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

10th Street Distillery

San Jose,

California

— Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (408) 458-5163

🌐 http://www.10thstreetdistillery.com/

📍 442 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

10th Street Distillery sits in downtown San Jose at 442 N 4th Street, founded by Conrad Vega in 2018 as part of the growing Silicon Valley craft spirits movement. Vega, a former tech executive turned distiller, launched the operation in a converted warehouse space after years of home distilling and studying traditional bourbon-making techniques. The distillery focuses on small-batch whiskey production using locally-sourced grains when possible, operating with a 500-gallon copper still and aging barrels on-site. The name references the original 10th Street location where Vega first conceptualized the business, though they moved to the larger 4th Street facility to accommodate production and visitor experiences. You’ll find a working distillery that doubles as a tasting room, where the industrial aesthetic meets craft spirit production in California’s tech capital.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

10th Street stands out as one of the few whiskey-focused distilleries in the South Bay, bringing bourbon-style production to a region better known for wine and tech companies. Vega’s background in Silicon Valley technology influences their approach to distilling, incorporating precise temperature control and data tracking typically seen in larger operations but applied to small-batch production. They’re experimenting with California climate aging, taking advantage of the region’s temperature swings to accelerate barrel interaction compared to traditional Kentucky aging. The distillery also sources some grains from Central Valley farms, creating a distinctly Californian take on American whiskey styles.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll step into an active production facility where the smell of fermenting grains and oak aging fills the air. The space maintains an industrial feel with exposed beams and concrete floors, while the copper still takes center stage in the main room. Tastings happen at a simple bar setup where you can watch bottling or barrel work happening nearby. Vega or his small team often lead tastings personally, explaining their process and the challenges of making whiskey in California’s climate. The experience feels intimate and educational rather than polished, giving you genuine insight into small-scale distilling operations.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re curious about craft whiskey production or want to see how Silicon Valley entrepreneurship translates to distilling, it’s worth the stop. The operation appeals most to spirits enthusiasts who appreciate learning about production methods and tasting young whiskeys that show potential. Don’t expect the polish of established Kentucky distilleries or extensive aged offerings, since they’re still building their barrel inventory. It’s better suited for people who enjoy supporting local craft businesses and understanding the challenges of starting a distillery than those seeking perfectly aged spirits or elaborate visitor amenities.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, as hours can vary based on production schedules and staffing. The location is in an industrial area that GPS sometimes struggles with, so look for the warehouse building with distillery signage rather than relying solely on street numbers. Weekends typically offer the best chance to catch Vega or key team members for more detailed discussions about their process. Ask about their barrel aging experiments and how California weather affects their whiskey development compared to traditional bourbon regions. Street parking is usually available, but the area can be busy during weekday business hours.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

10th Street Distillery — Visitor FAQ

How long has 10th Street Distillery been aging whiskey?

Since opening in 2018, they’ve been building their barrel inventory, so their current offerings are relatively young whiskeys. The California climate helps accelerate some aging characteristics compared to cooler regions.

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?

Yes, it’s best to call ahead or arrange visits through their website since it’s a small operation with variable hours based on production schedules.

What makes their whiskey different from Kentucky bourbon?

They use California’s temperature swings and sometimes local grains to create different flavor development in the barrels. The climate means faster interaction between whiskey and wood compared to traditional bourbon regions.

GETTING THERE

Find 10th Street Distillery

📍442 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

—

📞 (408) 458-5163

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