October 26, 2024 This review is for the cocktails, venue and staff only. We've been wanting to check this place out for years, but just didn't get around to it. Last Saturday, we were in the neighborhood, so decided "It's time!" First of all, we didn't realize they had food. Upon arriving, we noticed the nice outdoor patio seating with quite a few customers enjoying brunch. We walked inside and were quite taken with the spacious area, so we decided to sit inside and order a couple cocktails. We had already eaten lunch, and we weren't at all hungry, so we didn't order anything to eat. Service was quick and friendly. Bartender was awesome. We each ordered a smoked old fashioned ($13.00), and because we had asked the bartender how they are "smoked", he made the drinks at our table so we could watch how he made them. We enjoyed our cocktails very much, enough so that we each ordered one more. This time I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned ($12.00). Autumn in a cocktail, yes! Very good. As we were sipping our second cocktail, we were offered a free tour of the distillery, which we heartily accepted. On our tour, we learned about the history of this family-run business (interesting!), and were led into the back where we learned how the magic happens. Definitely a fun date (call for tour times). In addition to the tour, there is a small museum that highlights the J.J. Pfister story. From their website: "From humble beginnings as the J.J. Pfister Knitting Company to a state-of-the-art craft distillery, the J.J. Pfister story spans more than 170 years. The J.J. Pfister logo - a combination of a knitting machine and a copper still - marries our past, present, and future as we carry on the family tradition of excellence started by our family patriarch, J.J. Pfister, in the late 1800s. The J.J. Pfister museum displays original company memorabilia from the early 1900's, including catalogues, swimsuits, knitting needles, and business records, as well as showcases the Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915." Check it out! read more

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JJPfister Distillery and Restaurant - Rancho Cordova , CA - October 26, 2024 We'd been wanting to come to this distillery for quite a while. My wife and I both enjoy a little distilled spirits. We arrived around 3 PM on a Saturday afternoon. They have both indoor seating and a very spacious outdoor patio. There were quite a few people sitting outside and it seemed a little noisy, so we opted to sit indoors near the bar. It has a very warm and modern feel to it with high top tables and chairs. We were seated pretty quickly and given waters and menus. They have lots of drink and food choices. They have a Saturday brunch from 11 to 3 with breakfast related items as well as soups and sandwiches. Prices are very reasonable in the $14-$20 range. We'd already had lunch, so we decided just to get a couple of drinks. We got a look at their menu and decided to have a couple Smokey Old Fashioneds. I asked to have a little smoked rosemary added in to mine as well. Both drinks were outstanding! After we had already ordered, my wife, noticed that they had quite a few seasonal specialty Fall cocktails. She decided to have a Pumpkin Spiced Old Fashioned, so I decided to give their rye whisky a try (neat). My wife fell in love with the Old Fashioned and I liked the whiskey. Bartender Cory also sent me a small sample of their Pacific Rails Rye Whiskey aged in a Cabernet wine cask. It was also delicious. As we were enjoying our drinks, we were greeted by a friendly JJPfister representative, Colleen, who asked us if we would like to take a tour of the distillery. We were delighted to say "yes!" Colleen walked us into the processing part of the facility where we saw a grain auger, pipes and pumps, mash tanks and fermentation tanks, and an amazing array of distillation towers. It was very impressive! We also got to sample a whiskey and gin while we were there. We loved their products and the overall experience. We bought a few bottles and we'll be back! read more

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Who knew? This jewel of a place is tucked away deep within the business parks alongside highway 50 and Bradshaw. Hard to find but well worth it! If you like mixed drinks and a laid back atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a try. Its a great place to grab drinks and some delicious bites. I think the food selection changed from time to time but its all good stuff. They have a wide selection of fancy cocktails and the presentation of them are on point. Highly recommend and I'll definitely be back! read more

JJPfister Distilling - holiday egg nog mixed drink - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

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We came in on a Saturday around 5pm. Wanted just a few drinks after a picnic. We ordered several drinks and they were all amazing!! Our servers were all attentive and came several times to check on us. Really appreciated the attentiveness. The outside patio was nice and beautiful. Will definitely return. read more

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I hope this business returns. At least if the spirits were again available. Really miss this local flavor.

