Arizona Distilling Co. sits on West Main Street in downtown Mesa, founded in 2014 by Jon Winch, a former software engineer who traded coding for copper stills. Winch spent years researching distillation techniques and Arizona’s distilling regulations before opening what became one of the state’s pioneering craft distilleries. The operation focuses on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, using a combination of traditional methods and modern equipment in their compact but efficient facility. Winch’s journey into distilling started as a home hobby that grew into an obsession with perfecting grain-to-glass spirits. He sources corn and wheat from Arizona farms when possible, emphasizing local ingredients in a state not known for whiskey production. The distillery operates with a hands-on approach, with Winch still involved in daily production decisions and recipe development. Their commitment to quality over quantity shows in their limited production runs and attention to detail in every batch. Visitors find a working distillery where production takes center stage. The tasting room offers a direct view into the distillation process, and you’ll often catch Winch or his team working the stills during business hours. It’s not a polished tourist destination but rather an authentic look at craft distilling in the desert Southwest, where the dry climate creates unique aging conditions for their whiskey barrels.