Oakhurst Spirits sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills at 2,300 feet elevation, making it one of California’s highest-altitude distilleries. Founded in 2018 by Jim and Laura Beam (no relation to the Kentucky family), this husband-and-wife operation converted a former logging equipment warehouse into their 4,000-square-foot distillery and tasting room. Jim, a retired aerospace engineer from Lockheed Martin, and Laura, a former sommelier, decided to pursue distilling after years of home brewing and a fascination with the area’s logging history. They produce small-batch whiskey, vodka, and seasonal spirits using their custom 500-gallon copper pot still named ‘Sierra Belle.’ The couple’s philosophy centers on using Sierra Nevada snowmelt water and locally-sourced grains whenever possible, creating spirits that reflect the mountain terroir. Their facility includes the production area, a rustic tasting room with reclaimed wood from local logging operations, and a small retail space. The operation runs lean with just the two founders handling everything from mashing to bottling, giving visitors an intimate look at craft distilling. You’ll often find Jim explaining the fermentation process while Laura guides tastings, sharing stories about their transition from corporate careers to mountain distillers. The space retains its warehouse feel with exposed beams and concrete floors, but they’ve added mountain charm with vintage logging photos and handcrafted furniture.