Distilling Old-World Traditions into New World Taste

Mix one former musician with a winemaking veteran, add a dash of entrepreneurship, and shake. Then serve up a glass of Brothers Spirits, the newest distillery to grace Buellton’s Industrial Way. That’s where the Lockwood brothers make liquor in the old-world way, one batch at a time. With Jeff’s background in winemaking at Bella Cavalli Farms and Jay’s in contracting (he’s also an accomplished musician), the two have created a space that perfectly blends industrial and elegant.

A self-taught visionary with a penchant for tequila, Jay is the master distiller and a one-man assembly line, spending 12 hours a day in their space, doing it all from distilling to bottling to labeling. The brothers transformed a former garage into their tasting room, where visitors can enjoy leather seats, work by regional artists, and views of the copper still. “We are bringing back quality and an old-world attitude,” said Jay. “This is our life, this is our passion, we do everything here by hand, literally everything.”

Their current selection includes the following un-aged spirits:

Brothers Vodka: Using Santa Barbara–grown albariño wine as the base, the taste is clean and smooth, with a creamy silky texture. Great for making your favorite martini, the vodka pairs well with rich dishes, as well as salty cheeses and caviar.

Brothers Blanco Agave Azul: This one’s made using 100 percent blue agave from Jalisco, Mexico, and the flavor is sweet and earthy, with a smooth middle. It’s great paired with ceviche or any citrus marinade.

Brothers White Hawk Malt Whiskey: Named after white lightning (aka moonshine), this un-aged malt whiskey offers a smoky aroma with a barley sweetness. It pairs great with BBQ or grilled veggies.

Brothers Limoncello: Made with organic Oxnard lemons, this lightly sweet and tart delight uses fresh lemon zest to create a great after-dinner digestif. Pair with your favorite chocolate or drizzle over ice cream. “I always say, when life gives you lemons, make 80-proof limoncello!” said Jay. “It’s our best seller.”

And if you fancy a cocktail, the tasting room currently serves five of them, including the Agaverita and Manhattan. The nano distillery will be starting a spirits club in the upcoming months, as well as a barrel program, and hosting charity concerts. Stay tuned and thirsty.

201 Industrial Way, Unit D, Buellton; (805) 691-9259; brothersspirits.com