Dry Diggings Distillery, El Dorado Hills

In the spirit of the original 49ers, who rushed to California in search of boundless treasure, Gordon Helm and Cris Steller founded Dry Diggings Distillery to dig up the abundant nuggets of flavor made possible by small-batch brewing. They transform locally produced fruit and grains into bold varietals of whiskey, brandy, and vodka at a distillery whose decor also seems inspired by the Gold Rush of yore: hardwoods, antique machinery, and anxiety about Zachary Taylor's presidency set the tasting room firmly in the 1800s. There, visitors can immerse themselves in this era and taste the artisanal spirits during tastings and behind-the-scenes tours.