Young & Yonder Spirits — Local services in Healdsburg

I was about to visit a different spirits place when our server at Matrix Winery said he liked and recommended Young & Yonder Spirits. I like recommendations from locals.

I would pick 4 spirits for my tasting. The choices of absinthe and amaro intrigued me, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to taste them straight. I was lucky enough that there was just enough pour from the lime vodka so I chose lime vodka, gin, bourbon, and corn whiskey. The lime vodka was yummy and would be great for mixing drinks. I really liked the H.O.B.S. gin. It stands for Harbor of Broken Souls. Nice name, but with the juniper taste and ABV at 50%? This would be perfect for mixing since it’s a higher ABV. I was so curious how it would taste that I ordered an H.O.B.S. Gin and tonic for my wife. Yep, it tasted great. I’m a whiskey guy and I like bourbon. However, I actually preferred their corn whiskey. Perhaps because it’s 80% corn so it was extra sweet. The only complaint I had was that each pour was very little. It’s great that they use Glencairn glasses for tasting, but wish they had been more generous with their pours.

As a home mixologist, I had a nice chat with the bartender about their gin, their local bitters. It’s the great conversation that takes the experience to another level. Buying a bottle would waive the tasting fee? Great. I got that H.O.B.S. gin that I really had my eyes (and taste buds) on! I would use 1 oz of their gin and another oz of Tanqueray to make a gin and tonic. Maybe next time I would come back and taste...

Wonderful spirits & cocktails and excellent service at Y&Y's beautiful, spacious tasting room. I stopped by after a cycle ride in Sonoma, interested in their amaro, and it did not disappoint—absolutely delicious, citrusy, mildly bitter digestif that really expands the category of amari. Cocktail maven Darrian was at the bar and not only tolerated but welcomed and responded to my many questions about the range of spirits, liqueurs, etc. they offer. I also sampled the H.O.B.S. gin, and the bourbon and corn whiskies. All were very good—but the gin was astounding, such a great-tasting gin even at quite high-proof. I signed up for the club and left with two new bottles for my home bar, looking forward to trying out some new cocktails with these fine spirits. A great experience, if you're anywhere near Healdsburg...

Located towards the back of an industrial park in Healdsburg sits a hidden gem. When you’re tired of wine tasting or if you truly love a unique experience come and try some amazing craft distilled liquor.

Tim and Shennon make some of the finest spirits I have ever tried.

The Highlight for me on this visit was the Hobs Heavy barrel aged gin, it’s truly exceptional.

The Sherry cask and Port finish bourbons are nice additions to their lineup. They have a wonderful single barrel 4 year 4 grain...