How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

California

BNS Brewing and Distillery.

Santee,

California

— Vodka, Whiskey

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (619) 956-0952

🌐 https://bnsbrewinganddistillingco.com/

📍 10960 Wheatlands Ave, Santee, CA 92071, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

BNS Brewing and Distillery sits in Santee, California, about 20 miles northeast of downtown San Diego in the East County region. Founded by Brian Steffens, this operation combines craft brewing with small-batch distilling in a facility that reflects the area’s growing craft beverage scene. The distillery opened its doors focusing on handcrafted spirits while maintaining their brewing roots, creating a dual-purpose operation that serves both beer and spirit enthusiasts. Their production facility houses both brewing equipment and copper stills, allowing them to experiment across different categories of alcoholic beverages. You’ll find them producing vodka, whiskey, and other spirits alongside their beer offerings, creating a diverse portfolio that appeals to various tastes. The operation reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of San Diego County’s craft beverage boom, where small producers are carving out niches in competitive markets. Steffens and his team have built their reputation on consistent quality and local community engagement, becoming part of Santee’s evolving business landscape.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

What sets BNS apart is their dual focus on both brewing and distilling under one roof, which isn’t common in the craft beverage world. Most operations pick one lane and stick with it, but they’ve built systems to handle both beer production and spirit distillation effectively. Their location in Santee puts them in San Diego’s East County, an area that’s seen significant growth in craft beverage operations but still maintains a more laid-back, local feel compared to the urban core. The combination approach allows them to cross-pollinate techniques and ingredients between brewing and distilling, creating opportunities for unique flavor development that single-focus operations might miss.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

The tasting room combines industrial brewing and distilling equipment with a welcoming bar atmosphere where you can sample both their beer and spirits. You’ll see the production equipment up close, giving you a real sense of how both sides of their operation work. The space has that working-facility vibe where production isn’t hidden away—you’re tasting where the action happens. Staff members are knowledgeable about both brewing and distilling processes, so you can learn about the different techniques they use for each type of beverage. The atmosphere is casual and community-focused, reflecting Santee’s neighborhood feel rather than trying to be overly polished.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in seeing how a dual brewing and distilling operation works, it’s definitely worth the drive to Santee. Beer lovers will appreciate the variety, while spirit enthusiasts can explore their distilled offerings in the same visit. It’s particularly appealing if you want to avoid the crowds of more touristy San Diego spots while still experiencing quality craft beverages. The location works well if you’re exploring East County or want a more authentic local experience rather than the typical Gaslamp Quarter tourist scene. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy amenities—this is about the beverages and the craft behind them.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Santee can be tricky to navigate if you’re not familiar with East County, so double-check your GPS and allow extra time for finding the location. The facility is in an industrial area, so look for warehouse-style buildings rather than fancy storefronts. Parking is typically available but can fill up during busy periods. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability, especially if you’re planning a group visit. Try both their beer and spirit offerings to get the full experience of what makes their dual operation unique. Weekend visits tend to be busier with locals, while weekday stops offer a quieter experience for conversation with staff.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BNS Brewing and Distillery. — Visitor FAQ

Do you make both beer and spirits on site?

Yes, we operate both brewing and distilling equipment in the same facility. This dual approach lets us produce beer alongside spirits like vodka and whiskey, giving visitors a chance to sample from both sides of our operation.

Where exactly in Santee are you located?

We’re in an industrial area of Santee, about 20 miles northeast of downtown San Diego in East County. The facility is warehouse-style, so look for industrial buildings rather than typical storefronts when you’re navigating to us.

Can I buy bottles to take home?

Yes, we sell bottles of our spirits on-site. You can take home bottles of our vodka, whiskey, and other spirits we’re currently producing. Selection varies based on what we have available from recent production runs.

GETTING THERE

Find BNS Brewing and Distillery.

📍10960 Wheatlands Ave, Santee, CA 92071, USA

—

📞 (619) 956-0952

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