Tin City Distillery sits in Paso Robles’ industrial arts district, sharing the converted warehouse space with wineries, breweries, and makers that give the area its creative energy. Founded by Steve Brauning in 2015, this grain-to-glass operation specializes in whiskey and gin production using traditional copper pot stills. Steve brought his engineering background and passion for craft spirits together after years of home distilling, deciding to go commercial in the heart of wine country. The distillery occupies a no-frills industrial space that feels more like a working production facility than a polished tasting room. You’ll find copper stills, fermentation tanks, and aging barrels sharing space with the simple tasting bar where Steve and his small team pour their spirits. They focus on American whiskey and botanical gin, sourcing grains locally when possible and taking a hands-on approach to every step of production. Visitors get an authentic look at small-batch distilling without the bells and whistles. The atmosphere is casual and educational, with Steve often available to explain the process and philosophy behind each spirit. It’s craft distilling in its purest form—focused on the liquid, not the spectacle.