Comstock Distillers LLC
Overview of the Distillery
Comstock Distillers is a Reno-based producer and co-packer that combines local ingredients and family recipes with contract bottling for the West Coast market. With products such as NV 36 Whiskey, Francovich Manhattan RTD, Cemetery Gin, and the annual Francovich Holiday Nog, the company offers both handcrafted limited runs and larger co-packing solutions. Comstock highlights its ties to Nevada's climate and its presence in retail and distribution channels across several U.S. states.
History
The story begins with the Francovich family arriving in Reno in 1859 and running the Wine House on Commercial Row. Family recipes were preserved through generations and led in 1999 to the formation of Eggnog LLC and the acquisition of Nevada’s first distiller’s permit (Permit #1 NV-S-1). In 2010, the family decided to bottle-and-sell a pre-mixed Manhattan; the following year, the product received a federal Spirits Formula and subsequently won taste and advertising awards at national competitions. In March 2019, Francovich Distillers was acquired by Comstock Distillers LLC under the leadership of Jim Grimes, and the products were consolidated under the Comstock name. Since then, the range has expanded, and as of 2023, Comstock has secured distribution in several U.S. states, while also functioning as a contract bottler and partner for other spirits brands.
Ingredients and Production
Comstock produces its own spirits and also serves as a co-packer for other brands. The production facility is located in Reno, and the company uses components from multiple sources: Premium Aged Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey and Sweet Vermouth from Northern California are used in Francovich Manhattan, Monnin Cherry Syrup and Fee Brothers bitters are used as flavoring agents, while Cemetery Gin is built on local Nevada ingredients. NV 36 highlights water from the Sierra Nevada as a central ingredient. In addition to its own production, Comstock offers contract bottling, private label development, and assistance with TTB approvals and distribution to customers on the West Coast. The website also highlights that the extreme temperatures and the dry air in Nevada contribute to the product experience.
Aging and Barrel Types
There are few concrete details about long-term aging on the website, but the products are presented as blends, with Aged Whiskey and Bourbon as central components. Holiday Nog is spiked with gold rum and aged bourbon, showing the use of already aged spirit types in finished blends. The website does not mention specific barrel types, origin of their own oak, or precise aging times.
Whiskeys
Comstock offers a relatively compact, yet varied range consisting of NV 36 Battle Born (a premium blended whiskey), Francovich Manhattan (a ready-to-drink Manhattan in bottles), Cemetery Gin (a gin made with Nevada ingredients), and the annual Francovich Holiday Nog (a spiked eggnog). The portfolio includes both immediate sales channels (RTD and gin for bars and retailers) and seasonal products. Additionally, the company is active in contract bottling and private label, so the portfolio includes both own brands and client product manufacturing.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Flavor profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NV 36 Battle Born | Premium Blended Whiskey | NV 36 is a premium blended whiskey, described as a collection of Aged Whiskey and Bourbon highlighted by water from the Sierra Nevada. The product honors Nevada’s entry as the 36th state and is marketed as a smooth sipping whiskey in limited releases. | Active; Core range; Distributed in California, Texas, Illinois and Georgia (as of 2023) as well as local retailers in Nevada |
| Francovich Manhattan | Ready-to-drink (ready-mixed cocktail) | A ready-to-drink Manhattan, composed with Premium Aged Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth from Northern California, Monnin Cherry Syrup and a touch of Fee Brothers bitters. | Active; Core range; Distributed in California, Texas, Illinois and Georgia (as of 2023) and sold in retail and on-premise venues in Nevada |
| Cemetery Gin | Gin | Cemetery Gin is produced with Nevada ingredients and is named after the region's history. The product has won a silver medal at the World Spirits Competition and is sold in Virginia City saloons and several stores in northern Nevada. | Active; Core range; Available in Virginia City saloons and the Visitors Center in Virginia City; listed at Ben's Fine Wine and Spirits, Lee's Liquor, and Total Wine & More in Northern Nevada |
| Francovich Holiday Nog | Spiked Holiday Nog (seasonal product) | An alcoholic-spiked eggnog produced annually; the base is fresh nog with milk, cream, eggs, sugar and spices, to which gold rum and aged bourbon whiskey are added. The product is made without artificial colors or preservatives and is available from the beginning of November. | Limited; Available annually from the beginning of November |
Whiskey Styles and Flavor Profiles
Several of the company’s products specify particular flavor notes: Francovich Manhattan contains Monnin Cherry Syrup with a “just picked” cherry character, Holiday Nog is described by its fresh nog base with milk, cream, and egg yolk plus added spices, and NV 36 highlights the pure Sierra Nevada water as a building block in the blend. Taken together, these elements paint a picture of a portfolio where fruit (cherry), dairy base, and spices are clear components in their ready-made blends.
Visit the Distillery
The company has a production facility and warehouse in Reno, Nevada. Contact details are provided centrally: an email address and a phone number for customer contact, and the company states that they respond to inquiries within two business days. The website highlights primarily commercial services such as contract bottling and distribution, and interested parties are encouraged to contact them directly for inquiries about collaboration or visits.
Philosophy and Craft
Comstock maintains a family-based approach to production with a focus on handcrafted limited releases and high quality. The company emphasizes local grounding by using Nevada ingredients in gin and by highlighting the state’s climate as part of the product character. At the same time, the company focuses on offering commercial solutions in the form of contract bottling, private label, and assistance with approvals and distribution.
Prices and Recognitions
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Double Gold WOW Factor Award (Double Gold, Francovich Manhattan)
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Gold Abby Award (Gold Abby, Francovich Manhattan)
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Silver Medal (Silver, Cemetery Gin)