Distillery profile

Oakhurst Spirits

Explore the distillery's history, craft, production, and the distinctive character of its whiskies.

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Oakhurst Spirits

Brief Overview of the Distillery

Oakhurst Spirits is a small craft distillery and art gallery in Oakhurst, California, about 20 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The venue offers tastings of private-label whiskeys as well as rum, vodka, gin, agave, and a lavender vodka, and combines a shop, a patio courtyard, and an active gallery, making it a convenient stop for visitors on their way to the national park.

History

Mike and Ally Benbrook opened Oakhurst Spirits in 2017 after selling their previous business and moving to the area to establish a combined distillery and art venue. Mike, a former USN Chief Petty Officer, is engaged in professional networks within distilling. In 2019, the co-founder Ally Benbrook passed away; Mike continued operations, and artist Gina Mims took on the role of resident exhibitor and curator for guest exhibitions. The business has received regional recognition and won first place as Best Distillery in BEST of Central California for several years running.

Raw Materials and Production

Production is carried out in small batches with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The range includes private-label whiskeys (including bourbon, wheat whiskey, and rye) as well as other spirit types such as rum, gin, agave and a lavender vodka. The distillery emphasizes purchasing supplies from local businesses, and each batch is planned with the aim of creating a cohesive identity. Technical details about equipment, fermentation, distillation, and capacity are not disclosed on the available pages.

Whiskies

The core range consists of private-label whiskeys: bourbon, wheat whiskey, and rye whiskey, all sold from the distillery's webshop in 375 ml and 750 ml formats. In addition to whiskey, the distillery produces rum, gin, agave and a lavender vodka, and the products are sold directly from the on-site shop, with shipping limited to California. The on-site shop complements the range with an art gallery and local goods.

Whisky Type / Series Flavor Profile Availability
Bourbon Bourbon Bourbon is offered as part of the distillery's private-label range and is sold online in 375 ml and 750 ml formats. Shipping is available only to addresses in California; local pickup is possible. Core range; Sold via the distillery's webshop and for local pickup; shipping only to California
Wheat Whiskey Wheat Whiskey Wheat Whiskey is part of the permanent private-label lineup and can be purchased in 375 ml and 750 ml via the distillery's webshop. Shipping is limited to California. Core range; Sold via the distillery's webshop and for local pickup; shipping only to California
Rye Whiskey Rye Whiskey Rye Whiskey is part of the distillery's private-label range and is sold in 375 ml and 750 ml via the webshop. Shipping is only to California; local pickup is offered. Core range; Sold via the distillery's webshop and for local pickup; shipping only to California

General Flavor Profile

Visit the Distillery

The distillery is open Friday and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and offers tastings. On-site there is an art gallery, a shop and a patio courtyard, and guests can park in the distillery's own lot or along the street. There is also an attached vacation rental where guests can book stays and potentially receive private tours. The address and driving directions are provided so visitors can easily find the place from Highway 41.

The stated hours are Friday–Saturday 2:00 PM–7:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM–5:00 PM.

Philosophy and Craft

Oakhurst Spirits operates on a stated philosophy of small batches and local sourcing. The distillery prioritizes purchases from local suppliers, plans each batch with a narrative in mind, and combines spirit production with an artistic environment to support the local community.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Best Distillery (2022, First Place)

  • Best Distillery (2023, First Place)

  • Best Distillery (2024, First Place)

  • Best Distillery (2025, First Place)

  • Best Distillery (2026, First Place)