Where Music and Spirits Converge: A Game-Changing Distillery That Uses Sound to Shape Flavor
Anaheim, CA (RestaurantNews.com) A revolutionary new concept is set to shake the spirits world, and it’s unlike anything that’s come before. Stone Groove Stillhouse, the world’s first and only audio stillhouse, has opened at the historic MAKE Building in Anaheim.
A ground-breaking fusion of music and spirits, Stone Groove Stillhouse is more than just a distillery, it’s a visceral experience where sonic energy shapes flavor. Through their bespoke Musically Mastered™, patent-pending process, musical energy from different genres of music is used to influence the interaction between spirit and wood – ultimately changing the character of each base spirit. The result is genre-specific taste profiles. From Jazz Fusion American Single Malt Whiskey, to Classic Rock Rye Whiskey, this is spirit production as you’ve never seen – or heard – it before.
“Stone Groove showcases our passion for music, spirits, cocktails, and food in a first-of-its-kind distillery pub and restaurant,” said Jeff Duggan, who co-owns Stone Groove with wife, Christa.
The name “Stone Groove” is an iconic ’70s slang term for a transcendent, unforgettable experience – a nod to the deeply embedded musical DNA that drives the project. From Jeff’s roots as a musician and high-fidelity audio enthusiast, to the meticulously analog reel-to-reel system that spins curated tracks at the bar, every detail is designed to honor Spirit of Music™.
From Coffee Icons To Distilling Pioneers
Jeff and Christa Duggan are no strangers to changing the game. In 2011, the couple founded Portola Coffee Roasters, bringing a then-unseen level of craftsmanship and sourcing transparency to Orange County’s coffee scene. Their accolades include Roast Magazine’s “Roaster of the Year” and a spot on Imbibe Magazine’s “75 People to Watch.” Their next concept, Theorem by Portola, blurred the lines between barista and mixologist – introducing innovations like barrel-aged coffee Old Fashioneds, liquid nitrogen affogatos, and coffee mocktails based on distilled coffee.
That same spirit of innovation sparked their journey into distillation, culminating in Stone Groove Stillhouse – a new frontier where craft meets culture and flavor meets frequency.
Genre-Driven Spirits – A World First
At the heart of it all is a proprietary, Musically Mastered™ process engineered to maximize flavor and character while minimizing harshness and ethanol burn – resulting in spirits that are remarkably complex, yet smooth, balanced, and unforgettable. Upon stepping foot into Stone Groove Stillhouse, guests will find a world-class bar pouring spirits influenced by the power of music including:
Jazz Fusion Single Malt Whiskey
Classic Rock Rye Whiskey
Country Bourbon Whiskey
Blues Bourbon Whiskey
Ultra-Premium Vodka
Beethoven Moonlight Sonata Single Malt Whiskey (coming soon)
Hip Hop Rye Whiskey (coming soon)
Black Heart Gin – based on Bilberry Fruit (coming soon)
A curated retail program allows visitors to take home bottled expressions of Stone Groove’s signature spirits, with a forthcoming line of non-alcoholic options on the horizon.
Cocktails That Hit Every Note
Stone Groove Stillhouse offers a fully immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional distilling. Guests can enjoy a menu of genre-inspired cocktails alongside full bar offerings, all crafted to highlight the unique flavor profiles of the house-made spirits. At the helm of Stone Groove’s cocktail program is Bar Director Matt Fitzgerald, whose 16-year global career spans some of the most revered names in hospitality. A native of London, Matt began his journey with the opening team at the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel, where the program earned the prestigious title of Hotel Bar of the Year. He went on to shape Sydney’s cocktail culture as the award-winning lead at Palmer and Co., named Cocktail Bartender of the Year and ranked No. 21 on the World’s 50 Best Bars. His path then led to New York City, where he brought his refined European approach to acclaimed spots like Saxon & Parole and Ghost Donkey, before launching a new concept in the Cayman Islands and returning to London to work alongside Michelin-starred Chef Adam Handling at Eve, which earned a No. 23 ranking among Top Bars in the U.K. Now based in California, Matt brings his distinctive global perspective to Stone Groove Stillhouse, where his vision is to craft a beverage program worthy of World’s 50 Best Bars and James Beard recognition – one that harmonizes seamlessly with the music- and spirit-driven essence of the concept.
A Chef-Curated Menu in Perfect Sync
Stone Groove’s kitchen, helmed by Executive Chef Jessica Luevano, serves globally inspired takes on comfort food, complementing the vibrant spirit selection. Chef Luevano, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with 12 years of experience blending her Mexican heritage with global culinary influences. Her vibrant, genre-defying menus are rooted in her time at Disney’s Club 33, collaborations with the LA Dodgers Charities, USC, and international work in Hong Kong alongside Chef Esdras Ochoa. In 2021, she launched a wellness-focused cooking service in Boyle Heights, combining nourishment with community advocacy. Chef Luevano has participated in prestigious events such as LA Food and Wine, Beverly Hills Food and Wine, and Newport Beach’s Table for Ten. She has also appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games and was the winner of College Humor’s Gastronauts. Equally practiced in Texas-style BBQ and handmade pasta, she brings bold flavor, creative precision, and a deep sense of purpose to every dish served at Stone Groove Stillhouse.
Chef Luevano’s menu is thoughtfully designed to complement – never overshadow – the core experience, enhancing the seamless interplay between music and spirits at Stone Groove.
About Stone Groove Stillhouse
Stone Groove Stillhouse combines a deep passion – borderline obsession – for music, sound, and spirits to create the world’s first “audio stillhouse.” The first-of-its-kind distillery pub and restaurant offers genre-specific spirits shaped by sonic energy, a chef-driven menu, and full-bar cocktails – in an acoustically treated space featuring an all-analog reel-to-reel music system. Stone Groove is located inside Anaheim’s historic MAKE Building and open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight.
For more information, visit StoneGrooveStillhouse.com, and follow @StoneGrooveStillhouse on Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
Mona Shah
Moxxe PR
818-749-1931
mona@moxxepr.com
