BrewView: Do Good Distillery: Made in Modesto
By Brandilyn Brown and Christopher Mitchell
Do Good Distillery is breaking the mold. The first distillery in Modesto to have a tasting room since the prohibition, is certainly one of the many triumphs they are known for.
Since it’s inception in 2013, they have created more than 12 spirits, featuring several different whiskeys. The entire process is done as locally and sustainably as possible, though some ingredients need to be imported. The rye and corn they use is grown right here in our beautiful state, and the spent grains are given to farmers to feed their cows. Though still considered a new distillery, they are already making waves and bringing home medals. They just won 2 Whiskies of the World awards! Their Beechwood whiskey won Silver in Malt Smoked Craft, and Peat Smoked Whisky took home Bronze in Malt Heavy Smoke Craft.
We got to sample the winning spirits, and spend some time with the family, in their new tasting room. When you walk into the rustically furnished, homey space, you immediately sense what drives the family business. Ben Franklin’s famous quote, “You Do Well by Doing Good” graces the wall, alongside a photo of Officer Paul Roman Katuszonek.
Paul’s love for bourbon fueled his passion to one day own and operate a distillery, but his life ended tragically on what should have been a normal, average work day. Led by former police officer Jim and his wife Liz, Paul’s friends and family came together (some moving to Modesto from Wyoming!), to begin distilling spirits with the same fervor Paul did. Paul lived out Franklin’s quote daily, so it was only fitting to choose a name to carry such a legacy on. Do Good Distillery was born. Ryan & Jenna Woods, partial owners of Pura Vida, joined to manage the operations.
When asked, “Why Modesto?” Jenna laughed. “Why not Modesto? Not only is Modesto our home, we want to put Modesto on the map for something positive. Napa is known for its wineries, and though we certainly have a flair for wine in the Valley, we could also be a hub for distilling. We could have a dozen distilleries that
Yeah, we can support that idea!
Check out their website for information on where to purchase their amazing spirits.
Do Good Distillery
3173 Del Este Drive
Modesto CA 95357
Dogooddistillery.com
HomeBrew Recipe:
A cute jar filled with Strawberry Lemonade and light ice
1 ounce Do Good Beechwood Whiskey
Stir, serve, sip and enjoy!
