Wine · Vallejo, California
Savage & Cooke
Whiskey and spirits made on historic Mare Island by winemaker Dave Phinney.
- Founded
- 2016
- Founded by
- Dave Phinney
- Based in
- Vallejo, California
Making it since
2016
Their story
Savage & Cooke is the distillery of Dave Phinney, the winemaker behind The Prisoner, who happily calls himself not a distiller. He founded it in 2016 and set up in former naval offices on Mare Island in Vallejo, a ferry ride north of San Francisco.
The old buildings now hold the tasting room, offices, and barrel room. Phinney's lineup covers bourbon, rye, and American whiskey, along with tequila and seasonal experiments.
How it's made
The distillery grows most of its own rye and corn and contracts a nearby farmer for the rest. Water comes from a spring on Phinney's Alexander Valley property. Some whiskeys are finished in wine barrels, and the team tries new barrels each year to see what works.
Why we carry them
We like that a Bay Area winemaker brought his barrel know-how to whiskey. The Burning Chair bourbon is a fun one to share.
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