{"data":{"type":"company_profile","id":42070,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:42070","attributes":{"canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/blinking.owl.distillery.llc","generated_at":"2026-06-22T20:24:56Z","updated_at":"2026-06-22T05:03:01Z","entity_ids":{"company":"wefunder:company:42070","slug":"wefunder:company_slug:blinking.owl.distillery.llc"},"profile_visibility":{"owner_published":true,"public_search_results":true,"site_search_listed":true,"privacy_mode":"promote","invite_only":false},"provenance":{"source":"wefunder_public_company_profile","as_of":"2026-06-22T20:24:56Z","claims":{"total_amount_raised":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-22T05:03:01Z","as_of":"2026-06-22T20:24:56Z","confidence":"high"},"total_investors":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-22T05:03:01Z","as_of":"2026-06-22T20:24:56Z","confidence":"high"},"active_raise_states":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil)","last_verified_at":"2025-02-06T01:17:55Z","as_of":"2026-06-22T20:24:56Z","confidence":"high"},"latest_fundraise_state":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil).order(funding_started_at)","last_verified_at":"2025-02-06T01:17:55Z","as_of":"2026-06-22T20:24:56Z","confidence":"medium"}}},"company":{"id":42070,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:42070","slug":"blinking.owl.distillery.llc","name":"Blinking Owl Distillery","tagline":"Beloved brand with international acclaim has big growth opportunities.","elevator_pitch":"The Blinking Owl is the very first craft distillery in Orange County, CA. We make Vodka, Gin, several types of Whiskey, and the Scandinavian spirit, Aquavit. We are locavores, grain nerds, and control freaks so we decided to actually make our booze the long way: from grain rather than pre-made spirit. The grain used to craft our spirits is certified organic and from California farms. We are a destination distillery with an onsite restaurant as the perfect showroom to experience our brand.","story":"The essence of Blinking Owl Spirits continues to shine through our thoughtful RESTAURANT. We offer distillery tours, a menu with\u0026nbsp;hyper-fresh + local ingredients\u0026nbsp; highlighting our spirit profiles. With items\u0026nbsp;such as our\u0026nbsp;hand ground organic California rye grain (also used in our whiskey) in our artisanal pizzas along side\u0026nbsp;show-stopping cocktails and tasting flights, it is no wonder why we are a highly sought after destination.With a much anticipated launch in Q4, we are finalizing negotiations for a licensing + production deal with a renowned company that is committed to quality and\u0026nbsp;sustainability. Their prestigious portfolio, international sales force and bottling/branding capability opens a streamlined route to market for nearly every state as well as major international markets.*Government relief income not included. Web and Direct to Consumer (DTC) bottle sales are included in restaurant revenue.Industry-wide craft spirit distribution sales were hard hit by the pandemic. However, our sales are finally returning to pre-pandemic revenues. The addition of our restaurant has catapulted our revenue with not only food + beverage sales, but consumers are buying a record number of bottles at our facility. While we've experienced some profitable months, consistent profitability is hoped by year end.\u0026nbsp;PROJECTIONS ARE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS:1. Anticipated licensing deal beginning in Q4 2022: increased distribution/ case sale profits to become our largest revenue stream by 2024. 2. Anticipated increased contract distilling revenue beginning in Q3 2023: we'll have greater capability for contracting by adding equipment to handle the volume.3. Kitchen + patio upgrades exponentially increase service + event capability: private dining areas, better coverage for cooler months, and upgraded kitchen space will enable us to increased dining capacity, to-go capability and expansion of hours of operation.","location":"Santa Ana, CA","website":"https://www.blinkingowl.com","total_amount_raised":252150,"total_investors":138,"is_funded":true,"is_active":true,"quality_score":3,"related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/blinking.owl.distillery.llc","https://www.blinkingowl.com"]},"media":{"share_image_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/42070/xxl_cropped_Tasting_room_hero_shot_with_logo_-_Blinking_Owl.jpg","logo_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/logo/42070/large_cropped_Wee_Blinky_Logo-blinky_blue.jpg","header_media_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/42070/standard_cropped_Tasting_room_hero_shot_with_logo_-_Blinking_Owl.jpg","cover_photo_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/42070/standard_cropped_Tasting_room_hero_shot_with_logo_-_Blinking_Owl.jpg"},"links":{"company_url":"https://www.blinkingowl.com","instagram_url":"https://www.instagram.com/blinkingowl/"},"highlights":[],"quick_facts":[{"index":1,"claim_id":"claim-fact-1","value":"Our spirits are in HUNDREDS of bars, restaurants and retailers worldwide."},{"index":2,"claim_id":"claim-fact-2","value":"We are the real deal with a stunning facility, acclaimed restaurant, and commitment to quality."},{"index":3,"claim_id":"claim-fact-3","value":"Well crafted reputation: multiple awards + medals earned by nearly every product in our line."},{"index":4,"claim_id":"claim-fact-4","value":"Heaps of Press: Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Eater LA, Whiskey Advocate, Bloomberg, and many more."