History

Griffo Distillery was founded in Sonoma County in 2015. Their first spirit was Scott Street Gin, which in 2016 won gold at the SF International Spirits Competition. Griffo describes itself as a fusion of craft and science – a 'marriage of craft and science' – and works with what they call 'scientifically crafted' spirits. In 2023, new partners joined, led by CEO Will Maroun, making it possible to expand and send award-winning spirits to more parts of the USA and reach 47 states. A central element of their production is Betty, a custom-built copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass, designed to provide more data during distillation. Griffo has built a reputation for award-winning products and contract distilling through their Made-at-Griffo approach.

Production / Manufacturing

Griffo emphasizes a combination of craft and science in the production process. They run custom distillation and offer contract distillation in California. Production is supported by a number of environmental and locality principles: they use organic grain varieties (and 100% organic, non-GMO corn in their vodka), they buy locally sourced grain (corn from Brentwood and barley from Central Milling in Petaluma), and they produce with a focus on eco-friendly solutions such as recycled cooling water via a specially built cooling tower and reuse of byproducts (spent grains) for local agriculture. Cooling water is recycled, and all of this supports their environmental management program and local partnerships.

Products / Whisky Series

Griffo produces several whisky variants: - Stony Point Whiskey – mash bill: high-rye bourbon mash (corn, rye, barley); aged in local American and French oak barrels. Notes: a soft, grain-inspired palate with a spicy finish. ABV 47%. - Stout Barreled Whiskey – mash bill based on bourbon grains with roasted malts; aged in new American oak barrels and finished in used stout beer barrels from Lagunitas. ABV 45% (90 proof). Award winner: SF World Spirits Competition 2024 Double Gold. Notes: fig, caramel, coffee beans, chocolate and tobacco. - Still Waldos' Single Malt Whiskey (Lagunitas collaboration) – a single malt made from 100% barley malt from Lagunitas Waldos beer mash; aged 5 years in American oak; ABV 42% (84 proof). Limited national availability. - White Whiskey – high-rye bourbon mash, aged in a whiskey barrel for one night; can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails. (Product description focuses on the mash and short aging; ABV not specified in the content.)

All of these products illustrate Griffo's approach to whisky through the combination of local ingredients, creative distilling techniques, and collaborations with other brands (e.g., Lagunitas).

Visits / Experiences

Griffo Distillery is located in Petaluma, California (1320 Scott Street). The Tasting Bar is open Thursday 5:00 PM–9:30 PM, Friday 2:00 PM–7:00 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM–7:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 PM–6:00 PM; the Marketplace is open Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Their website also mentions private events in the Barrel Room, where guided spirit tastings and behind-the-scenes tours of the distillery are offered.

Philosophy

Griffo describes itself as driven to elevate and expand flavor experiences through a blending of craft and science. Their approach includes investment in production, modular contract distilling services, and close collaboration with partners. Their environmental and sustainability initiatives include local sourcing of raw materials, organic grains, recycled water, and the use of spent grains for local agriculture. They convey a strong belief that the interface between craft and science creates the most beautiful products and experiences, and that partner collaborations can elevate quality and reach.