10th Street California Coast Blend Whiskey
10th Street California Coast Blend Whiskey is a 42% ABV (84 proof) blended whiskey from the San Jose, California distillery founded by engineers Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri. The distillery calls it "our interpretation of the essence of California, and its diverse people": two of its award-winning California-made single malts — the double-gold-winning STR and the gold-medal-winning peated Distiller's Cut — combined with two pot-still distilled light whiskies sourced from the old Seagram's plant in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The light whiskies are distilled to a higher proof for a more delicate spirit, a canvas on which to blend the fuller-flavored single malts. It took Best in Class Gold at the Beverage Testing Institute (2021) with 94 points — the highest-ever rated American blend. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: 10th Street STR + peated Distiller's Cut single malts; two Indiana light whiskies
- Awards: BTI Best in Class Gold 2021 (94 pts); Gold — NY World Wine & Spirits 2021; Gold — Whiskies of the World 2020
- Origin: distilled in San Jose, California
California in a Bottle
Lightly oaked Chardonnay in color, the California Coast is immediately approachable: the nose brings stewed stone fruits, vanilla custard, coconut cream, sea air, salinity, cocoa puffs, and red pu-erh tea, while the palate is easy-drinking — panna cotta, light campfire embers, dandelions, and heathered honey — finishing with glazed donuts, lime Altoid sours, and a lingering silky mouthfeel. Whisky Advocate found "sweet campfire smoke" weaving through grain, nut, toast, peppermint, vanilla, and milk chocolate. Built for highballs and aperitifs, it drinks like a session whiskey with real substance. Explore American whiskey or the 10th Street lineup.
Tasting Notes
Nose: stewed stone fruits, vanilla custard, coconut cream, sea air, salinity, cocoa puffs. Palate: panna cotta, light campfire embers, dandelions, heathered honey. Finish: glazed donuts, lime Altoid sours, lingering silky mouthfeel.
How to Enjoy
Over ice or as a highball — the distillery's suggested serve — where its refreshing, easy-drinking character shines. It also works alongside a meal as an aperitif.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the California Coast blend? Two 10th Street single malts (STR and peated Distiller's Cut) plus two light whiskies sourced from Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
What awards has it won? Best in Class Gold at the Beverage Testing Institute 2021 (94 points), Gold at the 2021 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, and Gold at Whiskies of the World 2020.
Who makes 10th Street whiskey? Engineers Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri founded the San Jose, California distillery to blend classic Scotch-style single-malt technique with American ingenuity.
The West Coast blend to beat — order 10th Street California Coast online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.