},{"index":5,"claim_id":"claim-fact-5","value":"Strategic licensing + production deals in the works with a major US + International portfolio"},{"index":6,"claim_id":"claim-fact-6","value":"Majority of funding + ownership by amazing women."},{"index":7,"claim_id":"claim-fact-7","value":"Co-Owner Kirsten Vangsness: Criminal Minds Star, has a broad fan reach of millions and is just FUN"},{"index":8,"claim_id":"claim-fact-8","value":"LOI signed for potential new Blinking Owl restaurant/bar licensing deal in a brilliant location."}],"team":[{"id":3002530,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:3002530","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2727068","role":"founder","name":"Brian Christenson","title":"Founder, Chief Executive Owl","bio":"Following his great grandfather’s bootlegging adventures, Brian Christenson brings his family legacy along with two decades of experience in marketing, branding, and advertising as the Blinking Owl's CEO.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/3002530/square_cropped_image002.jpg?1661988454","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/brian.christenson","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=brian%20christenson\u0026origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION\u0026position=0\u0026searchId=147f2495-f135-4b94-9d72-577c2ab7796f\u0026sid=QuZ","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/brian.christenson"]},{"id":476267,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:476267","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:248251","role":"founder","name":"Robin Christenson","title":"Founder, Chief Financial Owl","bio":"Established and dynamic Chief Executive with stellar business acumen stemming from 20 years as an accomplished entrepreneur, Robin took her first company from inception to an epic acquisition.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/476267/square_cropped_image004.jpg?1661988454","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/robin.christenson","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-christenson/","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/robin.christenson"]},{"id":2936451,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2936451","role":"founder","name":"Kirsten Vangsness","title":"Co-Founder, Creative Muse Wizard Owl","bio":"Kirsten has earned her fame as agent Penelope Garcia on the CBS hit crime show, Criminal Minds. She is our guiding “star” with an unwavering commitment sustainability, inclusion and philanthropy.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2936451/square_cropped_IMG_9166.jpg?1661994391","related_urls":[]},{"id":2989759,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2989759","role":"employee","name":"Massimiliano Stecca","title":"Head Distiller, Owl 'Spirit'ual Leader","bio":"Passion and innovation drive Max in leading the Blinking Owl's distilling operations. He loves to challenge the norm, and continually pushes for the highest standards of efficiency and product quality.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2989759/square_cropped_Screen_Shot_2022-07-19_at_4.48.38_PM.jpg?1661988444","related_urls":[]},{"id":2936443,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2936443","role":"employee","name":"Chef Luis + Eddie Perez","title":"Executive Chef + Pizza Pie Maestro","bio":"Our dear friends and long time restaurateurs, the brothers Chef Luis and Eddie Perez joined us to launch the our full RESTAURANT (MAR 2021). Inspired by the Blinking Owl story, these two are ultra dedicated to continuing our ethos through food.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2936443/square_cropped_IMG_5370.jpg?1661988440","related_urls":[]},{"id":2936444,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2936444","role":"employee","name":"Bryan Estrada","title":"Hospit-OWL-ity Management","bio":"With experience leading culinary classes, brewery management, and a former Blinking Owl distilling assistant, Bryan keeps the staff + guests smiling as our Hospit-OWL-ity manager.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2936444/square_cropped_Bryan_Estrada.jpg?1661988437","related_urls":[]},{"id":2936446,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2936446","role":"employee","name":"FWD PR","title":"Media Relations","bio":"We are SUPER POPULAR...thanks to the brilliant media relations team, FWD PR. Former reporter, Kat Nguyen DeAngelis finds unique ways to tell the world our story while her husband, Ron, brings his talented artistic direction to our photos + videos.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2936446/square_cropped_Screen_Shot_2022-08-15_at_12.56.40_PM.jpg?1661994439","related_urls":[]},{"id":2936449,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2936449","role":"employee","name":"All the OWLS","title":"Blinking Owl Team","bio":"It truly takes a village. That perfectly crafted spirit those stunning cocktails, your insta-worthy dish, the way you experience the distillery: our passionate flock certainly keeps the vision in motion.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2936449/square_cropped_Nicole_pouring_behind_the_bar.jpg?1661988427","related_urls":[]},{"id":2982784,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2982784","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2737120","role":"employee","name":"Thomas Zeigler","title":"Wise Ass Owl","bio":"A trusted advisor, Tom has been our attorney since the inception of the Blinking Owl. A master of corporate law, we rely heavily upon Tom to navigate the tricky laws around owning a distillery.