On Thursday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated public health guidance. Here are the rules:
Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
Beginning March 13, breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals may open outdoors only with modifications in the Purple (widespread) and Red (substantial) tiers. The modifications include ensuring that patrons have reservations and patrons observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for on-site consumption must end by 8 p.m. (Previously, and through March 12, breweries and distilleries not serving meals were closed in the Purple and Red tiers).
In the Orange (moderate) Tier, indoor operations may begin with 25 percent of maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. In the Yellow (minimal) tier, indoor operations may increase to 50 percent of maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer.
Is there such a thing as a California-style whiskey? Finally, the answer is yes
Lou Bustamante
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Earl Brown inspects whiskey aging in 200-liter barrels at Wright & Brown Distilling Co. in Oakland.Paul Chinn / The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
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Earl Brown produces whiskey at Wright & Brown Distilling Co. in Oakland.Paul Chinn / The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
Bay Area distilleries have been producing whiskey for decades, and today there are roughly 20 local distillers who make, age and sell their own whiskey some of them world-class. Yet the Bay Area doesn’t have a well-defined local whiskey style in the same way that it has carved out a distinctive personality for wine, beer and craft cocktails. There is no expectation that a distiller here will use a certain type of grain, or age the whiskey in a specific sort of barrel, as is the case with categories like bourbon and Tennessee whiskey.