Dry Diggings Distillery sits in El Dorado Hills, California, named after the historic Gold Rush-era mining term for the area’s dry creek beds where prospectors once searched for gold. Founded by Matt Kugler and his business partners, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2015 with the goal of creating premium spirits using locally-sourced ingredients from California’s Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills. The operation runs out of a modern industrial space that houses their custom-built copper still and barrel aging room. Kugler, who transitioned from a career in technology, spent years perfecting recipes and learning distillation techniques before launching the business. The team focuses on small-batch production, with their master distiller overseeing every step from mashing to bottling. They’ve built relationships with local farmers to source grains and work closely with cooperages to select the right barrels for aging their whiskeys and vodkas. Visitors can experience both the production side and tasting room, where you’ll sample spirits while learning about the distillation process. The space maintains an industrial-meets-rustic vibe with exposed beams and concrete floors, but the focus stays firmly on the spirits themselves. They’ve carved out a reputation for quality bourbon and vodka, with their products appearing in local restaurants and bars throughout the Sacramento region.