Wright and Brown Distilling Co.: Craft Spirits in the Bay Area

Susanica TamKate Valdez
Susanica Tam - Editor Kate Valdez - Staff Writer 10 Min Read
Photo by - Lara Smith & Andrew/ GettyImage

Wright & Brown Distilling Co., a craft distillery based in Oakland, has been making waves in the Bay Area’s spirits scene since its inception. This grain-to-glass distillery is committed to creating unique, small-batch spirits that showcase the essence of California’s artisanal production methods. While located in Oakland, Wright & Brown has a strong connection to the vibrant city of San Francisco, contributing to the region’s thriving craft spirits industry.

Key Points

  • Wright & Brown Distilling Co. is a significant player in the California whiskey movement
  • The distillery is dedicated to small-batch, grain-to-glass production
  • Wright & Brown is helping to revive and redefine the Bay Area’s distillery landscape

The Craft Distillery Revolution in the Bay Area

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. has played a crucial role in the resurgence of craft distilleries in the Bay Area. Inspired by the region’s craft beer movement, local distilleries like Wright & Brown have embraced artisanal production methods to create distinctive spirits that stand out from mass-produced offerings. By focusing on quality ingredients and traditional techniques, Wright & Brown has set itself apart as a leader in the craft distillery revolution.

Wright & Brown’s Distinctive Spirits Portfolio

At the heart of Wright & Brown’s success is its impressive portfolio of small-batch spirits. The distillery’s California whiskey, bourbon, and rye offerings showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every bottle. In addition to these classic spirits, Wright & Brown also produces unique offerings such as rum and single malt, further demonstrating their commitment to innovation and experimentation.

One standout product is Wright & Brown’s cask strength rye, which has garnered praise from whiskey enthusiasts and industry experts alike. This bold and flavorful spirit exemplifies the distillery’s dedication to creating exceptional, handcrafted products that push the boundaries of traditional distilling.

The Speakeasy Experience and Prohibition History

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. pays homage to the Bay Area’s Prohibition-era history through its speakeasy-style bottle shop and tasting events. These experiences transport visitors back to a time when San Francisco’s speakeasies were the hub of the city’s underground drinking culture. By celebrating this historical connection, Wright & Brown adds an element of intrigue and nostalgia to the craft spirits scene.

The American Distilling Institute has recognized Wright & Brown’s contributions to the industry, further solidifying the distillery’s place in the Bay Area’s spirits landscape. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Wright & Brown team in creating exceptional, handcrafted spirits that honor the region’s rich distilling heritage.

The Art of Distillation: Copper Pot Stills and Handcrafted Techniques

At Wright & Brown Distilling Co., the art of distillation is taken seriously. The distillery employs a traditional Vendome Copper Pot Still to create its spirits, ensuring that each batch is imbued with the rich, complex flavors that only this time-honored method can produce. The use of copper pot stills is a hallmark of craft distilleries, as it allows for greater control over the distillation process and results in a more nuanced final product.

The handcrafted approach to creating spirits at Wright & Brown is evident in every aspect of the production process. From the careful selection of locally-sourced grains to the meticulous attention to detail during distillation and aging, the distillery’s commitment to quality is unwavering. This grain-to-glass philosophy ensures that every bottle of Wright & Brown spirits is a true reflection of the skill and passion that goes into its creation.

Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Excellence

Wright & Brown Distilling Co.’s dedication to craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed. The distillery has received numerous accolades for its spirits, including medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Good Food Awards. These awards are a testament to the quality and innovation that Wright & Brown brings to the craft spirits industry.

The impact of these industry accolades extends beyond just the distillery itself. By consistently producing award-winning spirits, Wright & Brown is helping to raise the profile of the entire Bay Area distilling scene. As more and more consumers discover the exceptional quality of locally-produced craft spirits, the demand for these products continues to grow, fueling the ongoing success of distilleries like Wright & Brown.

