Wow. Talk about a hidden GEM. Finding and entering this place feels like its own adventure. I'd never been to a distillery so I wasn't sure what to expect the first time I came. There was a very small bar/lounge area tucked away in this industrial building, Michael the owner warmly greeted our group of three and made us some cocktails with his handcrafted spirits. Proudly displayed along the walls were all of the awards his spirits have won in various contests. He gave us a tour of the distillery and all of the machines he uses and explained the processing for each spirit. It's really clear that this is a passionate artist who has honed his craft and enjoys sharing his excitement and art with others. You can tell that the end result is a high quality product. Gin is certainly the specialty here and it's pretty outstanding stuff. Usually if I sniff any old bottle of gin, it's not a pleasant experience but one whiff of this gin makes me want to inhale again. It's probably the only spirits I would bring to a fancy party or make craft cocktails at home with. I'm so glad to see Goleta Red spirits in local bars like the Goodland, I'd recommend any local or tourist to stop by for a tasting or try a craft cocktail for a real local experience! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Cucumber Gin Rickey - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

This tiny distillery, which definitely gave me speakeasy vibes is not a place to miss out on! The owner was very friendly as he told us about his passion, why he is in the business and how he loves to put his heart & soul into making every drink! He made me a custom daiquiri that was super tasty along with two other drinks that were given to my friends. Though this is place is small, it has a lot of might and a great atmosphere! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Low key Saturday! - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

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The very definition of a hidden gem! Yelp CM Richie brought me here and it was the perfect spot to grab a quiet drink and catch up. Michael is a sweetheart and really knows his stuff when it comes to distilling! He's won a bunch of awards and has a great selection of spirits. They offer samples of anything you'd like to try and make bespoke cocktails to your tastes. I had a lemony gin cocktail -- similar to a gimlet -- made with their barrel aged gin. I'm a bit gin fan and have attended a lot of gin tastings so I have some firm favorites. This one is up there with the best. It's a really cozy space with room to hang out and chat at the bar or a high or low top. They also have a pool table. It was great to see some local art on the walls. At $10 a cocktail it's totally reasonable too. Pay them a visit! read more

After meeting owner Michael at a past Yelp Elite event, where he shared several of his hand crafted cocktails, and his line up of Agave Spirit, Gin, Rum, Rum Liqueur, and Vodka, I was blown away at how amazing each glass tasted. And then so nice to hear about his company being Goleta's ONLY Craft Distillery. I wanting to dazzle some So Cal friends with some new cocktail recipes, and so I took several bottles of their Barrel Rested Gin, and we all had the best couple of nights celebrating with Martinis (dirty and otherwise), Old Fashions, and Fizzes and Gimlets. Their little distillery tasting room is quite a hidden gem, but definitely worth a trip to be there in person to taste through their delicious flights, and to also hear about their success story. Easiest way to find them is either the Storke Road or Los Carneros exits off of Hwy 101, they are between Hollister Avenue and 101. A trip well worth making. read more

Needed sanitizing hand rub and also grabed some Gin while I was here. I've never actually bought a bottle of Gin, but the owner recommended so I thought why not! Now i frolic around singing Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice song with this tasty bottle of Gin. During Christmas I purchased a bottle rum and that was delicious too. I can't wait for my next purchase! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - GIN & JUICE! - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

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First of all, my spirit of choice is gin and this place had one of the best gins I've had, really smooth and drinkable on its own but with interesting enough botanicals to shine through in a cocktail. The barrel aged gin, amaro gold rum and cachaca were also great. So, if you just want to pick up a bottle and go it's still worth a stop, but we had a good time hanging out and playing pool while some of us tried a cocktail. The distiller was really friendly and talked with us about the spirits and the local ingredients he experiments with, he clearly has a great time making his products true to the Goleta area. read more

What a gem! So many fun inventive spirits. The classics Michael produces are absolutely top notch. Why by from a liquor store when I can walk down the street? Recently dropped in to taste Michael's Cachaça (although he can't legally market it is such) in a Caipirinha. By far the most authentic recreation I've tasted State side. I'll be coming back for more! read more

Love the gin and the orange cocoa liquor! This place is tucked away in the little warehouse - business area near m.special. Super friendly staff and delicious alcohol. They also do tastings 5 days a week. Glad to discover them! read more

I first learned about this place at a Yelp event. The drinks were so good I had to check this place out for myself! This place is definitely one of the hidden gems of Goleta and it is a wonderful, nice little area. I came to the distillery with two friends and had to try the pina colada. Michael, the owner, is just so friendly too. He stayed open a little passed closing time to make us some drinks. His cocktails look amazing and his vodka/rum is to die for. I am definitely coming back again soon and taking all my friends here! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Pina colada - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

