History

Channel Islands Distillery was founded in 2013 as Ventura County’s first legal distillery. The inspiration stems from the 1920s Prohibition and Rum Row, where the Grey Ghost and other vessels sailed through the fog from the Channel Islands to transport contraband spirits to shore. This era of independence later evolved into craftsmanship and a pioneering spirit at the distillery. With roots in science and environmental management, the founders and head distiller have backgrounds in environmental toxicology, work in ELAP-certified laboratories, water quality monitoring, and developing methods for large environmental programs on the West Coast. This unique blend of precision and passion defines who we are. Each bottle tells a story – “Rebellious Spirits. Refined by craft.”

Production / Manufacturing

We craft bold, smooth spirits in small batches, where tradition is honored and adventure is born. The producer’s portfolio includes: - Grey Ghost Extra Dark Rum: made from organic dark cane sugar, batch-distilled in a classic old-world pot still. It is cask-aged in American, Hungarian, and French oak barrels and pressed to capture the unique “devil’s cut” – an intense oakiness and flavor that defies the ordinary. - California Vodka: made from 100% organic cane sugar; distilled through a high-efficiency reflux still – equivalent to 150 distillation rounds – and run at least three times for extra smoothness and clarity. - 93001 Main Street Whiskey: an expressive whiskey based on a mash bill of 51% corn, 47% grain and a touch of rye; distilled in a traditional pot still and aged in American oak barrels; higher proof and a lively coastal character. (This whiskey is marked as “coming soon” on the site.) - Po Uila 152-Proof Rum: Hawaiian for “Night Lightning” – an overproof dark rum aged in rich sherry casks. Full of intensity and suppleness, and a notch above traditional 151-proof rums. - Signature Aged Rum and Signature Silver Rum as well as Suave Agave: other products in our portfolio.

This blend of ecology, old distillation methods, and a laboratory-driven focus on quality reflects our philosophy: craftsmanship, science, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand to deliver bold and wholesome spirits.

Products / Whisky Series

93001 Main Street Whiskey (coming soon)

Named after our coastal homeland, 93001 Main Street Whiskey is a bold expression of craftsmanship and character. It is based on a mash bill of 51% corn, 47% grain, and a touch of rye; distilled in a traditional pot still and aged in American oak barrels. The bottle presents a slightly higher proof and a lively coastal spirit – a vibrant, handmade pour that leaves a lasting impression. This whiskey appears as “coming soon” on the product list.

Visits / Experiences

We primarily sell through our online shop and through retailers. The site includes a Store Locator feature to help find stores and distributors. For single-serve products such as California Vodka, pickup is currently not available at the location (pickup is not available for this product). Our approach focuses on preserving the artisanal spirit and the maritime inspiration that characterize Channel Islands Distillery.

Philosophy

Rebellious Spirits. Refined by craft. Channel Islands Distillery blends science and environmental stewardship with a craft-based approach to spirits. Our founders and head distiller have backgrounds in environmental toxicology and laboratory science, and this precision-focused mindset is reflected in every step of production—from ingredients to aging to bottling. We see ourselves as a continuation of Channel Islands’ maritime heritage and the proud tradition of independence through craft and quality.