Came here at the recommendation of a friend and it is absolutely amazing. I love the vibes and staff is extremely friendly. They gave recommendations on food and drinks and did not disappoint. The servings are also huge. 10/10 would recommend the loaded tots. So many different drinks too. They had beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, and tastings too. You will find something for everyone and I cannot wait to go back. The banana walnut old fashioned was a unique twist, the espresso martini was smooth and yummy, and the winter bourbon smash was so citrusy and fresh. read more

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This place is a hidden gem and I keep telling myself I need to go back! I went here for a friends bday and was in for a treat! It was spacious and the drinks were great! There is a dill pickle drink, multiple smoked cocktails and we did a sampler of all their alcohols as well. The service was good! The food was really good for a distillery as well. We got loaded fries and shared a sandwich. The drinks here are unique, yet reasonable priced. I love the indoor/outdoor vibe and will be coming back to try more stuff! read more

JJPfister Distilling - Loaded chips, charcuterie and sampler - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Wow what an awesome place.A review a should have done months ago. Listen I love myself a nice brewery with an attached restaurant. That was until I found this distillery. To all my breweries I've loved over the years I am sorry but there is a new sheriff in town. JJs is tucked away between a bunch of industrial buildings in the business part of Rancho but honestly it could be an a higher visibility location for how great this place is. I'll spare the details but this place is a bona fide local distillery. I love the selection they have here and what's great is the portfolio tasting to try out each of the individuals spirits. Not to be outdone the food here is also great with a wide variety of food options to pair with your spirits or cocktails. In a world that is getting quite expensive it's nice how value prices their flights and cocktails are. A few drinks and food don't set you back as much as it would in some other places. Staff here has also been very knowledge and friendly. We've had the flights a few times and nice to see how the staff is pretty knowledgeable. Like a lot of places they also seem to be dealing with staff shortages but that doesn't stop them from providing great service! Truly a must visit in Rancho Cordova! read more

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Came here with work friends for a going away party. I have never been and it was pretty nice. It was nice looking and clean. Tucked away in the back of a large warehouse area. I thought it was new but it has been here for 6 years. The staff was amazing and gave great tips on drinks and their food. I had the pear brandy and it was great. Loved it. I got the French dip with tots. Lots of tots, plenty to share. The dip was great and nice flavor. All of my friends enjoyed the drinks and food. A great place to have a party with friends. We had the grilled cheese, chicken sandwich, turkey bacon club. everything was great. read more

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One of my favorite local spots because everything at JJP is thoughtfully balanced - it's just right. The folks that work here are pleasant and conscientious but not doting, so they check in with tables just the right amount. The dishes are rich and flavorful but not heavy, and when I say that you can't go wrong here, what I mean is this: after trying most of the menu, there's not a single disappointment anywhere. The noise level and ambiance are comfortable, not divey and not pretentious - great for a low-key date or happy hour with friends, or even a family meal (our kiddo loved the chips and salsa and the Alfredo pasta). And as for the prices, I don't know of a better value for such a solid experience. This is a spot that we'll be taking out-of-town visitors for a long time. read more

JJPfister Distilling - Picnic sandwich- 10/10, no notes - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

Meet a friends work group here and the place was already hooping at 5 pm. The service is awesome, knowledgeable, and friendly. The drinks are made well and there is a vast selection. They are a distillery and make their own. It's very smooth whiskey. The food is yummy and a good selection at good price. Do yourself a favor and stop by! read more

