A San Francisco-based whiskey business hopes to open in West Berkeley this summer.
Mosswood Distillers, run by Therese Agnew and Jake Chevedden, is currently based on Treasure Island. But their month-to-month rental agreement has made it hard to plan for the future, said Chevedden, which prompted the desire to move.
Chevedden said the couple is still waiting for the green light from the state licensing department but, if successful, hopes to move their operation to West Berkeley by July.
The company specializes in aging and blending whiskey — sourced from other distilleries — “to create new and unique flavor profiles,” according to the company website.
The owners have applied for a “rectifier” license, which would allow them to “cut, blend,
rectify, mix, flavor and color distilled spirits.”
If approved, the new business would be based at 2619 Seventh St. in West Berkeley, between Parker and Carleton streets. That’s several blocks south of Urbano Cellars and just north of the newly-opened Rare Barrel sour beer brewery. (See more alcohol-related businesses in Berkeley here.)
Initially, the business would not be open to the public, but a tasting room may be a possibility down the line, Chevedden said Tuesday afternoon.
Mosswood, which launched last October, currently offers four types of whiskey: apple brandy, California lager, espresso and Irish American. Longterm plans include making whiskey from scratch, but the couple has focused on aging and blending from other sources while raising money for that endeavor.
Mosswood whiskies are offered for sale at several bars and retail shops in San Francisco, including Bourbon & Branch, Local Edition and Third Rail.
For now, there’s nowhere to buy Mosswood outside of San Francisco, but Chevedden said part of the couple’s plans for the move include expanding to outlets in the East Bay.
Connect with Mosswood on Facebook, and stay tuned to Berkeleyside Nosh for more details.
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