Crafting Connections

The story of California's Common Ground Spirits

Photo courtesy of Common Ground Spirits.

Common Ground Spirits has carved out its space with bold flavors and a mission that transcends spirits in a market often dominated by longstanding giants. Founded in 2020 by Julian Peebles and Tory Brown, this Livermore-based distillery epitomizes what it means to blend business with meaningful connection. More than just purveyors of gin and bourbon, Peebles and Brown have created a brand rooted in unity, philanthropy and innovation—a toast to diversity and excellence.

“We worked together and quickly realized how much we had in common—sports, kids, family. Our families grew up together, and over time, the idea of starting something entrepreneurial kept surfacing,” recalls Peebles. This shared journey, from personal connections to professional aspirations, is at the heart of Common Ground Spirits’ story. What began as a shared passion for bourbon and entrepreneurial brainstorming sessions evolved into a business.

Their curiosity about the spirits industry deepened. They wondered: “Do all these brands own their distilleries? How are they doing this?” Research revealed that many use contract distilling, an insight that sparked the concept of Common Ground Spirits. By 2019, they had found a local distiller in Livermore and were on their way to launching their brand—a dream built on shared interests and a desire to bring something new to the table.