California Distilled Spirits operates out of a small industrial space in Auburn, California, about 30 miles northeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Founded by distiller Chris Watt, this micro-distillery focuses on small-batch production of premium spirits using traditional copper pot stills. The operation runs lean with just a few team members handling everything from mashing to bottling in their compact facility on Locksley Lane. Watt brings an engineering background to his distilling approach, emphasizing precise temperature control and careful cuts during distillation. The distillery produces vodka, gin, and whiskey, with their gin gaining particular recognition for its botanical blend that includes some California-sourced ingredients. Production happens in small batches, typically yielding just a few hundred bottles at a time. Visitors can experience tastings in their modest tasting room, which showcases the spirits alongside explanations of their production methods. The space has an industrial feel that reflects the working distillery atmosphere, where you’re likely to hear the sounds of production happening nearby. It’s a straightforward operation focused on the craft rather than flashy amenities.