When you talk about hidden gems, Goleta Red Distilling Company immediately comes to mind. It's hidden inside a Goleta industrial business park off Castilian and Cortona Drives. Often the owner Michael will put out a sign at this intersection mentioning tastings that are happening. You'll find a door next to a window with an awning, enter there, then follow the guided signs to their tiny tasting room connected to a massive distillery. I originally found out about Goleta Red at a past Official Yelp Event thrown by my predecessor Stephanie W (https://www.yelp.com/biz/oye-sips-samples-and-sweaters-goleta-red-distilling-company-goleta?hrid=a6i2sWY0wVSZElPv8pX4og&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)). Since then, Michael has been active at local festivals, on social media (Instagram and Facebook) and even offers a deal on Axxess card for 2 x 1 spirits! The minute you enter the door, rosy-cheeked Michael befriends you with his wonderful energy and one man show. While this happens to be his business, it is more of his hobby and passion. He provides tastings of all his liquors: Sterling Silver Rum, Solid Gold Rum, Cacao-flavored Rum, Orange Java Overproof Rum, Fiesta Agave Spirit "Tequila," and Goodland Gin. I'm normally not a fan of gin, but the Goodland Gin possesses a beautiful botanical/herbal flavor profile that stands out in any drink. You can even find it at some bars around town! Once you have tasted a pour of each, then Michael offers one of his creative boozy concoctions made with his own spirits. This past Halloween, my partner and I came in here while he was open for pre-Trick-Or-Treating. We wanted to make that custom a bit more tolerable with the hoards of kids. Michael mixed up a Ghostly Pumpkin and Corpse Reviver 2. Both were super unique and went down easily by being well-balanced. Michael is fun to chat with and is extremely knowledgeable about distilling given that he loves to educate himself and explore novel techniques--whether or not he succeeds or fails. If you haven't already checked this place out, be sure to! read more

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Thanks Goleta Red Distilling for bringing some fine spirits to our area (and our recent event ;) I really enjoyed trying many of their spirits. My favorite was the Goodland Gin and the black tea concoction the owner, Michael and Son whipped up. And, the "Orange Java Overproof" Rum Liqueur was something fierce and delicious. I cannot wait to make it to the tasting room. Thank you!! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Goleta Red Distilling's Orange Java Overproof" Rum Liqueur over Brownie - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

I brought a bottle to a friend's house yesterday. We were all surprised and delighted with the flavor. I'm not really knowledgeable about gin, but was told that it is a 'Botanical' flavor that I was tasting. It had a very complex, interesting combination of flavors that I have never had with gin. I'm looking forward to trying, and learning about the Agave Spirit next! read more

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Amazing, award winning and unique selection! If a private tasting is available, there is so much distillery knowledge to be learned! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

We searched for local breweries and this place popped up with other results randomly. We decided to add it to our "tour" and were not disappointed. We were greeted and immediately seated. The list of offerings was varied and the tasting was very reasonably priced. One of our favorite things about the experience was the knowledge, enthusiasm and passion that Michael, the owner, exudes. We hadn't planned on it, but ended up purchasing the Fiesta 100% Agave Spirit. There were others we loved, but this was so unique that it went home with us. We puréed some frozen blueberries and added the Fiesta. What. A. Treat. This spirit has an incredible flavor and mixes well with any fruit (though there are other ways to mix it - we just thought we'd try it this way as a summer treat). Can't say enough about this place and the offerings. We'll be back! read more

This place is a jewel for lovers of spirits and the creativity of the distilling process! Meeting Michael, the owner, sipping his amazing offerings, sharing his stories and background have been the highlight of our winter forays. Drop in and get to know this place. You'll find some great gifts for others while taking care of yourself at the same time! Highly recommended! Plus, it's located between Capt. Fatty's, new wine tasting room SAMsARA and M. Special Brewery, Los Carneros exit. Check hours on those, so you can fit them all in! read more

Awesome new find in Goleta! While I appreciate the number of craft breweries that have popped up in our little town as of late, I was delighted to hear that we'd be getting a venue of similar caliber, but with hard alcohol. Cool! The location is rather unsuspecting, which certainly attributes to the "funk" vibe of these sorts of spots. It's smack dab in the middle of a commercial business plaza neighborhood, hidden a few blocks from the main road. Other than neighboring M. Special brewery, there is virtual no other after-hours action in this sleepy part of town. Parking is plentiful, with a number of off-street spaces complemented by loads of street parking. You won't have trouble procuring a spot. The entrance is small and you'll be directed down a long corridor before entering the venue. I can tell that the building accommodates office folk during the day. Once you're in the doors of Goleta Red, you're transformed into an entirely new oasis. The place is surprisingly large, with a number of open rooms accompanied by a back patio area accessible through a roll-up door. It's very industrial-feeling which I enjoyed. All of the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I learned that the business is open five evenings a week for tastings, which you can enjoy in their front bar room. You can also purchase their libations by the bottle. I was made both a frozen piña colada and a hot buttered rum - both were very good. The next time you're looking for a good after-work spot in Goleta, check this place out! read more

