Copper Still Distillery sits in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, founded by Mike Holloway, a former aircraft mechanic who traded fixing planes for crafting spirits. The distillery opened in 2018 after Holloway spent years perfecting his recipes and navigating Arizona’s complex distilling regulations. Located in a 3,000-square-foot facility on Acoma Boulevard, they produce small-batch bourbon, whiskey, and vodka using a 500-gallon copper still that gives the operation its name. Holloway’s journey into distilling started as a hobby that grew into an obsession. After retiring from aviation, he dove deep into the science of fermentation and distillation, spending three years developing his flagship bourbon recipe. The transition from hobby to commercial operation required convincing Lake Havasu City officials that a distillery would be a good fit for the tourist-heavy community. Master distiller duties remain with Holloway himself, who oversees every batch personally and takes pride in explaining his process to visitors. The tasting room has a desert-industrial vibe with copper accents throughout, reflecting both the still and the Arizona setting. Visitors can sample spirits while learning about the distillation process from Holloway or his small team. The operation remains deliberately small-scale, producing around 1,000 bottles monthly. What makes this place worth visiting isn’t massive production or elaborate tours—it’s the chance to meet a passionate craftsman who genuinely loves talking about his work and will probably remember you if you come back.