Chicago’s craft distillery scene has exploded in recent years. For decades after Prohibition, the city had virtually no distilleries – KOVAL Distillery’s debut in 2008 marked Chicago’s first new distillery since the 1930s (chicago.eater.com). Today, an educated urban audience of spirit enthusiasts can find everything from grain-to-glass whiskey to European-style fruit brandy being made right here in Chicago (and even just beyond the city limits). These distilleries offer unique tasting experiences, high-quality spirits, and often tours or classes for a behind-the-scenes look at their craft. In this guide, we’ll explore the top distilleries in Chicago – both historic standbys and up-and-coming makers – that should be on every spirits lover’s list.

Whether you’re into bourbon, gin, vodka, or something more adventurous (Malört, anyone?), Chicago’s distillery landscape has you covered. Below we highlight five of the best distilleries in Chicago (including one in a nearby suburb) where you can savor handcrafted spirits and learn the stories behind them. Each offers a distinct experience, from sleek cocktail lounges to working distillery tours. Sip neat samples or enjoy creative cocktails as you discover what makes each Chicago distillery special. Cheers to exploring the city’s vibrant world of craft distilling!

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Top 5 Chicago Distilleries

KOVAL Distillery

Address: 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Neighborhood: Ravenswood (North Side)

Chicago’s first distillery to open since Prohibition, KOVAL Distillery has been a pioneer of the city’s spirits revival (choosechicago.com). Founded in 2008 by a husband-and-wife team, KOVAL crafts certified-organic, single-barrel spirits entirely from scratch, embracing a grain-to-bottle philosophy passed down through generations (choosechicago.com). The distillery campus in Ravenswood features a modern tasting room, tours, and even classes, making it a must-visit for spirit connoisseurs. KOVAL is best known for its signature style of whiskey and gin. They produce an array of whiskies (bourbon, rye, four-grain, and more), including uncommon varieties like millet and oat whiskey that showcase unique grain flavors (chicago.eater.com). They also distill an acclaimed dry gin and a lineup of liqueurs (think coffee, rose hip, and ginger) that add a local twist to classic cocktail ingredients (chicago.eater.com). Visitors can sip these spirits in guided tasting flights or creative cocktails in a stylish yet welcoming setting. What makes KOVAL special is its combination of tradition and innovation – traditional distilling techniques applied to unique grains and organic ingredients, yielding award-winning spirits with a true Chicago character.

What to Try:

KOVAL’s Single Barrel Bourbon is a crowd-pleaser, featuring notes of vanilla and charred oak. For something different, sample their Millet Whiskey, a one-of-a-kind spirit with a smooth, nutty profile (chicago.eater.com). Gin fans should not miss KOVAL’s crisp Dry Gin, or you can taste a flight to experience the contrast between their bourbon and more unusual whiskeys (like the oat whiskey). And if available, try a splash of KOVAL’s limited-edition Coffee Liqueur in a cocktail – it’s a perfect example of the distillery’s craft creativity (chicago.eater.com).

CH Distillery

Address: 564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Neighborhood: West Loop

Located in the hip West Loop, CH Distillery combines a working distillery with an industrial-chic cocktail bar and restaurant. It perfectly fits the vibe of this trendy neighborhood (choosechicago.com). CH Distillery is known for a wide variety of artisanal spirits, most famously its CH Vodka – dubbed “Chicago’s hometown vodka” – which is made from Illinois-sourced grains for a clean, crisp taste (choosechicago.com). In fact, the distillery prides itself on using local ingredients, from grain to glass. CH also produces gins, rums, bourbon, and liqueurs, but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is being the home of Jeppson’s Malört, the iconic bitter liqueur that’s a true Chicago rite-of-passage drink (choosechicago.com). The West Loop flagship location features a full bar and lounge where you can order craft cocktails showcasing CH’s spirits. (They even have a connected restaurant serving sushi, so you can pair a martini with maki rolls.) CH Distillery offers tours that dive into the chemistry of distilling and often conclude with a cocktail, giving you both education and refreshment (choosechicago.com). What sets CH apart is this seamless blend of production and hospitality – you can literally see the stills while sipping a drink. It’s a great spot to introduce out-of-towners to a Chicago distillery experience, especially if they’re brave enough to try the infamous Malört!

What to Try:

Start with CH’s flagship Vodka, which is exceptionally smooth and has won over many vodka skeptics. It’s excellent in a classic martini. For a uniquely Chicago taste, Jeppson’s Malört is a must-try (if you dare) – this intensely bitter wormwood liqueur is a local tradition (often taken as a shot) (choosechicago.com). If bitter isn’t your thing, opt for one of their house cocktails; the CH Old Fashioned made with CH Bourbon offers a smoother introduction to their whiskey. Also, ask about any seasonal infusions or limited releases – CH is always experimenting, so you might find a unique amaro or botanical gin available only at the distillery bar.