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We love this craft distillery! All the spirits are delicious. Rum, Vodka, Agave...I especially love the Goodland Gin. The tasting room is right next to where Michael distills his stuff. read more

I had no idea that this distillery existed and I'm so glad that it does. What a hidden gem! It's located in the middle of a business park, so a bit off the beaten path. It is run by a very knowledgeable owner and his rum is unique and very smooth. (I had a blended piña colada which was perfection). I highly recommend that you stop in for a tasting. Five stars. read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

Great service! Delicious, smooth, and easy (dangerously easy) to drink spirits, yum! I went with family and family friends and the service was great! We all had a great time and had some great conversations with the owners! We will definitely be back! read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

Fellow Goletians, come on out and support someone who loves this town, makes amazing spirits, and will charm you with his stories and knowledge. What a wonderful hidden gem. Down one hall, to the left follow the signs, open the door and experience Michael's passion for handcrafted spirits. This was our first time, and we chose to sample a drop of his spirits straight, not mixed, this way we could really experience what he has created. I highly recommend doing this. Like a good bottle of wine, we could appreciate the nose of each spirit as well as the flavor; so complex. My wife and I had a blast. We left with a bottle of the gin. It was so herbaceous, so good, I may just sip it straight at home. We also left with a bottle of the Amaro. Other favorites of mine were the Fiesta Agave Spirit and Solid Gold Rum that rests with Oak cubes before being bottled. Crazy! Can't wait to go back! read more

If you haven't paid this amazing distillery a visit then you are missing out. Many of the spirits are award winning and are delicious. The rums and tequilas were my friends' favorites. I find myself wishing I had gotten a bottle of their high proof coffee and orange Rum. For me the Goodland Gins were show stoppers. The regular gin was herbaceous with a clean citrus finish. The BARREL aged gin, yes barrel aged, knocked my socks off. read more

Goleta Red Distilling Company - Goodland Gin - Distilleries Near Me - Goleta, California

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Terrific gin, agave spirit and clean, easy pick up. Honors Axxess 2 for 1 deal, felt totally safe picking up. Happy to support locals. Cheers! read more

Love this Hole in the Wall distillery! Worth the effort to find. Awesome barrel aged Rum, Vodka w lemon, and gin infused w local native plants. Support your local booze production!! Straight out of the Good Land read more

OK rest of world, we are now officially complete here in Goleta. We have a quartet of breweries, a winery and now we have the triple crown jewel of a fully functional distillery . Yes, its true, we have Goleta Red distillery right in the heart of the deepest, darkest industrial estate Goleta has to offer. Heck, you can hardly find this place even when you know where it is let alone if you are a first time visitor. But hey, persevere, and you will be rewarded with the fine libations and excellent conversations that are always present at Goleta Red :-) The owner/distiller Michael Craig is a savant as well as being an all around great guy. I learned so much about distilling and spirits as a whole just hanging with him for a couple hours, it was so well worth the visit!! If you love your spirits and have have itch for an awesome Gin and Tonic, stop by Goleta Red, you'll definitely be glad you did :-) read more

Such a wonderful distillery/tasting room! Michael, the owner, is so friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. We tried 5 different spirits and they were all great!! We especially liked the gin and brought a bottle home. I hope you support this amazing local business!! Highly recommended!! read more

Amazing stuff!!! The owner is super nice and explained how all his stuff is made. The agave and gin are wonderful. I'm definitely coming back. read more

This was a delightful surprise on our drive through. Some quite unique spirits and one of the best gins I've had. My wife can't stand gin, but insisted we buy a bottle. Definitely worth stopping by. read more

Full Disclosure: Michael, who founded and runs the operation is a personal friend of mine. Michael is a professional chef by training and lots of experience. Good distilling is essentially a very specialized kind of cooking. Michael is a very, very good cook. He brings the same care, attention, and creativity to the distillation process as he does to food preparation. Every bit of the distiller's art that Goleta Red produces and sells is handmade with full love, attention, and lots of skill by Michael himself. If you want to support a locally owned and operated small business... read more

A fun place to go. Good experience and owner was knowledgeable and shared his love for spirits.

This was such a fun experience. Not only do you get to taste locally distilled spirits served by the master distiller himself, he also makes creative craft cocktails. All of this is hidden in a business park in Goleta. Definitely a unique and cool place to check out. read more