Spencer Hillman of Hollywood Distillery: 'For the first time, I saw alcohol as more than a way to get drunk'

Friday, 30 January 2026 at 07:32

We know Hollywood for its movies, stars, and red carpets. But lately, it’s also become a serious place for distilling. Hollywood Distillery is the first legal distillery ever in Hollywood proper. Whisky Monkeys sat down with distillery director Spencer Hillman (37) for a deep dive into their whiskey plans, the origin story, and the mysterious tales swirling around the building.

Step inside the distillery and you’ll see a photo of a celebrity on every wall vintage shots of Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford, Leonardo DiCaprio, and plenty more. Did they all drink whiskey?

'Well, they all drank something.'

- Spencer Hillman’s answer, with a big laugh

From mortuary to distillery

The site of Hollywood Distillery has a backstory as cinematic as the neighborhood itself. The building once stood on what locals called Mortuary Row. It used to house a funeral home connected to the cemetery across the street, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, final resting place (in body or ash) of Anne Heche, Chris Cornell, and many more famous names.

Hillman says he doesn’t really believe in ghosts, but admits things “get pretty strange in this building” sometimes. Wooden beams creak, and the electrical system seems to have a mind of its own. That’s explainable enough, but not the staff who occasionally hear voices.

'Two people, independently of each other, heard a woman’s voice here, even though we were certain they were alone.'

One staffer even called in a panic, convinced someone else was still inside the distillery. The security cameras showed no one. And what did the voice say? It was unintelligible- like someone whispering softly in another room. Hillman stays level-headed about it:

'I don’t really believe in ghosts, but it does get… uncomfortable here sometimes.'

As luck would have it, we experienced something odd ourselves. When we arrived at 11:30, we initially thought the appointment was off and the place was empty. We simply couldn’t get the door open. Only after knocking on the window a few times did the door finally unlatch. Coincidence?

How Hollywood Distillery came to be

Back to the distillery. The idea for Hollywood Distillery didn’t originate with Hillman but with three partners deeply rooted in the neighborhood. On a stroll, they learned California law had changed, allowing small distilleries to sell directly to consumers. That proved to be the critical moment. In 2016, they registered the name Hollywood Distillery.

Their first spirits were made elsewhere, but in 2020 they began building their own distillery. Then COVID hit, slowing everything down, and the official opening didn’t happen until last October. A blessing in disguise, perhaps: the whiskies they released are a touch older than planned—by happy accident.

Hillman is thrilled about the opening, and especially the team.

'There are six of us, and we literally do everything ourselves: production, hospitality, and tours.'

The result is a small, local distillery that’s all about Hollywood, the place and the community. Fun fact: the stillhouse sits on a road that’s part of Route 66.

A love of whiskey born on tour

Hillman joined the current team later, but he’s been crazy about whiskey for years. His passion didn’t start in a distillery, but on tour. As a young musician, he stayed with a bandmate who hosted whiskey tastings all the time.

'For the first time, I didn’t see alcohol as something to get drunk on, but as a blend of art and science.'

Those evenings, learning to nose, taste, and understand where flavors come from, stuck with him. It’s still the memory he cites as his most cherished whiskey moment.

Whiskey plans and the bourbon shortfall

Hollywood Distillery currently has bourbon and rye whiskey aged 7 to 8 years. That age wasn’t by design, but a pandemic twist of fate. These whiskies are sourced. Their first spirit distilled in-house is only now about to be made.

One thing stands out when you go to buy their current whiskies: they’re sold in 350 ml bottles. For us Europeans, that’s not exactly typical.

Here’s why: the angels’ share is enough to make you weep. In Los Angeles’ dry climate, sometimes more than 50 percent evaporates.

'It hurts, but it’s also given us a lighter, slightly sweeter style than many Kentucky bourbons.'

Whiskey in Hollywood

What also stands out is that the distillery is cautious about grand whiskey ambitions. There’s a massive bourbon surplus worldwide, and many distilleries that bet on it are now closing their doors.

'We don’t want to make millions of liters of bourbon. We want to create something special for the people who come here.'

According to Hillman, Hollywood doesn’t have a distinct whiskey identity. Tequila is big, he says, thanks in part to the large Latin American community, but otherwise everything’s represented. 'This is such an international place that no single spirit dominates.'

Whiskey is certainly enjoyed in L.A. by enthusiasts, but just as often in cocktails. And Hillman is clear about how whiskey should be drunk:

'There’s no wrong way. I prefer bourbon with cola.'

Celebrity culture and collaborations

Although Hollywood is known for its celebrities, no major stars have walked in yet. The distillery isn’t opposed to collaborations—but they’d have to be intentional.

'Not another old white actor with a liquor brand.'

He’d much rather see someone who truly represents Hollywood: younger, diverse, maybe an immigrant. Exactly like the team itself.

But we’re not there yet. For now, it’s a waiting game for the first whiskey from their own stills, and visitors can buy the current Zanja Madre or come in for a tour. In a chair near the barrels, Mister Bones is already waiting, a skeleton that’s been set up.

Hillman laughs about it and emphasizes that, after all, this is a distillery in a playful place. He’s more than happy for plenty of tourists to stop by.

How many glasses of whiskey do you drink per week? “More than is good for me, haha. I’m trying to cut back, because it’s not great for my liver and I’ve got little kids.”
Do you have your own whisky collection? 'No. Everything I buy, I drink.'
Favorite whiskey (widely available)? Knob Creek, Bulleit, and Zanja Madre.
Most expensive whisky you’ve ever tasted? Pappy Van Winkle and Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
Which whiskey country should we keep an eye on? India.
Which whiskey do you wish you had made? 'The next one. Something that doesn’t exist yet.'
Least favorite whiskey ever? Evan Williams.
How do you prefer to drink whiskey? Bourbon with cola or in a Manhattan.