Made in Siskiyou: Craft Manufacturing in Siskiyou
Denny Bar Company Distillery is developing a line of premium spirits, which are developed and distlled in Siskiyou County.
Rural communities are rich with social capital where a talented network can create a unique, locally-made product. Read about Denny Bar Distillery Company, where community buy-in is visible and the economic chain starts with agriculture. Siskiyou Economic Development sat down with Lance Banks, from Denny Bar Company Distillery to discuss the grain to glass talent developing their premium spirits, which is manufactured in Siskiyou County.
”It’s a rewarding achievement when we bring local talent to build our product,“ explains Banks. “Aging whiskey is a patient process, so in the meantime, we can build a uniquely Siskiyou identity for our product line.”
The distillery, located in Etna, CA provides direct customer engagement through tours, a full menu and special events. The rack-house in Fort Jones serves as the distribution hub and an evolving event space for corporate events.
“Local and regionally produced grain is in our mash-bill. Our restaurant sources local ingredients when possible-- and at the end of the day, we share our spent grain with local ranches.”
Banks explains a multiplier effect that is important in rural communities, where community buy-in is visible and the economic chain usually starts with agriculture. Rural communities are rich with social capital where a talented network can create a unique, locally made product.
“Siskiyou offers a network of talent that contributes to the uniqueness of our brand,” explains Banks. “We recently released a commemorative three-bottle early release series. The labels are illustrated by local artist Mimi Bailey; the commemorative boxed set is locally crafted from rustic alder. Our story is local, but when it comes to our finished product; we want that to reach markets far beyond Siskiyou.”
Sunset Magazine recently named Denny Bar Company in several International Spirits Competition award categories.
The Devil’s Tell Whiskey
Zen De La Creme
Boulder Peak Vodka
Laust Sparrow Barrel Aged Gin
Laust Sparrow Gin
Stiller’s Watermelon Cut
Denny Bar Company is an expample of Siskiyou’s entrepreneurial spirit, where small businesses and leading industry are central to the economy and the community.