History

Comstock Distillers and Francovich Distillers build on a shared heritage in Reno, Nevada. The Francovich family moved to Reno in 1859 and founded Wine House, a local bar on Commercial Row. As a gift to guests, Eli Francovich developed a Bourbon-based Holiday Nog and shared the recipe in 1999, which led to Eggnog LLC and the acquisition of Nevada's first Distillers permit (Permit #1 NV-S-1). In 2010 another family recipe was shared (Ready to Drink Manhattan), and in 2011 a Spirits Formula from the federal government was granted to produce and bottle RTD Manhattan. In March 2019 Comstock Distillers LLC purchased Francovich Distillers. Comstock Distillers now operates from Reno and is active as a Co‑Packer for the West Coast and as a developer of new spirits, including obtaining approvals and distribution. According to history, in 2023 Comstock had distribution for Manhattan RTD, NV 36 Whiskey and Virginia City Cemetery Gin in California, Texas, Illinois and Georgia, and the company has engaged Brand Ambassadors and live tastings as part of its marketing. The facility and warehouse are located in the heart of Reno, NV, and the company supports production, bottling and private labeling.

Production

Comstock Distillers offers handcrafted spirits, bottling services and private labeling from their Reno-based facility. They note that the industry's extreme temperatures and dryness contribute to the unique flavor profiles of their products. Their service offerings include contract bottling and private labeling, where they collaborate to create unique flavor experiences and branding as well as obtaining approvals through the TTB for market authorization. Among their products are NV 36 Battle Born, a Premium Blended Whiskey described as a blend of aged whiskey and bourbon, brewed with water from the Sierra Nevada. Francovich Manhattan is a Premium Pre-Mixed Cocktail based on Kentucky Bourbon and sweet vermouth, added cherry syrup and bitters. Cemetery Gin is a Nevada-based gin with Nevada ingredients and has a silver medal from the World Spirits Competition. Francovich Holiday Nog is a Reno-based eggnog, blended with rum and aged bourbon and without artificial colorings or preservatives. In addition to their own products, the company acts as Co Packer for the West Coast and can assist with development, approvals and distribution of spirits for new brands.

Products/Whiskey Series

• NV 36 Battle Born – Premium Blended Whiskey. A blend of aged whiskey and bourbon, inspired by Nevada's history and named to memorialize Nevada as the 36th state. Described as a unique, smooth sipping whiskey made in Reno.
• Francovich Manhattan – Premium Pre-Mixed Cocktail. RTD Manhattan produced with Kentucky bourbon, sweet vermouth and Monnin cherry syrup; added Fee Brothers bitters.
• Cemetery Gin – Nevada-based gin. Nevada ingredients and a Silver Medal from the World Spirits Competition are cited as evidence of home state's quality.
• Francovich Holiday Nog – Reno favorite since 1870. Nog produced with fresh nog, rum and aged bourbon; without artificial colorings or preservatives; seasonally available from early November.

Tours and Experiences

Comstock Distillers operates a production facility and warehouse in Reno and actively communicates through Brand Ambassadors in Reno, Las Vegas and Chicago for marketing to retailers and customers. They host live tastings, and the company has been visible through sponsorships and promotions in NASCAR (2019) and other local events, supporting their growth in distribution to multiple states and markets.

Philosophy

Their philosophy is built on craftsmanship and small, limited production of premium spirits. They highlight that Nevada's surroundings' extreme temperatures and aridity contribute to unique flavor profiles. Growth occurs through collaboration on contract bottling and private labeling, as well as providing support for approvals and distribution through the TTB. Emphasis is placed on preserving regional identity (e.g., Comstock and Francovich), and offering co-packing and development of new spirit products for entrepreneurs.