Est. Julian, California

Born from Mountain Spring Water and a Respect for What Time Can Do

We don't rush the craft. Every bottle that leaves our distillery carries the patience of slow fermentation, the character of small-batch distillation, and the spirit of this high desert town.

100% Locally Sourced Ingredients
Small-Batch Handcrafted Distillation
Julian Apple Country, CA
The Old Julian Distillery interior showing copper stills and wooden aging barrels
Apple orchards in the Julian mountains used for crafting spirits
Julian's apple orchards — the foundation of our signature spirits

A Distillery Rooted in This Place

The Old Julian Distillery grew from a simple conviction: the best spirits don't need to travel far to be exceptional — they just need the right water, the right ingredients, and the willingness to let time do its work.

Located on Highway 78 in the heart of Julian, we draw on the mountain spring water that has defined this region for generations. Our copper pot stills are the same type used by early California distillers, and our aging process respects the rhythms of the high desert climate.

Beyond our spirits, we operate a small provisions shop featuring locally baked goods, preserves, and grocery staples from neighboring farms and kitchens. It's a place where the craft of distilling meets the craft of feeding a community.

Patience Over Speed We age longer than the industry standard because flavor can't be hurried.
Community First We source from local orchards, bakers, and producers whenever possible.
Tradition With Integrity Old methods, honest ingredients, nothing hidden on the label.

Our Spirits & Provisions

From copper still to shelf, every product tells the story of Julian's high desert terroir.

Small-batch bourbon aged in charred oak barrels
Signature

Julian Mountain Bourbon

Aged four years in locally sourced oak. Notes of dried apple, caramel, and a whisper of mountain herbs.

Clear vodka distilled from Julian apples

Apple Country Vodka

Triple-distilled from heritage Julian apples. Clean, smooth, with a subtle fruit sweetness that lingers.

Dark rum aged to deep amber color

High Desert Rum

Rich molasses base, aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Warm spice, brown sugar, and toasted oak finish.

Botanical gin with juniper and local herbs
New Release

Sage & Juniper Gin

Infused with wild sage and foraged botanicals from the Cuyamaca foothills. Crisp, aromatic, distinctly Californian.

Artisan breads and baked goods from the distillery bakery

Artisan Bakery Selection

Fresh sourdough, apple cider donuts, and holiday specialties baked daily in our on-site kitchen.

Local preserves and grocery staples

Local Provisions

House-made preserves, honey from nearby apiaries, and curated pantry staples from Julian-area producers.

Come Taste the Difference

Our tasting room and provisions shop are open seven days a week. Stop by for a guided spirit tasting, browse our local goods, or simply enjoy a moment in the mountain air.

Address 4464 Highway 78
Julian, CA 92036-9624
Hours Mon – Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tasting room open until 8:00 PM
Phone (619) 997-4560
Call to Reserve a Tasting
Scenic mountain road leading to The Old Julian Distillery in Julian, California
4464 Highway 78, Julian

Every Bottle Starts With a Decision to Do It Right

Join us at the distillery for a tasting, a tour, or simply a conversation about what goes into every pour. We'd love to meet you.

Get in Touch

We'd Love to Hear From You

Whether you're planning a visit, have a question about our spirits, or want to learn about wholesale and event inquiries — reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.

4464 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036-9624
Thank you! We'll be in touch within 24 hours.
Is this your business?This is my business