## Stone Groove: A Symphony in Spirit
Anaheim, California – The world of whiskey is about to get a serious soundtrack. Stone Groove, the world’s first Audio Stillhouse, has opened its doors, pioneering a revolutionary approach to spirit-making that leverages the power of music. This isn’t just distillation; it’s a deliberate orchestration of flavor, creating uniquely-infused whiskey blends driven by specific genres.
## Musically Mastered: The Concept
According to Forbes, Stone Groove’s core innovation – dubbed “Musically Mastered” – centers around feeding targeted musical genres into aging barrels. The goal? To imprint nuanced flavor profiles directly onto the spirit. This isn’t simply about proximity; it’s about intentional sonic influence. Currently, four distinct genre-based blends are available:
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Blues Bourbon:
A soulful expression shaped by the rich harmonies of the blues.
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Country Bourbon:
Rooted in classic country sounds, offering a taste of Americana.
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Jazz Fusion Single Malt:
A complex and sophisticated blend, reflecting the improvisational nature of jazz.
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Classic Rock Straight Rye:
Bold and assertive, mirroring the energy of classic rock.
## The Whiskey Flight & Menu
The best way to experience the difference – and understand the distillery’s core philosophy – is through a curated whiskey flight. For $25, guests receive four 1/2oz pours, allowing them to compare the impact of each musical influence. Individual bourbons are also available for $17 (2oz) or bottled at $49. The restaurant’s menu, developed by bar director Matt Fitzgerald, complements the spirits with carefully crafted food and cocktails, further enhancing the tasting experience.
## An Immersive Audio Experience
Stone Groove’s Audio Stillhouse isn’t just a distillery; it’s a fully immersive environment. Featuring multiple true left-right stereo configurations, and strategically placed acoustic panels, the design prioritizes clarity. Guests can fully appreciate both the carefully selected music and engage in conversation without noticeable vocal strain. The sound system is a critical component of the “Musically Mastered” process.
## Future Horizons
Owner Jeff Duggan has ambitious plans for the future, with a second American Single Malt shaped by Jazz Fusion slated for release in 2026, alongside a second Straight Rye driven by Hip Hop. These planned releases promise to further expand the distillery’s sonic palette and explore new musical influences.
## What This Means for Consumers
Stone Groove represents a fundamentally new approach to whiskey production. Consumers can expect unique flavor profiles, resulting from the deliberate influence of music on the aging process. This innovation provides a compelling narrative around the spirit, moving beyond traditional production methods.
## Pros and Cons
Pros:
Innovative concept, immersive experience, diverse flavor profiles, transparent process, unique brand story.
Cons:
Higher price point compared to standard whiskeys, limited availability (currently located in Anaheim), reliance on a novel approach which may not appeal to all palates.
