Los Angeles Distillery sits in an industrial corner of Culver City, founded in 2017 by Yoni Reisman, a former tech entrepreneur who traded Silicon Valley for the world of craft spirits. Reisman launched the operation in a 3,500-square-foot warehouse space, installing a custom-built 500-gallon copper still that he sourced from Germany. The distillery focuses on American whiskey and gin, with a particular emphasis on bourbon that’s aged in California’s unique climate conditions. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a small but dedicated team that’s committed to producing spirits that reflect Los Angeles’ creative energy. Reisman’s journey into distilling began during a trip to Scotland, where he became fascinated by the craft and science behind whiskey production. He spent two years researching and planning before launching Los Angeles Distillery, working with consultants and studying at distilling programs to master the technical aspects. The team sources grain from the Central Valley and uses Los Angeles’ municipal water, which goes through their own filtration system. Their master distiller brings experience from other California craft operations, focusing on creating flavor profiles that stand out in the increasingly crowded American whiskey market. The distillery operates as both a production facility and tasting room, offering visitors a chance to see the entire process from grain to glass. The space has an industrial feel with exposed beams and concrete floors, but the addition of a well-designed tasting bar creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests. They’re producing about 200 barrels annually, with plans to expand as their aged inventory grows. What makes a visit here worthwhile is the opportunity to taste spirits that are genuinely local to LA, something that was nearly impossible to find before operations like this started opening.