Bonetree Distillery sits in an industrial stretch of Huntington Beach, about as far from stereotypical whiskey country as you can get. Founded by husband-and-wife team Mike and Jennifer Berman in 2018, this small-batch operation emerged from Mike’s background in craft brewing and a shared passion for creating something uniquely Californian. The couple converted a 2,400-square-foot warehouse space into their distillery, installing a custom 250-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works and focusing on whiskey, bourbon, and rye production with a distinctly West Coast approach.
The Bermans didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. Mike spent years perfecting his craft, studying distillation techniques and experimenting with different grain bills before committing to the venture. Jennifer handles the business operations while Mike oversees production, creating what they call “grain-to-glass” spirits using locally sourced ingredients when possible. They age their whiskeys in new American oak barrels in Southern California’s warm climate, which accelerates the maturation process compared to traditional Kentucky aging.
When you visit Bonetree, you’re stepping into a working distillery where production happens in full view. The space feels industrial but welcoming, with exposed concrete floors and metal fixtures softened by warm lighting and the rich aromas of fermenting grain and aging spirits. You can watch Mike work the still during production days, taste spirits straight from barrels during tours, and experience firsthand how a two-person operation creates award-winning whiskey just miles from the Pacific Ocean.