Local Attractions and Bay Area Distilleries

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. is just one of many local attractions that contribute to the rich tapestry of artisanal production in the San Francisco and Oakland areas. Visitors to the region can explore a wide range of Bay Area distilleries, each offering their own unique take on craft spirits. From whiskey and gin to vodka and rum, there is no shortage of exceptional locally-produced spirits to discover.

By promoting local tourism and encouraging the appreciation of craft spirits, Wright & Brown is helping to strengthen the sense of community and collaboration within the Bay Area distilling industry. This synergy between distilleries, as well as other local attractions, creates a vibrant and dynamic spirits scene that continues to attract enthusiasts from around the world.

The Grain-to-Glass Movement and Sustainable Practices

Wright & Brown Distilling Co.’s commitment to the grain-to-glass philosophy is more than just a production method; it’s a way of life. By sourcing grains from local farmers and prioritizing sustainable practices, the distillery is helping to promote a more environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible spirits industry.

The grain-to-glass movement has gained significant traction in California’s distilling community, with more and more distilleries embracing this approach. By controlling every aspect of the production process, from grain selection to bottling, distilleries like Wright & Brown are able to create spirits that are truly reflective of the local terroir and the skill of the distillers.

The Future of Craft Spirits in San Francisco

As the craft spirits industry continues to evolve and grow in San Francisco and the Bay Area, distilleries like Wright & Brown are poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the industry. With a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Wright & Brown is well-positioned to continue leading the charge in the production of exceptional California whiskey and craft spirits.

The potential for growth and innovation within the local and state distilling communities is immense. As more consumers discover the unique flavors and experiences offered by craft spirits, the demand for these products is likely to continue rising. This, in turn, will create new opportunities for distilleries like Wright & Brown to expand their offerings, collaborate with other local producers, and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of craft distilling.

FAQ

What makes Wright & Brown Distilling Co. unique in the California whiskey market?

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. stands out in the California whiskey market due to its commitment to small-batch, grain-to-glass production, as well as its focus on creating unique and innovative spirits that showcase the best of local ingredients and traditional distilling techniques.

How does Wright & Brown Distilling Co. embody the grain-to-glass philosophy?

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. embodies the grain-to-glass philosophy by controlling every aspect of the production process, from sourcing local grains to distilling, aging, and bottling their spirits on-site. This approach ensures that each bottle is a true reflection of the distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Can visitors experience tastings and tours at Wright & Brown Distilling Co.?

Yes, visitors can experience tastings and tours at Wright & Brown Distilling Co.’s Oakland facility. The distillery offers a speakeasy-style bottle shop and tasting events that provide a unique and immersive experience for craft spirits enthusiasts.

What awards has Wright & Brown Distilling Co. received for its spirits?

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. has received numerous awards for its spirits, including medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Good Food Awards. These accolades are a testament to the distillery’s commitment to producing exceptional, handcrafted spirits.

How does Wright & Brown Distilling Co. contribute to the local community and craft spirits industry?

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. contributes to the local community and craft spirits industry by promoting local tourism, collaborating with other Bay Area distilleries, and embracing sustainable practices. By doing so, the distillery helps to strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose within the region’s thriving spirits scene.

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Editor
Susanica Tam is an equity-minded editor, and photo professional that calls CollegeUnified home. She leads the inaugural Fall 2024 photojournalism cohort along with Kate Valdez. Susanica is especially interested in culture, language, and identity stories and is the first person in her family to be born in the U.S. She attended the USC School of Journalism on scholarship and most recently also the Transom Storytelling Workshop. susanica.tam@collegeunified.com
Staff Writer
Kate Valdez is a staff writer based in the San Francisco, where she explores Latino identity in religion, arts and culture. She was part of the team that launched De Los, a new section of the Los Angeles Times exploring Latinidad in L.A. and across the country. As a staff writer, you can find her bylines in the LA Times, Religion News Service. Her work has appeared in the Associated Press and the Washington Post. kate.valdez@collegeunified.com