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Go inside Lost Spirits Distillery, the “Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory” of alcohol manufacturing

in Food, Theme Parks, Travel

Posted on by Mike Celestino
A whimsical dinosaur-shaped topiary, crafted from lush green leaves, greets guests under a lamplight at Lost Spirits Distillery—a fantastical experience where the world of craft spirits collides with the playful magic of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, set against an exposed brick backdrop.

For the past eight years, the Lost Spirits brand has made a distinguished name for itself by using advanced production techniques to create high-quality liquor, specifically whiskey and rum. Previously located in Monterey County and Silicon Valley– where co-founder Bryan Davis pioneered and patented an experimental chemical method of artificially aging alcohol– the company recently relocated to its current headquarters in Southern California.

But a visit to the Lost Spirits Distillery in Downtown Los Angeles is unlike any manufacturing tour you’ve likely experienced before. Nicknamed “Willy Wonka’s Booze Factory” by guests, the expedition (by foot and occasional watercraft) includes stops in a variety of immersive environments inspired by “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Island of Dr. Moreau.” The tour even wraps up in the Lost Spirits gift shop with a knee-slapping parody of Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room.

WATCH:

In the video above, I sat down with Bryan Davis to discuss what makes the Lost Spirits Distillery so unique, and why Los Angeles locals and tourists alike should make a point to visit the one-of-a-kind attraction.

For more information on the Lost Spirits Distillery or to purchase tickets for the tour, be sure to visit the official Lost Spirits website.

PHOTOS:

A vibrant red building at Lost Spirits Distillery featuring a playful mural of a woman in a green hat surrounding a black door, capturing the fantastical, Willy Wonka-inspired energy that makes this spot feel like an immersive attraction for adventurous guests. Vivid mural of a regal queen, decked out with a striking green hat and bold red lips, surrounded by playful playing card symbols above a mysterious black doorway—bringing to life an atmosphere that fuses the fantastical wonder of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the enchanting, immersive intrigue found at Lost Spirits Distillery’s immersive experiences. Lost Spirits Distillery’s whimsical lounge area, where ivy-draped walls, wooden benches, glowing string lights, and vintage bottles create an immersive world blending adult adventure with playful fantasy—like stepping into a grown-up Willy Wonka experience amid the theatrical atmosphere of a themed attraction. Step into an immersive lounge where lush green plants spill from wooden planters and moody lighting casts shadows on a corrugated metal wall, capturing the adventurous, mysterious vibe of Lost Spirits Distillery’s experiential attraction. A lush, vibrant green plant stands beside wooden furnishings in a low-lit indoor setting, capturing the magical, playful ambiance of a fantastical attraction at Wonka’s Chocolate Factory or the imaginative hideaways found inside Lost Spirits Distillery. A whimsical bear sculpture crafted from intertwined vines and branches sits in a planter next to glass domes atop a wooden counter, evoking the playful, immersive environment of Lost Spirits Distillery—a place where adults can experience a Willy Wonka-style adventure through fantastical décor and theatrical spirits tastings. Lost Spirits Distillery logo splashed across a brick wall, with a bold white lion silhouette underneath, channeling the playful magic and adventure of a theme park journey into the extraordinary world of spirits. Moody sphinx statue illuminated softly in front of deep stage curtains, with quirky themed wall art and a whimsical door handle nearby—capturing the theatrical, otherworldly energy of Lost Spirits Distillery’s immersive experience, reminiscent of the fantastical set design and inventive ambiance you’d find at a top-tier entertainment venue. A gold ornate mirror shines above a dramatic dark sink, with a lush, oversized plant on the left and bold black walls setting the scene; soap and tissues are close at hand in this washroom inspired by the fantastical look and exuberant contrasts of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory—a whimsical space that feels like a themed attraction waiting to delight visitors. A dimly lit chamber aglow with countless candle lanterns and lamps, evoking the magical, immersive ambiance of Lost Spirits Distillery’s themed experience—where visitors step into a whimsical world that blends the spectacle of entertainment with the artistry of spirit making.

in Food, Theme Parks, Travel

Mike Celestino

After growing up on Long Island, Mike has spent his adult life in Southern California. He’s been fascinated by theme parks since a very early age, and has contributed to Inside the Magic since April of 2015. His other interests include Star Wars, LEGO, and The Muppets.

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