Surfer meets Cowboy
Ten years ago Rodney “Rod” Cegelski, a California surfer, met Hamish “Hammer” Marshall, an Aussie Jackaroo, spurring a friendship rooted in an appreciation of quality spirits and the central coast. The two founded Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills to share their passion with friends and family.
California Crafted
In the heart of California’s Central coast, we craft epic whiskey and good times. Whether you’re looking to get barreled, or hitting the trail, you can enjoy a taste of the golden state in every sip…
Cut With The Pacific
Each of our handcrafted spirits are cut with purified Pacific Ocean water to capture the soul and essence of the waters that united us. California meets Australia.
The Process
1. Milling
Dried & malted grains, such as corn or rye, are milled to expose the starch contained within.
2. Mashing
Water is added to create a mash and is cooked to convert starches into sugars, forming a liquid called “wort.”
3. Fermentation
Yeast is added to the wort in fermenting tanks to convert the sugars to alcohol, resulting in a beer.
4. Distillation
The beer is transferred to a still and heated causing the alcohols to vaporize and separate from the water & solids. The vapor is condensed and collected.
5. Maturing
The high proof white lightning is then transferred to charred, new American Oak barrels to age. Depending on the whiskey and barrel, it can age from 6 months to 2 years or more.
6. Proofing
The cask strength whiskey is pulled from the barrel, filtered, occasionally blended, and proofed with purified Pacific Ocean water to its desired alcohol content.
7. Bottling
The finished spirit is then bottled and labeled by hand for your enjoyment.
