While it’s not Santa Barbara County’s sole craft distillery, Rock 12, owned by Sarah and Marko Suput, lies on a historic piece of land sporting more than 800 trees that bear fruit for the business.
The 11-acre Lompoc property, at 6605 W. Highway 246 west of Mail Road, formerly was home to the Flying V Ranch, whose owners raised llamas for more than 30 years, Sarah Suput said.
The Suputs named their bittersweet liqueur Victus Amaro — a blend of bitter roots, herbs and apricots — to honor Tina and Bob Westin of Flying V, whose family credo was “victus,” the “manner of living.”
In 2014, the couple were still living in Redlands, watching Shark Tank and slowly forming an idea for a distillery, Sarah told Noozhawk.
They had dabbled in home (beer) brewing but recognized that, because of spirits’ explosive nature, regulations prohibit “home” distilling until a business is fully licensed per local fire codes.
Marko hails from Serbia, where “his whole family distilled,” his wife said. In fact, Rock 12’s own open-fire still is a handmade heirloom shipped from his homeland.
In addition, his aunt shared her quince liqueur recipe with Marko, who immigrated to the United States when he was 11.
“It’s lovely for us to connect with his Serbian roots,” Sarah said.
In 2016, the couple closed on the Flying V after learning that having “a farm” host a distillery might be more desirable, permitting wise.
Marko has kept his day job; he’s a chemical engineer and works every two weeks in Iowa followed by two weeks remotely, his wife said.
Starting in 2018 for two years, Sarah worked at Los Alamos’ Casa Dumetz Wines, which taught her direct-to-consumer marketing with consumers, she recalled.
Graciously, Sonja Magdevski, owner/winemaker of Casa Dumetz, urged Sarah to “self-promote” Rock 12 even before the distillery was open, the latter recalled.
Before they could start distilling for the brand, the Suputs were required to have in place a fire suppression system — their single most significant start-up cost. They started on that system in September 2022.
On March 11, 2023, they opened Rock 12, and despite the learning curve and permitting process, “we are happy we stuck it out,” Sarah said with a smile.
Unlike a winery, Rock 12 processes fruit year-round, she noted. The farm’s trees (apple, apricot and quince) do yield fruit, but she also credits the owners of Buellton’s Standing Sun and Section wineries for having shared their excess juice with Rock 12.
The very best processed wine is distilled into brandy for Rock 12, while any “less so” wine becomes a “neutral base” for spirits such as gin and vodka, she explained.
Today, along with Bruce and Betty (our “tourism goats”), farm dogs and their two sons, ages 10 and 8, the Suputs’ growing business “has definitely surpassed our expectations,” Sarah said.
During their opening weekend last year, “every appointment” slot was booked, she added.
Rock 12 also books tours of the orchard and distillery, as “the process is intriguing to some guests,” she said.
They also have one employee, which she said means “we can take time to coach soccer for our sons.”
What has been the biggest surprise after almost one year in business?
“All the referrals!” Sarah exclaimed. “We’re delighted when people send others our way.”
Another win: “How much we actually enjoy distilling … especially because we could not legally practice doing so ahead of time,” she said.
Available for purchase are seven spirits: a classic vodka, two infused vodkas (hibiscus and serrano pepper), gin, coffee liqueur, Victus Amaro and quince liqueur.
The winter season’s list of cocktails includes a Victus Sour, Hibiscus Mule, Quince Toddy, Peppermint Espresso Martini, Bloody Mary and (my favorite) the Gin Basil Smash.
Victus Amaro has earned Best Liqueur of the Year from the John Barleycorn Awards.
Also popular with guests are the coffee and quince liqueurs, and the hibiscus vodka, showcasing tannins and a luxurious red color from the dried flowers, Sarah said.
The Suputs and their employee coach visitors about “how to taste” the offerings, which naturally are higher in alcohol by volume (ABV) than are wines or beer.
Other distilleries in Santa Barbara County are Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, DorWood Distillery, the Lompoc Wine Factory and Goleta Red Distilling.
Ascension Spirits on Industrial Way in Buellton had a short run many years back. While distilling equipment can be seen behind its glass storefront, Sarah said she’s yet to receive a call back regarding possibly buying leftover equipment.
Rock 12’s hours are Monday through Thursday by (online) appointments, and from noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.