Cris Steller is a founding partner and President at Aurum Sierra Inc. and American Mule Consulting.  While building the Dry Diggings Distillery it became apparent there was a need for an organization representing the distilling industry in California.  In 2012 the California Artisanal Distillers Guild was founded in Sacramento.  Years of working in the non profit and trade association industry helped Cris establish and write the by-laws of the guild with 5 founding artisanal distillers.  To date the CADG has passed 4 major pieces of legislation AB #933 in 2013, AB #1233 in 2015, AB #1293 in 2016 and SB #1164 in 2018.  These are groundbreaking laws that give California distillers increased abilities to compete.  Since Prohibition ended in 1934, California had not changed liquor laws until 2013.  Some of the new changes include tasting rooms, Type 74 Craft Distillers License, bottle sales direct to consumers, private event privileges and an ability to add restaurants with bar privileges at the distillery.  

In 2016 Dry Diggings Distillery expanded with the acquisition of Amador Distillery and the Engine 49 brands.  This new company is now Aurum Sierra, Inc. and operates out of El Dorado Hills, California.  American Mule Consulting is available to help current DSP operations or help start up brands with development.  We can help with either a full distillery build out or starting private label projects.