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We had been wanting to visit this place an it was bit tough to find at first. It was a rainy day so had to sit inside but there was a small covered outside seating area. We found a table toward the bar area as I wanted to see the bartender making the drinks. We were greeted right away and given a menu. It was lunch time so was looking for a sandwich. We looked over the cocktail menu (which is extensive since it is a distillery) as well as they offer tasters of the spirits. We ordered the whiskey flight to start. We also ordered the Cuban sandwich with the tomato confit dirty kettle chips. The sandwich didn't have enough pickles or ham that I like on a Cuban but the pork was good. The kettle chips were good. With the flight they gave a description of the different styles. We enjoyed all of them but really liked Drakas Finished Rye. We usually are not Rye Whiskey fans but this one was tasty. We then tried the Boulevardier, the Femme Fetale and the JJ Gold Rush. Finished with the Smoked Rosemary Manhattan which is a show. They use a small torch to heat up a wood plank and a sprig of Rosemary and use the smoke to make the cocktail. The prices for the cocktails are reasonable which is great. After talking with the bartender a bit he gave us a short tour of the distillery which was nice. The staff were friendly and attentive and were great when asking for suggestions. We will be back to try more cocktails and food. read more

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Great cocktails and food. The atmosphere is also really nice, we always enjoy our Experience here. read more

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Such a wonderful place to stop by for a drink and amazing food. I stopped in right as trivia night was ending but I got to hear some of the questions. It seemed like a lot of fun, lots of people participating. They have a great outside area with heat lamps as well. The spot is tucked away in the back but once you see the lights you know you have made it! I tried the French dip sandwich with kettle chips- really solid sandwich but nothing really to rave about. The loaded tater tots though... these were the same price and they were insane. Absolutely delicious, we tried the jalapeño goat cheese one with carnitas and the portion size of that was huge. We had 3 people and didn't even make a dent on that thing. The cocktails were all delicious and very well balanced. Before last call we ended up sharing a flight of all their liquors because we were so intrigued. We got to sample everything and one of my friends bought a bottle home. The service here was fantastic. They were all so nice and accommodating. We didn't realized that they closed at 9 and they allowed us to stay a little later which I really appreciated. read more

JJPfister Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Wow, just wow... What an experiance, great food, great drinks, beautiful place, great for friends / dining / drinks. They have smoked drinks, where they take an Herb, burn it on one of there wisky barrel boards, let smoke fill the glass, they then poor the drink into the glass, and BAM, enjoy... All done right at your table, totally worth trying it. They have a wide variety of cocktails, just ask what your tastes are, and one of the staff will be sure to help... I had no idea what to order, my GF, ordered one of the smoked drinks, (very cool!) but im more of a fruity semi sweet guy, the waitress we had was somewhat new, but got a more knowledgeable staff member and totally got a drink more for my taste buds ie, enter the Scuttlebutt... Food was really good too! Had the Turkey Bacon sandwich, would totally get again too... was very good.. read more

JJPfister not only has fantastic spirits distilled in house, but great food as well! You can't go wrong with brunch on the weekends and if you're looking for something fun to do, join them on Thursday evenings for trivia. Distillery tours are on Saturday as well, check it out! read more

The flight tasting of all the J.J. items was amazing! Food was delicious and the portion sizes were shareable. The ambiance was great, we sat outside, and the service was incredibly friendly. Will definitely be back to try more of the cocktails offered! read more

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Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, my husband and I came to JJPfister to grab a drink and snack. We settled on the Sacramento Coffee (cold) and Delta Breeze for our drinks. Both we good - and they definitely don't skimp on their liquor. For our snack, we opted for the Adult Lunchable - AKA charcuterie. It was a nice spread albeit a little pricey for what you get. Located a bit "off the grid" in a more industrial/commercial area, there is plenty of parking. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with misters for their patio. Definitely a nice spot to hang with friends and enjoy some delicious drink. read more

JJPfister Distilling - Adult Lunchable - AKA charcuterie - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Met friends for brunch and cocktails as first timers. Wow what a cool place! For starters we had a charcuterie board and did a flight of their whiskey samples. Next had the French dip with grits. Very good! Ordered their Mule and lastly had an Old Fashion which was my favorite. Before we left they have an self-serve popcorn machine. Service was great, host was knowledgeable and attentive and I will definitely be coming back and try other foods and cocktails read more

