About Us
The Francovich Distillers and Comstock Distillers History.
The Francovich family migrated to Reno Nevada in 1859 and established the Wine House a favorite local bar located in downtown Reno on commercial row. As a gift for his patrons Eli Francovich developed a recipe for Bourbon dosed Holiday Nog and passed it out during the Holiday season. In 1999 the Francovich family agreed to share this family recipe again for local Nevadan’s and founded Eggnog LLC thus acquiring the first Distillers permit in the state of Nevada (Permit #1 NV-S-1).
In 2010 the Francovich family decided to share another family drink recipe, a Ready to Drink Manhattan and in 2011 was granted a Spirits Formula from the Federal government to produce and bottle as an RTD Manhattan. Shortly thereafter the Francovich Manhattan was entered in some of the most prestigious tasting competitions. The World Spirits Competition in San Francisco Ca awarded the Manhattan the Double Gold WOW Factor Award and in the same year, the Francovich Manhattan earned the Gold Abby Award from the American Advertising Federation.
In March of 2019 Comstock Distillers LLC acquired Francovich Distillers. Jim Grimes the President of Comstock Distillers is another multi-generational Nevadan, Jim’s decedents, the Jenkins family, settled in Gerlach, NV in 1875. Jim Grimes resides in Pleasant Valley, NV. Jim took the reins from Sam Francovich and with Comstock Distillers the Francovich products and Comstock Products will be brought to new heights harnessing the experience and energy of his Partners Randy Barnes and Holly Murphy. Comstock’s team is also filled with a strong influence of family members from all partners which helps ensures the development and production of the highest quality products.
Distribution and Production History
Prior to Comstock’s involvement the Manhattan RTD was being sold through dozens of Reno based retailers. Comstock has expanded the number of local locations including on and off premises. The Comstock team has grown this presence with marking and by deploying Brand Ambassadors in Reno, Las Vegas and Chicago promoting to local stores, bars, casinos and restaurants offering marketing support for our distributors and all establishments offering the Comstock line of spirits including live tastings which have been a hit. Comstock as of 2023 has secured distribution for the Manhattan RTD, NV 36 Whiskey, and Virginia City Cemetery Gin in California, Texas, Illinois and Georgia with a plan to continue this unique growth.
The Manhattan was recognized as a 2019 NASCAR sponsor at the Las Vegas Speedway race in March of 2019 and was featured on car #66. The Francovich Manhattan was the first spirits product to be allowed to advertise on a NASCAR for many years. Our Ambassadors have been featured on local Radio Podcasts promoting the Manhattan and we were excited to be a sponsor at the 2019 Night in the Country a charitable event for the Yerington Boys and Girls Club.
Our production facility and warehouse is in the heart of Reno, NV. We are capable of not only producing our own high-quality products we are also a major Co Packer for the West Coast. We can help develop spirits, obtain government approvals and distribution for any and all spirits entrepreneurs.
Join the Comstock today!