The title “Master Distiller” is a prestigious one, and we would like to introduce you to ours. With a passion for making unique, high quality libations, Brian Keck has a diverse array of degrees and worldly experience to match. Brian holds not one, but two degrees in chemistry and a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, the premier program for winemaking in the world. His goal is to create premium, organic spirits that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and in mixed drinks.

Brian is joined by two additional distillers at J.J. Pfister: Chris Johnson and Mike Moore. Together, this team utilizes the science and the art of distilling to create superb, certified organic craft spirits.

In October of 1869, the 25 year old J.J. Pfister emigrates to San Francisco. He begins his knitting business in a one-room factory where he knitted stockings, mufflers, and wristlets. With J.J.’s eye for quality and excellence, the knitting company becomes a very successful venture. The company continues to be known for high-quality and customized knit goods. The signature garment was the knit shoulder to knee swimming suit, but they also created car carriage robes, sweaters, knit caps, baby clothes, and athletic apparel for tennis, golf, football, and baseball. J.J. made athletic jerseys for the teams from both Cal and Stanford.

The Keck family proudly chooses to call their business the J.J. Pfister Distilling Company, in honor of their family patriarch and his spirit of entrepreneurship and dedication to excellence and the J.J. Pfister Distilling Co tasting room boasts a museum to J.J. Pfister Knitting Goods artifacts.