El Dorado County has continuously shined with its wealth of outdoor adventures, thriving agriculture, and renowned wine, craft beer, and spirits scene. However, what sets our community apart is its deep-rooted history intertwined with the iconic gold rush which has helped to shape a unique array of towns and businesses.
Placerville, situated at the heart of the region, was originally known as Dry Diggins, a gold mining camp located beside Hangtown Creek; later dubbed simply 'Hangtown' (for reasons obvious to its visitors). The name ‘Dry Diggins’ depicted the miners' laborious non-river mining task of carting dry soil by hand to running water for gold extraction, symbolizing the hopeful spirit of those who ventured here. These small towns vividly exemplified the rough-and-tumble lifestyle of the era.
The prospect of riches, however, often came with significant challenges and hardships. The need for these weary miners to seek solace usually came in one simple form: The local tavern. A place where they could indulge in libations, swap stories, and get a reprieve from their arduous daily tasks. Contrary to popular belief, whiskey was not the primary offering during these early gold rush days. Brandy was the more accessible and affordable choice. However, whiskey held its reign supreme, as evidenced by a "storied" bottle in 1865 fetching nearly its weight in gold.
Only a seasoned distiller understands the intricacies behind crafting a smooth, perfectly balanced whiskey. Each has their own secret ingredients and methods. Barrel care, both art and science, is influenced by factors like heat variations, humidity levels, stacking methods, and light exposure—all crucial for achieving the ideal conditions for a flawless finish. Despite the nuances involved, every "Master Distiller" embodies years of hard work and dedication to craft this esteemed amber-colored treasure. Enter the aptly named Dry Diggings Distillery, a rare gold nugget right here in El Dorado Hills.
Visiting Cris Stellar and his daughter Erica at their tasting room is a surprising experience given its unassuming location in the business park. Stepping inside, you're instantly transported back to that gold rush era, evoking nostalgia for simpler times and inspiring hope for better days ahead. "We focus on distilling whiskey for taste rather than for mixing cocktails," Cris explains. Prepare to stand, not sit, at their vintage bar, sampling some of the finest whiskeys you've ever experienced while listening to them passionately share their journey in distilling.
Cris reveals that he began his distilling venture in 2012 with a desire to create a tailored whiskey to his own taste. With no plans for commercial distribution, his now renowned 'Rubicon' remains their top-selling product. “Do your own thing; find your own path,” has evolved into a guiding principle for the ethos of his business. Cris further shares, “We do what we love for the locals, not for social media. We pour things the people want to enjoy. We pour from our hearts.” When asked what’s the best bottle they sell, Erica states that this is extremely subjective. “It depends on one’s personal preferences. We want to ensure the right bottle goes to the right person, regardless of distilling age. We help patrons to learn their flavors, and discover their pallets. A lot of that comes from the conversations we have.” Many of the spirits they bottle will never make it to resale shelves and can only be purchased from the distillery itself. Some will only be bottled once, never to be replicated; such as the exclusive 138-Proof version of their popular Engine 49 bourbon, just in time for Father’s Day. If whiskey isn’t your preferred choice, they also offer a selection of impressive gins, vodkas, and brandys.
Whatever you're tasting, it's evident that this family possesses a passion for distilling coupled with a remarkable talent for storytelling that captivates. Although they have partnered with many key players in the libation community, they prefer to keep things simple. Similar to our gold rush ancestors, they strive to cultivate a sense of community. And, like crafting a fine whiskey, they are refining Dry Diggings Distillery to achieve a perfect finish that reflects their expert craftsmanship and taste.
Visit drydiggings.com to book one of their famous “Show, Tell, Taste”, a distillery tour and tasting.
The prospect of riches often came with significant challenges and hardships. The need for these weary miners to seek solace usually came in one simple form: The local tavern.
Dry Diggings tasting room is a surprising experience given its unassuming location in the business park. Stepping inside, you're instantly transported back to that gold rush era, evoking nostalgia for simpler times and inspiring hope for better days ahead.