It’s not every day you experience something new, especially in the food and beverage scene. But at the end of last year in Anaheim, California, I did just that at Stone Groove, billed as the world’s first ever “Audio Stillhouse”.
So what is an Audio Stillhouse? In short, it’s a distillery where they use “music-driven sonic energy” to mold the flavour of their spirits.
That is, as the spirits age, they feed the music of a specific genre into the barrels – with a carefully chosen playlists of at least 100 songs helping give each blend a distinct flavour. They even have a trademark for the process, which they call “Musically Mastered™”.
At the time we visited, there were four genre based blends to choose from. Two bourbons – one fed Blues music and the other Country – a Jazz Fusion Single Malt (American style, aged 7 years), and the Classic Rock Straight Rye (aged six years with a 52.5% ABV).
So the obvious first question you’re asking yourself is: can you actually taste any difference between them?
The best way to experience that for yourself is to get a whiskey flight, which is available as four 1/2oz pours for $25. At the time we visited, this was the only way to try the Single Malt and the Straight Rye by themselves. The two bourbons were also available as 2 oz pours for $17 and you could take a bottle home for $49.
Obviously the Rye, Bourbon and Single Malt are going to have different notes – no pun intended – so at this stage it’s between the two bourbon’s that you’ll find their proof of concept. And while the variations are subtle, they are there. Personally, I liked the Country Bourbon more, in spite of the fact I’m more of a fan of Blues music. Read into that what you will!
Jeff Duggan, one of the owners of Stone Groove, said these four releases are just the beginning, with plenty more variations coming that will further prove their process is more than just a one-of-a-kind sales pitch.
“We’ve got some big releases lined up for 2026. I’m currently developing our second American Single Malt, this one shaped by the energy of Jazz Fusion, along with our second Straight Rye, driven by the pulse of Hip Hop. With these additions, each spirit class – Bourbon, American Single Malt, and Straight Rye – will feature two distinct genre expressions, expanding the story of how music shapes flavor. From there, we’ll keep building the collection with a third genre release in every category.”
The innovation and attention to detail doesn’t stop at the whiskey itself. It’s also found in the very design of their restaurant, giving an exception music-forward experience to their guests. Just look up above your table and you’ll acoustic panels that, in part, help ensure you can hear the music as well as your conversation, without having to scream over each other. The playlist itself was fantastic, as well.
I asked Duggan about the sound design of the room, which sits across the street from one of my favourite spots in the city, the Anaheim Packing House.
“From the beginning, the acoustic architecture of the room came before the visual design. Our space designer, Piper Skillman in NYC, first identified the materials and surface treatments the space needed for high-fidelity sound. Only then did she build the aesthetic around those choices – intentionally integrating acoustic function into every design decision. It was the very first step in shaping the interior.”
“At Stone Groove, not only are the vocals and instruments incredibly detailed, but the soundstage is expansive. That’s because we installed multiple true left-right stereo configurations – not just a grid of mono speakers like most commercial spaces rely on. As a result, instruments and voices emerge from different locations throughout the room, creating a genuine hi-fi listening experience that feels immersive, intentional, and alive.”
But Stone Groove offers more than just a selection of music infused whiskeys, and a terrific sound system. Their kitchen offers up an impressive food menu and cocktail list as well.
Developed by their bar director Matt Fitzgeral, their impressive cocktail menu incorporates their variety of in house, Musically Mastered™ spirits, each with their own musical inspiration. They borrow the No Doubt album Tragic Kingdom for the name of a cocktail which features one of their in house vodkas (SG Creamsicle Vodka), with Mexican orange and vanilla. I tried Acquainted, which was overflowing with a delicious and unique mix of flavours – their Classic Rock Rye with shiitake, ponzu and miso.
Their Rye is also found in Sweater Weather, with pear and coconut. Their Blues Bourbon, meanwhile, finds its way into the Velvet Elvis, being mixed in with green apples- which takes me back to my days at Frankie’s Pizza in Sydney.
Each cocktail is $18, and they of course offer classic cocktails as well. We can confirm they make a great espresso martini (which sits in their dessert menu as the “Crescendo Martini”). And every cocktail we tried was well balanced and delicious.
Sound is also used to break apart their dining menu into four parts: “Dynamics”, “Harmonics”, “Timbre” and “Double Bar”, which features their dessert options.
The menu itself goes on an impressive journey, with elevated American classics like mac and cheese, a burger or a caesar salad included. The burger was a highlight, with confit tomato, black garlic aioli arugula, white cheddar and carmelized onion on a warm brioche.
Elsewhere you’ll find spanish octopus or honey miso shrimp, which is lightly battered and served with with Korean chili. We tried the latter and couldn’t get enough.
We also enjoyed their glazed carrots, which sits in a sauce that features their Country Bourbon, accompanied by whipped goat cheese and hazelnuts.
But the standout on the menu was the Chicken Milanese. This dish features a perfectly breaded chicken with green apple, fennel, celery and arugula slaw, white balsamic honey mustard and “parm snow”. The mix of flavours was sensational, as was its presentation.
Executive Chef Jessica Leuvano has done an excellent job with this varied but consistent menu, which Duggan says remains in a state of evolution. After all, it’s still early days for this new location and concept, with Stone Groove only opening back in July of last year.
“Both (the cocktail and food) menus will evolve with the seasons. While we haven’t finalized which cocktails or dishes will become year-round staples, each menu will feature a dedicated seasonal section – allowing us to highlight ingredients at their peak and bring fresh, inspired flavors to every part of the year.”
With changes in store, be sure to take a look at their most up-to-date menu HERE.
The sky seems to be the limit for Jeff and Christina Duggan, the Stillhouse’s ambitious owners. While the brick and mortar location in Anaheim is primarily where you’re going to find these spirits for now, it won’t be long before you find their spirits outside of Anaheim.
As Jeff explained, in the year ahead “we’ll continue expanding our lineup with new genre-driven releases, along with some fun, limited-time offerings. And as The Spirit of Music™, you can expect Stone Groove to be actively involved in events and collaborations across the broader music world.”
The Spirit of Music. What a trademark. We certainly look forward to seeing their Country Bourbon at a future Country Music festival. And I can’t wait to see what their future releases taste like.
If you’re heading to Anaheim to visit Disneyland, or any of the other amazing activities on offer in the city, make sure you pay this innovative and delicious spot a visit. It’s fast designated itself to be a regular spot on my own Southern Californian itinerary, and should be on yours too.
For more details about Stone Groove Stillhouse, head to their official website.
Address: 500 S Anaheim Blvd Space A, Anaheim, CA 92805
The author visited as a guest of Stone Groove. While in Anaheim we stayed at the newly remodeled Hilton Anaheim. With thanks to Anaheim Tourism for their support. Unless otherwise credited, all photos by Alexander Ramirez, Director of Photography, Stone Groove Still House. All prices correct at the time we visited.
