J.J. Pfister Distilling Rye Whiskey
J.J. Pfister Distilling Rye Whiskey is a 100-proof (50% ABV) straight rye whiskey from J.J. Pfister Distilling Company of Sacramento, California — the family-owned craft distillery named for John Jacob Pfister. Aged a minimum of two years in charred American oak and run through traditional copper pot stills in small batches, it delivers caramel and baking spice at full strength. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV/Proof: 50% ABV / 100 proof
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: Minimum 2 years in charred American oak (straight rye whiskey)
- Origin: J.J. Pfister Distilling Company, Sacramento, California
- Production: Copper pot stills; small batches
Sacramento's 100-Proof Rye
J.J. Pfister launched its whiskeys in 2020 with a simple pitch — craft spirits smooth enough to drink neat — and the rye was the boldest of the lineup at a full 100 proof. Sacramento is not the first place drinkers look for rye whiskey, which is exactly the point: this is a small-batch California take on the category, built for cocktails that need backbone and neat pours that need spice. Bottled at full strength, it carries caramel up front, warm baking spice through the middle, and a smooth, lingering finish that belies its proof. Note for collectors: the distillery's tasting room has closed, so bottles still on shelves — like this one in the J.J. Pfister range — may be the last of their kind. Compare it with its stablemate in our rye whiskey collection.
Tasting Notes
Retailers describe caramel and baking spice up front, a warm and balanced palate, and a smooth, lingering finish with a hint of spice. Full-bodied and well-balanced at 100 proof.
How to Enjoy
Built for a Manhattan or Sazerac at full strength — the proof stands up to vermouth and bitters. Neat with a drop of water for the full baking-spice profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is it?
100 proof (50% ABV).
Is it a straight rye?
Yes — labeled straight rye whiskey, aged a minimum of two years in charred American oak.
Where is J.J. Pfister?
Sacramento, California — a family-owned craft distillery named for John Jacob Pfister.
Is the distillery still open?
The tasting room is listed as permanently closed and the company website is offline; remaining bottles are existing stock.
High-proof California rye doesn't come around often — add J.J. Pfister Rye Whiskey to your cart at Del Mesa Liquor for San Diego pickup or delivery.