St. George Spirits

When German immigrant Jörg Rupf fired up his first still in Alameda, California in 1982, only 20 distilleries operated in America. St. George Spirits became the first craft distillery to open after Prohibition, launching what would become the modern American craft spirits movement. Under current leadership of Master Distiller Lance Winters and Dave Smith, this distiller-owned and operated facility continues to push boundaries while honoring traditional methods.

History & Heritage

Rupf brought Black Forest distilling traditions to California's Bay Area, initially focusing on eau de vie made from local fruits. His family's distilling heritage and commitment to Old World methodology laid the foundation for American craft spirits. Lance Winters, a former nuclear scientist turned brewer, joined in 1996 with a vision for whiskey production, eventually taking the reins alongside Dave Smith when Rupf retired in 2010.

The Whiskey

St. George Single Malt Whiskey reflects Winters' brewing background through its complex mash bill of two-row barley at various roast levels, including chocolate, black patent, and Bamberg malt smoked over beech and alder wood. The whiskey matures in diverse cooperage: used bourbon barrels, Tennessee whiskey barrels, and casks that previously held apple brandy, port, or Sauternes-style wines. Their Baller Single Malt receives finishing in casks that held house-made umeshu, showcasing the distillery's innovative approach to maturation.

Why It Matters

St. George Spirits earned its place through pioneering spirit and uncompromising quality. They released America's first legal absinthe since 1912 and consistently create expressions that capture California's agricultural abundance. Master Distiller Winters' induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame and the distillery's 10 James Beard nominations speak to their influence on American spirits. Their ingredient-first philosophy and willingness to experiment make each expression a genuine original in The Sentinel Room's Reserve Whiskey Library.