Introduction to Shelter Distilling and StillWater Spirits
Dana Point, undergoing its own culinary renaissance and residential boom, is set to gain a new small-batch distillery and brewery: Shelter Distillery will move into the space soon to be vacated by StillWater Spirits and Sounds, which is closing its doors after nearly 13 years on Nov. 2.
“Our goal is to honor the heritage of the building that’s there,” said co-founder Matt Hammer. Hammer, along with partners Karl Anderson and Jason Senior, first launched Shelter Distillery in Mammoth in 2017.
What to Expect from Shelter Distilling
What can guests expect? A full lineup of the distillery’s own creations, including whiskey, bourbon and agave spirits, as well as vodka, liqueurs, rums, limoncello and even their own take on absinthe.
The upcoming Dana Point venue, which will be Shelter Distilling’s fourth location, will lean into its established “industrial and rustic” aesthetic. Look for “a lot of wood” and signature whiskey barrel lights, much like its other venues. And keeping the aural vibe of its predecessor alive, the new venue will also feature live music.
Food Menu and Key Differences
The yet-to-be-announced food menu, following the lead of the other locations, will focus on locally sourced ingredients.
A key difference for this South County spot is that it won’t feature onsite distilling like the other Shelter Distilling locations. The new venue is tentatively slated to open in the spring of 2026.
StillWater Spirits’ New Venture: Ohana Room
Meanwhile, Damian Collins, the co-owner of StillWater Spirits and Sounds, which he owns and operates with his father, John, and business partner Joey Estrada, isn’t going too far for his next venture. He is set to open a new concept in nearby Capo Beach, right next door to his popular saloon, Sunsets Bar.
The new restaurant will be christened Ohana Room, a nod to Honolulu, where Collins lives part time. He explained it will be a “high-quality Hawaiian restaurant.”
“It will be like the family side of Sunsets,” he said. The move toward a more family-forward model makes perfect sense for Collins, who, with his wife, is preparing to welcome their first child. As he put it, “Having a kid changes things up a bit.”
Ohana Room’s Launch and Relocation of Good Choice Sushi
Ohana Room will take over the space currently occupied by Good Choice Sushi By the Sea, which will relocate in the same building later this year. Collins is aiming to have the new eatery up and running sometime before summer 2026.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shelter Distilling is set to bring its unique brand of small-batch distillery and brewery to Dana Point, while StillWater Spirits’ co-owner Damian Collins is launching a new Hawaiian concept, Ohana Room, in nearby Capo Beach. Both ventures promise to bring new and exciting experiences to the area, with Shelter Distilling’s industrial and rustic aesthetic and Ohana Room’s high-quality Hawaiian cuisine.
FAQs
Q: When is Shelter Distilling expected to open in Dana Point?
A: The new venue is tentatively slated to open in the spring of 2026.
Q: What type of cuisine will Ohana Room offer?
A: Ohana Room will offer high-quality Hawaiian cuisine.
Q: Where will Ohana Room be located?
A: Ohana Room will be located in nearby Capo Beach, right next door to Sunsets Bar.
Q: When is Ohana Room expected to open?
A: Ohana Room is aiming to open sometime before summer 2026.
