Jeff B.
Yelp
(Drank 07/16/23 SU @ 2:30pm): You had me at "distillery"; you had my friend at "corgi"!
When my friend told me about Corgi Distillery, there was no doubt in my mind that we had to check this place out. Plain and simple, I loved a good drink and the idea of exploring various types of libations (and cuisine) on my travels always appealed to me. My preferential order of tastings was breweries, wineries, and distilleries, but mainly because of what was readily available wherever I was. With a heavy focus on gin, that was also a plus for me since I've become more appreciative of this spirit in recent years. With the lil' black beast along for the experience and maybe meeting a corgi, would this distillery be a hit with us!?
PURCHASE
6-Taster Flight ($5.00 x2): A preset flight that consisted of their core spirits (e.g. Saddlecoat Vodka, Pembroke Gin, Earl Grey Gin, Barrel Rested Gin, Bee Blossom Gin, Cardigan Whiskey), you received a mere sipping sample of each. It was still enough to get the jist. If you purchased a bottle, your tasting fee was waived. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xPxsIF1uoxo9YqtUm1aujA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Breath Of Fresh Air Cocktail ($12.00): A mix of their Garden Party Gin, cucumber juice, fresh lime juice, and fresh mints, this truly was a refreshing elixir! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ed1HCQbC2EfA5ex5Gb995w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Garden Party Mangorita Cocktail ($12.00): A mix of their Garden Party Gin, mango nectar, fresh lime juice, housemade triple sec, and tajin rim, this was mangorific... but why the smaller serving? https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=MzCg09lMdaRSehGgUu08BA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Corgi Cuppa Cocktail ($12.00): A mix of their Earl Grey Gin, fresh lemon honey syrup, and bitters, this reminded me of Ricola cough drop with an earthy ooph! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Yrj2wPogAt4O1-rB9ts_0A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Ode To Twelve Truck Cocktail ($12.00): A mix of their Saddlecoat Vodka, housemade banana liqueur, ube-flavored condensed syrup, and fresh lime, I was "Philipping" for this concoction! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2nyitMhtjCDXwYKCr8IaGw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Bee Blossom Gin 750ml Bottle ($37.00): The tasting winner, we enjoyed the fragrant lightly sweet flavor and were excited to make mixed drinks with it! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bDh94Fr4D9TH-6HAnpFHdA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Friendly female and male bartenders warmly greeted me and took the time to provide the lowdown on their spirits and cocktails. We first opted for the tasters and then proceeded to several cocktails. Each time, we placed our orders at the bar which was fine, and we didn't notice any "table" service to collect our empties, so we brought them back to the bar each time. All was good - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
They had their own private onsite lot. Otherwise, there appeared to be spots along the main drag of Distillery Dr. and all nearby streets. Another option was a driving service like a bus, taxi, Lyft (we did this), Uber, or train (the closest light rail station at Garfield Ave.) - 'nuff said. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=DqqHvOltcwO6U5uVD1TzjA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A large warehouse facility that was partitioned into a drinking area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=iFVnFEj0QbGsh8HzYi5xTA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw while there was an active flea market where the bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NODi1Et9Bo8mJ1XAmCxcEQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw was located. Plenty of natural lighting in the drinking area only while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I didn't notice any TVs, while on this visit there was a live DJ https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=lZ6F-2zGC2u9-3IwSpEaYQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw spinning the tunes.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Corgi Distillery was a fun afternoon and would definitely consider a future visit. Plus, they were family and pet-friendly, so our lil' black beast https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rsZUNLEIPkUeOhGfjyipcA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw came along with his hoomans. I only wished the tasting portions were larger even if it meant an appropriate price increase. I appreciated that Corgi Spirits created a drink https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=djgbldlnKuqzAo_m4g0DDA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw to complement the Twelve Truck ube macapuno pudding dessert. The prices were comparable, the menu provided several drinks to try, and the service was efficient and straightforward. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $97.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS