Joshua Tree Distilling Company sits in Yucca Valley, California, about twenty minutes from Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert. Founded by Chris and Deborah Bohlmann in 2019, this desert distillery operates out of an industrial space on Bus Center Drive, where they’re crafting small-batch spirits inspired by their desert surroundings. Chris, a former software engineer, and Deborah, who worked in hospitality, decided to trade their previous careers for the challenge of making whiskey in one of California’s most unforgiving climates. They opened their doors after navigating the complex world of federal and state distilling permits, a process that took nearly two years. The Bohlmanns weren’t just looking to make spirits anywhere—they specifically chose the high desert for its extreme temperature swings and dry air, believing it would create unique aging conditions for their whiskey. Their facility houses custom copper stills and a small barrel room where desert heat accelerates the aging process. The operation focuses primarily on bourbon and rye whiskey, though they’ve experimented with desert botanicals for gin production. What started as a retirement project has evolved into a genuine craft distilling operation that reflects the rugged independence of desert living. Visitors find a no-frills operation that’s more about substance than flash. The tasting room has a desert aesthetic with local artwork and views of the surrounding hills. Tours take you through their production process, from grain to bottle, with Chris often leading them personally when he’s not managing fermentation or checking barrels. The experience feels authentic—you’re tasting spirits made by the people who greet you at the door, in a place where every decision reflects their vision of what desert whiskey should be.