Evolve Distilling sits in a business complex on North Claremont Boulevard in Claremont, California, bringing craft spirits production to the Inland Empire. Founded by husband-and-wife team Eric and Kristy Zandona, the distillery opened its doors in 2019 after years of planning and navigating California’s complex distilling regulations. Eric brings an engineering background to the operation, which shows in their methodical approach to production, while Kristy handles the business side of things. They produce vodka, gin, and whiskey in their facility, focusing on small-batch production with attention to detail. The journey started when Eric became fascinated with the science behind distillation and began experimenting at home. What began as a hobby evolved into a serious business plan when they realized the Claremont area lacked a local distillery. They spent considerable time researching equipment, sourcing ingredients, and working through the permitting process before finally opening to the public. The couple wanted to create something that reflected their commitment to quality while serving their local community. The distillery operates out of an industrial space that they’ve transformed into a functional production facility with a tasting area. Visitors can see the stills and production equipment up close, and the atmosphere is more intimate workshop than polished showroom. They offer tastings of their spirits and sell bottles on-site, giving people a chance to try locally-made spirits and learn about the distillation process from the people who actually make them.