JJPfister Distilling - French dip with a side order of their grits. Very very good! - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Loved this place, the food, the ambiance the drinks were delicious. Yes, we only had the Tator tots but based on that the food looked amazing and was delicious. I had the Whiskey pickleback drink I believe. Man that was amazing. I could have had a few more but was in a hurry. I will definitely go back for lunch or dinner and have a cocktail and some good food. The servers were nice and prompt as well. read more

Tucked into an industrial area near a large stone and tile shop, this distillery is a casual environment to get a cocktail and some hearty food. We really enjoyed our drinks - JJ Fury slushee, a vodka frozen blend, was strong! They offer half off pricing on the slushees when the temp outside is over 100 degrees. The banana walnut old fashioned was also a good combination with rye whiskey. Service was attentive and multiple servers checked in on us various times. Pacing was just right with water as soon as we were seated, then drink orders, next food order and last closing out the tab. There is a popcorn machine near the front door that is self service and a big hit with the kiddos (and adults). They have live music on weekends. We got the loaded tater tots with option of confit tomatoes, chimichurri, goat cheese and balsamic glaze, add carnitas ($6 additional) FTW - you won't regret it! Huge portions, there was more than enough to share some with my dog! Potatoes were crisp and the tomatoes deliciously marinated. Goat cheese added just the right amount of creaminess and not too strong. Unfortunately the balsamic glaze and chinichurri were overpowering and made the tots soggy - note for next time to leave that off or ask for a lighter touch when ordering. read more

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Omg.. took my husband there yesterday for his birthday. What a amazing experience, from the food to the drinks, conversation/education from the staff !! Ladies I'm not much of a drinker but the Apple Bourbon Caramel 100/100!! I had to purchase. Stay with me ... Can you image with our morning coffee?? I can't wait Corey was AMAZING !! Our server was AMAZING and attentive as well. Sorry, I didn't get his name. We will be back Friday for the live music If read more

This was a place that's like a hidden gem. Came in with some friends that recommended it. We sat outside. It was a perfect summer night. The service was quick. The drinks were amazing. The food was really good and way beyond my expectations. I would definitely come to this place again. read more

Went to JJPfister Distilling last night with my husband for date night. We had a great time! We sat outside on the patio since the weather was gorgeous and I'm so glad we did! We got to enjoy the live music which they have every Friday and Saturday night. I'm not sure who they had last night but he was incredibly talented. The staff were wonderful, the menu was great and the drinks were great and best of all - not crazy expensive! We really enjoyed ourselves and will definitely be back. read more

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Talk about a hidden gem. They're in an industrial park as so many small brewers are in Rancho. The drinks first. I'm a bourbon and whiskey guy, so I started with their whiskey flight (an amazing value at $8). The ryes really stood out to me, especially the rye bourbon. Followed up my flight with the JJ Gold Rush cocktail made with my favorite bourbon from tasting and lemon and honey. Yes. On the food front, I did the adult grilled cheese with bacon. Really really good grilled cheese. Food is sometimes a weak point at places like this, but not at JJ Pfister. Overall, 10/10, would recommend. read more

JJPfister Distilling - Whiskey Tasting flight - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

I've been to this place multiple times for both lunch and after-work drinks. A colleague of mine introduced me to their dirty fries, and I've been hooked ever since. I've also visited with friends along and have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of their drink selection. Their spirit flights can be a bit overwhelming, so it's best to share with someone. As someone who loves old-fashioned, I had to try theirs and I've sampled every one on their menu. My personal favorite is their smoked rosemary Manhattan, which they prepare right in front of you. The pickleback and jalapeño drink is also delicious. Their sandwiches are fantastic, and they recently added a burger to their menu, which is also great. I'm a big fan of their Adult Lunchables. They have a lovely outdoor seating. Service is great. read more

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The food was amazing. Customer service was great atmosphere outstanding the drinks were great. Will definitely be back 10 out of 10. read more

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We came here for drinks after having dinner at Sora Sushi. We arrived 35 minutes before closing and were told that the kitchen would be closing soon. We only came for the drinks so we were fine. We sat outside initially, but did not like the server that assisted us. She seemed somewhat annoyed that we sat outside (I believe she only serviced those who were sitting outside). We ordered our drinks and given the bugs flying around, we ended up sitting inside and the server inside was so much friendlier. I really liked the interior, which had a rustic vibe to it. I ordered the Lavender Lemonade and my sisters ordered a Pear Blossom and The Pickleback. Drinks were very reasonably priced and they did not skimp on the alcohol. I was good off of just one drink. Definitely will come back for more drinks next time and to also try out their food. read more

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I'm so sad if this is permanently closed. What a cool place. And I love their gin! Bonus, they serve food.

