The decaying Mare Island, a once historical naval base, is being reinvented by fine bourbon, American whiskey and rye distillery Savage & Cook and its owner Dave Phinney.
Phinney came in contact with the Mare Island through a friend four years ago and saw its potential from its once naval base purpose beginning in the 1800s and well into the 1940s.
It was 1175 when Mare Island was discovered by European settlers. But, it was 1835 when Mexican General Mariano Vallejo gave the island its name after his white mare fell overboard “Isla de la Yegua”. The mare was later discovered alive and unharmed.
In 1859, the first ship was built when Mare Island was established as the first naval yard in 1854. In 1939-1944, Mare Island was one of the busiest shipyards in the world during WWII with an employment count of up to 50,000.
Today, just 23 miles northeast of San Francisco is where you’ll find the newly reinvented Mare Island and its new resident, Savage & Cooke distillery, who is giving the once decaying forgotten historical area new purpose and life.
The distillery includes two buildings where their spirits are aged and produced. Building 45, formerly a sail loft, hosts grand tasting rooms, a VIP tasting vault, rooftop and barrel storage. Building 65, originally used for manufacturing and storage, is where production takes place, barrels are stored, and where the company offices reside.
Typical bourbon, whiskey, and rye consumers are cultured drinkers. They tend to understand and appreciate rich history, and that’s precisely what they’ll find at Savage & Cooke distillery come early July when distilling and tour appointments will be available. A historical background and scenery over a chilled glass of their four products, The Burning Chair Bourbon, Second Glance American Whiskey, Ayate Reposado Tequila, and Ayate Anejo Tequila, makes the Savage & Cooke distillery the ideal place to visit no matter the time of year. There’s even a ferry that picks you up and drops you off.
Photo Courtsey: Margaret Pattillo, U.S. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
