Ramona H.
Yelp
First off what you need to know is the Calistoga Depot has just opened to full capacity for maybe 4 months. There are many components to this
property/business like an outdoor beer garden, outdoor stage for entertainment. Next to the main historical building there are Train cars that house a chocolate store, wine/champaign store, Mexican restaurant, Champaign oyster/caviar train.
We were told this has been a huge project and process that has just gotten off to full running the last four months or so.
We wandered into the front entrance to the Calistoga Depot looking for an oat milk latte. What we found was so unexpected and so much more. You first walk into a modern, spacious, extremely clean and well stocked specialty everything. We were greeted with energetic, friendly hellos and offers of assistance. I walked towards the back wall and saw speciality whiskey bottles and an elevated entrance to a Distillery. BIG SCORE FOR ME. . Not any distillery but an over the top one. Beautiful stills, glassware, custom seating, bars, barrels and elevated piano, and a secret bathroom to name a few.
I was greeted at the top of the stairs by John. He explained my options for tasting, food, and entertainment. This was a spirit lovers Lego Land.
We chose to sit At the bar and 4 hours later we had experienced such an elevated customer focused adventure with care, concern, professionalism, and an historical education on Calistoga, fabulous and flavorful food, story telling, spirits education and just a plain
Awesome time.
Kristen our mixologist/pastry chef, and all around bad ass started us off with a Lola whiskey tasting, Aleesa provided thoughtful food suggestions and a history on the project and historical meanings of many items in the distillery and how it came about.
Marissa the Spirits Guide educated us through Stories and personal experiences on the history and spirits they serve.
This is a must visit. It's truly an adventure if you open yourself up to the knowledge in the room. There is so much to experience, enjoy and be entertained.
Definitely the people, history, the architecture of the property and the offerings make a the Calistoga Depot a destination to experience.
Just do it you won't be disappointed.
The Calistoga Depot/JCB, yes from Raymond, is a place you want to visit and settle in for the ride.
Bravo Kristen, Marissa, John, and David.