Blinking Owl Distillery Spirits Tasting

The Blinking Owl is the very first craft distillery in Orange County. During this virtual event, a representative from Blinking Owl will walk you through 6 of their award winning spirits, how they are made, and a tour of their operations.

(1) Sample kit with (6) spirits will be provided with each "Blinking Solo" ticket, or (2) kits for the "Blinking Duo" ticket. All kits will need to be picked up in Orange, CA, or have drop-off arrange with Erin Colshan (erin@buildinghumanity.org).

Shipping: If you require your kit to be shipped, be sure to purchase a "Shipping" ticket. The option to ship your kit will end March 3rd so that we can get your kits to you in time for the event. Unfortunately at this time, kits can only be shipped within the US.

All proceeds of this event will go toward Building Humanity's 2021 build events.

About Blinking Owl Distillery

Brian and Robin Christenson, longtime Santa Ana residents, had heard stories of the midcentury “Blinking Owl Bar” on the corner of Birch and Third Streets, known for an iconic owl sign that would “blink”. Inspired by the craft cocktail movement, the farm-to-table food movement, and current thriving craft distilleries, the husband and wife team saw an opportunity to bring a local distillery to the neighborhood, paying homage to the history of Santa Ana.

Blinking Owl have ACCOMPLISHED the neurotic goal of becoming a 100% California product by working with the local grain community and as of FEBRUARY 2018, all grain used is certified organic and from California farms. All fruits and botanicals, a purchased from great local folks who are using sustainable farming practices (such as the oranges we source from Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana and Nisson Ranch in Tustin.)This Handcrafted Awesome spirit sample kit features six Blinking Owl Spirits. Vodka, OC Orange Vodka, Gin, Aquavit, Bourbon and Rye whiskey.

Tasting Menu

BLINKING OWL VODKA 42.5% ABV (85 PROOF)

Blinking Owl Vodka has stunning earthiness, subtle flavor and rich, full-bodied mouth feel. Distilled in house from organic wheat grown in California, and our unique twist from the organic malted barley that was added to the mash bill adding hints of sweet vanilla and caramel. Distilled in our Carl still from Germany (that includes 34 rectification plates alongside a pot still), Blinking Owl Vodka transfers the essence from the grain it was made from to the glass.

BLINKING OWL OC ORANGE Flavored Vodka 42.5% ABV (85 PROOF)

Beginning with our beautiful Vodka, we add 130 pounds of whole Valencia oranges that come from Heritage Museum of Orange County and the historic Nisson Ranch orchard. We hand-cut the oranges and let the entire orange soak (including flesh, pith, juice and peel) in the Vodka overnight. The vodka is then re-distilled with oranges added to our vapor basket in the still. The combination of natural orange macerations and vapor distillation to an already rich, sweet vodka base creates a true orange essence to this flavored vodka that is full-bodied and delicious.

Heritage Museum of Orange County.

BLINKING OWL GIN 42.5% ABV (85 PROOF)

Blinking Owl Gin is made from our house-made neutral grain spirit using organic California wheat with a touch of organic malted barley and features a total of 13 botanicals. The result is a delicate, complex California botanical-style gin. The primary flavors are Juniper, Hibiscus (as it is the flower of Santa Ana), Lemon Peel, Orange Peel, and Sage. This is a full-bodied gin that has enough juniper to hold up in cocktails yet is delicate enough to be enjoyed in a classic martini or, our favorite way, up.

BLINKING OWL AQUAVIT 42.5% ABV (85 PROOF)

We set out to make an aquavit reminiscent of the great Aquavits of Scandinavia but with a California twist. After crafting our base spirit with organic wheat and malted barley, we macerate 10 gorgeous organic botanicals (with a final steep in Caraway, leaving a natural golden hue). The primary flavors of our Aquavit are caraway, fresh dill, and hibiscus (the flower of Santa Ana), with undertones of fennel and cardamom. The result is a complex aquavit that can served chilled as a digestif or can add incredible flavors to a variety of cocktails.

California Straight Bourbon Whiskey Small Batch Wheated 45%ABV (90 Proof)

Some of the FIRST EVER Legally Distilled and Barreled Whiskies from Orange County California!

Starting with organic California corn, wheat, and malted barley we then add Santa Ana award winning water to create the base mash for our straight bourbon whiskey. Once distilled we let our whiskey age for a minimum of 2 years in New American charred white oak casks in the beautiful Southern California climate. This Bourbon drinks much more mature then its age showcasing notes of vanilla, caramel, baking spices and is delicate on the palette.

Blinking Owl California Straight Rye Whiskey 45%ABV (90 Proof)

FIRST EVER Legally Distilled and Barreled Rye Whiskey from Orange County, California!

Starting with organic California rye, wheat, and malted barley we then add Santa Ana award winning water to create the base mash for our straight rye whiskey. Once distilled we let our whiskey age for a minimum of 2 years in New American charred white oak casks in the beautiful Southern California climate. This rye drinks much more mature than its age showcasing notes of spicy grain, caramel, baking spices and is complex and bold on the palette.

Award-Winning Santa Ana Water

The Base of all good spirits begins with water. For the past five years, Santa Ana has grabbed the bronze, silver and gold, earning the distinction of producing the nation’s best and highest quality tap water in 2014. In 2016 Santa Ana was awarded 4th best tasting water in the United States and best in the state of California among cities who entered. In 2018 Santa Ana once again was awarded with the Gold Medal for Best Tasting municipal water in the United States.

Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting is not an easy competition to win. It is an accredited, international competition where judges take their jobs very seriously. Judges taste and rate each water entry for appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste.