Pasadena Distilled

Sips at Stark Spirits and a Walk Around the Rose Bowl

03.08.2018

What’s your pleasure? A smoky peated single malt? 151 rum? A workout walk around the stately Rose Bowl? How about all of the above and more, on a visit to Stark Spirits, a distillery discreetly tucked away in the shadow of Pasadena’s most famous landmark.

Stark Spirits really puts the “micro” in the term microdistillery. It occupies a 1,200-square-foot space in an unassuming business park just a mile from the Rose Bowl. Owners Greg Stark and Karen Robinson-Stark run every part of the distilling process, working hard alongside such cool machinery as their 1,000-liter handmade Hoga copper still. They even hand-label and sign every bottle. As for the contents of said bottles, the range is impressive, satisfying the whiskey connoisseur with a smoky peated single malt, or the tropical drinker with three types of rum, including a killer 151. There’s also aquavit, Skyline Gin, and Sunshine, a brandy made from oranges. An intimate tour of Stark Spirits will leave you with that warm feeling you get from good spirits and good people.

POST-SIPS STROLL: The Rose Bowl is the centerpiece of a beautiful greenbelt, which you can explore on a 6-mile walk. Start by navigating to Arroyo Boulevard at Washington Boulevard. A right on Arroyo shortly connects with a dirt trail that crosses a babbling stream and loops around a golf course beneath towering oaks. Soon enough, the iconic stadium comes into sight. At Salvia Canyon Road, turn right to pick up the John C. Crowley Trail for an excellent workout and a high perspective on the stadium. Head back down and continue toward the Rose Bowl—be sure to look for the Jackie Robinson statue—before you reconnect with Arroyo Boulevard and your northward return to Stark. Pasadena perfect!

Take the I-210 to the Lincoln Ave. exit and go south on Lincoln for 0.5 mile. Stark Spirits is on the left in the Pasadena Business Park. Tours (free) are Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Visit the Stark Spirits website to make reservations. No dogs in distillery.

SaveSaveSaveSave

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View

  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View
  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View

  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View