay a visit to Little Italy, not only for some of the amazing bars found there but also some of the amazing food that can be found around every corner. Little Italy is a very historic area of the city, and it plays a massive role in defining the culture of the city!

The Gaslamp Quarter is also a great area to head to during the daytime. The area is great for taking a casual walk around, soaking in the atmosphere of all of the eclectic and adorable stores that dot the central strip.

The entire area is decked in a beautiful victorian-era design that is really lovely to soak in while under the glorious sunshine. At night, this same area comes alive with various clubs, eateries, and bars!

And when it comes to essential monuments in the San Diego area, you cannot afford to miss out on cultural icons like the Cabrillo National Monument, and the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument. These icons can give you a great sense of San Diego’s rich history!

To Wrap Up

These are just a few of the amazing distilleries that can be found in San Diego and only a small glimpse into the food and beverage scene within the city. If you’ve ever found yourself curious about spending the day in San Diego and sipping on whisky, then we hope that you feel more confident about taking the plunge!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is San Diego So Special?

One of the things that help to make San Diego so special is that it boasts incredible weather and unparalleled access to some of the best beaches in the entire United States.

Are People In San Diego Friendly?

Absolutely. San Diego is a very laid back city where you can let loose and be yourself!

Is San Diego Close To Los Angeles?

Though San Diego and Los Angeles are both within California, there is around a 1 hour and 50-minute driving distance between the two cities.