Central Coast small-batch distillery Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills is putting California’s name on the map for whiskey after being awarded numerous medals for their spirits and canned cocktails.
With approximately 5,000 spirits submitted for evaluation, judges from around the world awarded a Gold Medal to Rod & Hammer’s Cask Strength Bourbon, Silver to the full-strength bottled Old Fashioned, and a Bronze to the distillery’s Distiller’s Reserve Rye and new Whiskey Mule canned cocktail.
“We are honored to be awarded at such a prestigious competition,” said co-founder Rodney Cegelski. “It’s a great confirmation we are doing things right, and we’re excited to continue to show everyone how California does whiskey.”
The medals join a growing list of accolades for the new distillery. Within a year of opening its tasting room, Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills staked their claim on the world stage of spirits after being named one of Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Spirits of 2020” for their flagship Distiller’s Reserve Rye.
Crafted by California surfer Rodney “Rod” Cegelski, and Aussie jackaroo Hamish “Hammer” Marshall, SLO Stills was founded in partnership to share a passion for quality craft whiskey and the Central Coast. Each barrel-aged spirit is cut and proofed with purified Pacific Ocean water, capturing the soul and essence of waters that united the duo to spur over a decade of friendship.
Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills craft spirits are now available in 750mL bottles at select retailers across California, including Raley’s, Albertsons, Vons, and Total Wine. The distributed lineup of whiskey includes a Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, and barrel-strength Cask Bourbon alongside their innovative full strength Old Fashioned, Sazerac, and Manhattan Cocktails, and new Whiskey Canned Cocktails, crafted to meet the rising demand for premium ready-to-drink cocktails.
To find a store near your or for more information, visit www.rodandhammer.com.