Came here for my hubbys birthday and the service, food and drinks were all top par! They offered us a private tour of the distillery and were so thoughtful. For a first time experience we couldn't have asked for a better visit. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Really nice atmosphere, the Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Ok now for the down and dirty. We had the chips with BBq and Mozzarella and pickled onions. Nailed it!! I would highly recommend these. The water was great!!!....but...when we tried the sampler which was all of their distillates and....OK. after it we sampled each one which was poured and let's just say was in the amount of a thimble of juice which after tasting it was more than enough. Being craft spirit buffs and especially craft spirity kinda individuals we found the spirits across the board were pretty lacking and in need of some aging which will hopefully come with time and practice of making spirits. Will we go back? Not planning on it for some time. read more

Me and a friend of my came in to visit JJ Pfister we ordered the portfolio flight which is trying out all the spirits. My favorite is the black label rye whiskey and the apple pear brandy. I also ordered the breakfast tacos. The tacos were a per combination with the flights. The tacos had egg, bacon and crema. A perfect combination that went well together. One of the owners took us on a tour of the distillery. Great customer service and a wonderful customer friendly ambiance. read more

JJPfister Distilling - Breakfast tacos - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

Wow! First time here it was great! We will be back! Customer Service Outstanding, Drinks and Food all great. Trivia night on Wednesday FUN Thursday and Friday live music read more

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This place is really a great find!! Thanks to Selina, who was very knowledgeable and helpful! Loved the selections I'm typically a whisky guy. I was really happy with their in house malt whisky. I thought the high rye bourbon was a great value and could go to be an everyday sipper neat. Their rye is great neat as well. Loved their 4 year, worth a few extra dollars. For you non whisky drinkers, their vodka was really great. Their black molasses rum is great. Their distilled honey mead will be a great desert sipper for special occasions. Their mixed drinks looked really good. Food was good too. read more

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This place is a slightly hidden gem. I discovered JJ Pfister Distilling a few years back and I've been a fan since. Their tasting room is a nice space to relax and hang with friends. Pre covid indoors is awesome but there's also a very nice outdoor area to enjoy as well. I am a fan of dark liquors and generally stayed clear of lights but once I was introduced to JJ Pfister's Gin, MY ENTIRE LIFE CHANGED! Not that seriously but I really enjoyed the gin to the point where I always keep a bottle in my home bar. If you're a lover a Gin or just a casual drinker, It's well worth it to try at their location or just grab a bottle to go for $30 :) During my last trip, I picked up their special reserve single malt whiskey. Drink it neat or over ice, either way you'll have a good time. I can't go without mentioning their fantastic food menu! Check in and see what special they have going on. I got the Tater Tots which were topped with Corned Beef, Jack Cheese and Single Malt Whiskey Crema. YUMMM. Finally, If I haven't sold you over, Please give their JJ Bourbon Fudge a try. 1/4lb bag for $6.99 gives you some quality fudge with notes of their Bourbon, simply *Chefs Kiss* great. read more

JJPfister Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Well this was a pleasant surprise! I learned about this distillery from yelp (of course) and was excited to try their spirits. Their award-winning gin made a believer out of me so after a taste I ordered a Mediterranean Vacay (a steal at $7) and thoroughly enjoyed it (and the presentation). I love how reasonable their cocktails are for the quality and the vibe here. Friendly and knowledgeable servers, patio seating with heaters, chandeliers and even the optional lap blanket for a chilly evening... yes, please! They serve food too, but unfortunately are majorly lacking in options for the plant-based/vegan customer. I tried the winter salad (minus the cheese to veganize) and it was tasty, so I hope they add some fully vegan options in the future because this spot is dangerously close to my route home from work and would be a great happy-hour spot. If you like quality spirits check them out! read more

