Opening in 2009 the Desert Diamond Distillery located in Kingman Arizona, USA is a top tier nano distillery, making award winning spirits including rum, whiskey and vodka. This is Arizona’s oldest craft distillery. It is large enough to produce incredible tasting spirits, yet small enough to retain a welcoming atmosphere and inviting presence. Visting this distillery felt like I was dropping in to catch up with old friends.
Everything Desert Diamond entered in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco competitions has won a medal. In 2021 they won with their six- and ten-year rum. There is a worldwide following of their products as tourists purchase goods and take them home. They export to St Croix and the UK, as well as shipping within Arizona.
Of course, the best way to get some is to visit their cellar door in Kingman itself. Either in a tour group or by dropping in yourself.
Tours of the distillery can be arranged by contacting Desert Diamond Distillery direct. Stepping in where all the action takes place feels a bit like stepping into a Willy Wonka factory for grownups. The smells from this area are amazing. You can almost taste the flavors in the air.
There is a luxurious and stylish vibe to this venue once you step inside the doors. This is part of the reason it has become a favorite of both locals and visitors.
Using a molasses-based fermentation and new wood barrels of white or French oak, a delicious tasting alcohol is produced. The new aged moonshine has a buttery popcorn taste. The 7 years wheat whiskey has smooth tomes with a hint of citrus and cinnamon. The 2-year corn whiskey doesn’t have the burn usually associated with a young drink.
The new aged moonshine has a buttery popcorn taste. The 7 years wheat whiskey has smooth tomes with a hint of citrus and cinnamon. The 2-year corn whiskey doesn’t have the burn usually associated with a young drink.
Vanilla extract, either a mild white run or a dark robust run are also made here.
Selling their award-winning spirits is complimented by a variety of exceptional tasting products that are boutique style. Specialty foods by Stonewall Kitchen can be purchased here, such as Pina Colada mixes bloody mary mixes and Wild Maine blueberry syrup.
Locally made chocolates from In Good Taste can be sampled and bought. Different flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vinegars are often hard to come by. The variety from Veronica's Foods of California that is available here is outstanding. The hardest part is which ones to choose.
Several old train carriages stand next to the cellar door building. One has been converted into a gorgeous cozy, and possibly very romantic, bed and breakfast accommodation.
The accommodation has the cutest retro kitchen to go along with the old fashioned but modern theme.
Other railway carriages are used for dining and group functions. They are slowly being renovated over time to both be practical and yet retain the romance and glory of their original designs.
Whether driving along the old Route 66, or visiting the Kingman/Las Vegas area, drop into the Desert Diamond Distillery and do you taste buds a flavor favor.
Happy Travels!