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2982784/square_cropped_Tom_s_picture.jpg?1661994432","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/thomas.zeigler","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/thomas.zeigler"]}],"featured_investors":[{"id":4888,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_investor_profile:4888","investor_profile_id":2212574,"investor_profile_entity_id":"wefunder:investor_profile:2212574","subject_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2744197","name":"Jason Nguyen","bio":"finding ways to expand my knowledge and enjoy life","avatar_url":"http://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/user/avatar/2744197/medium_blob.jpg","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/jasonnguyen2","investment_total":126000,"investment_info":"Invested $1,000 this round \u0026 $125,000 previously","is_lead_investor":true,"related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/jasonnguyen2"]}],"investor_memos":[],"tab_counts":{"posts":0,"ask_questions":2,"featured_investors":1,"faq_entries":2},"active_fundraises":[{"id":67978,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:67978","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"equity","security_type":"equity","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":false,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":50000.0,"funding_started_at":"2022-10-04T00:16:03Z","funding_closed_at":"2022-12-10T05:02:25Z","auto_close_at":"2022-12-10T04:59:59Z"},{"id":67979,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:67979","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"ttw","security_type":"equity","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":true,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":1000000.0,"funding_started_at":"2022-08-24T01:02:55Z"}],"latest_fundraise":{"id":67978,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:67978","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","structure":"equity","testing_the_waters":false,"can_invest_now":false,"funding_started_at":"2022-10-04T00:16:03Z","funding_closed_at":"2022-12-10T05:02:25Z","terms":{"eb":null,"nb":"$25M","txt":"pre-money valuation"}},"recent_posts":[],"q_and_a":[{"id":222017,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:222017","question":"Are there any perks for investors?","author_name":"Maria Soto","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-10-13T04:50:47Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/blinking.owl.distillery.llc#question-222017","answers":[{"id":222058,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:222058","answer":"Hi Maria, Thanks so much for asking. YES! We've included the following perks: INVESTOR LEVELS $5,000+ A $100 gift certificate for use in the restaurant (alcoholic drinks are not included) and a set of six (6) Wee Blinking Glencairn Tasting Glasses $10,000+ 2023 Parliament Whiskey Club Membership (one year membership) (+ perks from $5000 levels) $25,000+ Private Behind the scenes tour for up to 10 guests + $250 gift certificate to the Blinking Owl Restaurant (+ perks from $5000 and $10,000 levels) $50,000+ Dine with the founders (Brian + Robin Christenson and Kirsten Vangsness) and enjoy a special dinner prepared by Chef Luis Perez for up to 4 guests. (+ all other perks) Biggest perk of all: We have designed our raise to give investors actual EQUITY. So if we make money, you'll make money:) Cheers + Thanks, Robin","author_name":"Robin Christenson","votes":0,"created_at":"2022-10-13T15:27:05Z"}]},{"id":223068,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:223068","question":"We want to know what you see your valuation will look like in 3 years also the income and balance statements Not to say much, I think we are very much interested in this project but then we are not opting for the crowdfunding route. We were wondering if you have provisions to accept alternative financing which should save time of WAITING SO LONG for your target to be met. With that we can cover over 50% of your target raise. Kindly reach out to me at thomas@700capital.se so we discuss further.","author_name":"Thomas Young","votes":0,"created_at":"2022-10-20T07:34:38Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/blinking.owl.distillery.llc#question-223068","answers":[{"id":223272,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:223272","answer":"Thanks so much for your inquiry, Thomas. I'll be happy to reach out with further explanation. Cheers, Robin","author_name":"Robin Christenson","votes":0,"created_at":"2022-10-21T15:59:55Z"}]}],"faq":[{"question":"Are there any perks for investors?","answer":"Hi Maria, Thanks so much for asking. YES! We've included the following perks: INVESTOR LEVELS $5,000+ A $100 gift certificate for use in the restaurant (alcoholic drinks are not included) and a set of six (6) Wee Blinking Glencairn Tasting Glasses $10,000+ 2023 Parliament Whiskey Club Membership (one year membership) (+ perks from $5000 levels) $25,000+ Private Behind the scenes tour for up to 10 guests + $250 gift certificate to the Blinking Owl Restaurant (+ perks from $5000 and $10,000 lev..."},{"question":"We want to know what you see your valuation will look like in 3 years also the income and balance statements Not to say much, I think we are very much interested in this project but then we are not opting for the crowdfunding route. We were wondering if you have provisions to ...","answer":"Thanks so much for your inquiry, Thomas. I'll be happy to reach out with further explanation. Cheers, Robin"}]}}}