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We have been coming to JJ Pfister for years. The food, drinks, and staff have always far exceeded our expectations. We love the seasonal drinks and food is always fantastic, kudos to the new chef! We were there last Saturday, Nov 2nd for brunch. It wasn't too busy, but definitely enough to keep the 1 waitress working busy. Met the sweetest couple sitting next to us, who for sure made me envious of their whiskey knowledge. Highly recommend for brunch, trivia night, live music and private events - I threw my husbands 55th birthday here and all of our friends said what a hidden gem . See you soon!! read more

I really like this place. I have come here several times with friends. I have been here for brunch and lunch. JJ Pfister never disappoints in food or drinks. Service has always been wonderful as well. The dirty chips and chilaquiles with pork are my favorite foods to order. I have tried almost all of their vodka and gin- based drinks and they taste and smell terrific. read more

When I first heard about this distillery a year or two ago, my ears perked up. At the time, gin and vodka, only, were available for sale. This was to be expected, since whiskey needs to be barreled and aged. It's the clear spirits like gin and vodka that are the first products a new distillery has to offer. For drinking neat, I prefer whiskey over the vodka and gin. Yes, mixed drinks are available, but I prefer drinking spirits neat in order to fully appreciate them So, I waited. I was glad to find out that now, JJ Pfister has two whiskeys and a barreled rum to offer for your tasting pleasure. You can try any three of their spirits for $5, or try everything for $10. We opted to try the 3 aged items: the high rye bourbon, the rye whiskey, and the navy rum aged in cabernet barrels. To be open now, places serving alcohol must be also serve food. Each person must order a food item. Fortunately, they have an enticing menu of things like quesadillas, tacos, and cheesecake to select from. We chose the chicken quesadilla and cheesecake. The friendly server brought out water glasses and a small bottle of additional water immediately. (it was a warm afternoon.). We had our laid-back pooch with us instead of in the car because bonus: The patio area is dog-friendly. Sitting outdoors enjoying food, water, and quality spirits on a beautiful fall afternoon with our canine companion. The tasting glasses of bourbon, eye, and rum were brought to the table. Also, a small bowl of small ice cubes. This is because after sampling a poured spirit "neat", it is nice to add a small chip of ice, swirl it, and taste again. The high rye bourbon is very good. It was also very dramatic the effect of a tiny ice chip inside it made. I liked it both ways. The rye whiskey is also very good. Plenty of spicy character. However, I wasn't planning on buying two bottles at once, so I settled on the high rye bourbon to take home.( I suspect I'll be back in the near future to get the rye bottle, as well.) The rum that has been aged in Cabernet wine barrels was also interesting. To be expected, it was exhibiting lots of fruit character. It was extremely smooth tasting. If I were more of a rum drinker,I'd be tempted. This is one to enjoy on it's own, preferably. Not to be drowned with mixers(that's for lesser rums that need to have the harsher characteristics "muddled". If someone is not used to drinking whiskeys straight up, this might be a good intermediary beverage on that path for you. Oh yeah... The chicken quesadilla (served with chips and salsa) and the cheesecake were both very good. I would happily enjoy both of them again in the future. (Or maybe I'll try the taco plate?) I very much enjoyed this tasting. This place is a little hard to find being located in a semi - industrial area. It's well worth the extra effort to find. It's nice that you can also have a light meal while you're here. read more

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This was a really nice place! The food was good and the alcohol was great! Service was nice and the atmosphere was perfect, it's a nice clean environment. I've been wanting to try this place for the last few years and glad I finally made it over. The mixed drink menu is ridiculously long. Which is a good thing because I'll have to come back and try more drinks. The coffee drink was delicious I wish I could have this made for me every morning. The whiskey flight was also good. I did not have a bad one. All I can say is I hope you enjoy this place! I'll be back! read more

JJPfister Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Sacramento, California