FEW Spirits

Address: 918 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202

Neighborhood: Evanston (North Shore suburb)

Just north of the Chicago border in Evanston, FEW Spirits has earned a national reputation among craft spirit aficionados. Established in 2011 in a former chop-shop down a back alley, FEW was the first distillery in Evanston – a town that was historically dry for decades due to its Prohibitionist legacy (fewspirits.com). (In fact, the name FEW cheekily nods to Frances Elizabeth Willard, a local temperance leader.) Today, FEW produces award-winning craft whiskey and gin that has put this suburban distillery on the map. The distillery’s small, brick-walled facility exudes an old-world, industrial-hip vibe, and they offer tours where visitors can learn about Evanston’s unique liquor history and FEW’s grain-to-glass process (enjoyillinois.com). FEW’s flagship spirits include a complex Bourbon (made with a “Chicago-style” twist using a three-grain mashbill), a bold Rye Whiskey, and an American Gin with a floral, citrusy profile. They’ve also experimented with gins like the breakfast gin (infused with Earl Grey tea) and various limited-release whiskeys. Despite its humble size, FEW has a global reach – their bottles have won numerous awards and are distributed internationally. What makes FEW special is the juxtaposition of history and innovation: they’re crafting whiskeys in the very birthplace of the temperance movement, proving that great spirits can flourish even in unlikely places (fewspirits.com).

What to Try:

FEW’s Bourbon Whiskey is a must – it’s garnered acclaim for its balanced flavor with notes of caramel, cinnamon spice, and just a hint of smoke. Compare it with the FEW Rye for a spicier, peppery profile. Gin lovers should sample the FEW American Gin, a flavorful gin that often converts non-gin drinkers with its lavender and vanilla notes. If available, try a seasonal release or a distillery-only spirit; FEW has produced everything from single malt whiskey to limited gins, which you might be lucky to taste on a tour. Don’t leave without browsing their merch and perhaps grabbing a bottle – you’ll have a great story about Evanston’s rebellious distillery to go with it.

Rhine Hall Distillery

Address: 2010 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Neighborhood: West Loop (West Town)

For something completely different, head to Rhine Hall Distillery, a family-run operation where brandy is the name of the game (choosechicago.com). This small West Loop distillery is owned and operated by a father-daughter team, Charlie and Jenny Solberg, who specialize in handcrafted fruit brandies (eau de vie) made from fresh fruit rather than grains (choosechicago.com). The Solberg family’s brandy tradition actually started in Austria, and they brought that Old World craft to Chicago. At Rhine Hall, they source fruit from the Great Lakes region – from apples and pears to cherries and even mangoes – and ferment and distill it on site, with no flavorings, sweeteners, or neutral spirits added (choosechicago.com). The result is an array of intensely aromatic, dry fruit brandies that capture the essence of the fruit itself. Their flagship Apple Brandy (essentially a local take on Calvados) is a favorite, alongside a vibrant Pear Brandy and seasonal specialties like Cherry, Plum, or Mango brandy. They even produce a grappa (grape brandy) and a few liqueurs, all in-house. Rhine Hall’s industrial-chic tasting room offers a bright and airy space to sample these spirits. You can order tasting flights or cocktails – think an Apple Brandy Old Fashioned or a craft cocktail featuring their La Normande (apple eau de vie) – all while enjoying a view of the distilling equipment. They also host tours that walk you through the whole process, from fruit mashing to distillation, complete with samples along the way (choosechicago.com). Rhine Hall’s commitment to a single category of spirit and doing it exceedingly well makes it stand out. It’s a love letter to fruit brandy that you won’t find elsewhere in the city.

What to Try:

Definitely sip the Apple Brandy (Eau de Vie) straight or in an Old Fashioned – it’s Rhine Hall’s signature for a reason, boasting crisp apple aroma and a smooth finish. If you visit in autumn, their Oak-Aged Apple Brandy (a limited release) is like fall in a glass. For something a little unusual, try the Grappa; Rhine Hall’s version is softer and more approachable than most, with floral and raisin notes. The Mango Brandy (if in season) or Pear Brandy are also delightful, showcasing how different fruits translate into distinct spirit profiles. Not sure what to pick? Order a flight to sample several – the staff loves to explain each one’s story and help you find your favorite fruit spirit.

Judson & Moore Distillery

Address: 3057 N Rockwell St (Bldg 5), Chicago, IL 60618

Neighborhood: Avondale (Northwest Side)

One of Chicago’s newest distilleries, Judson & Moore opened in 2022 and has quickly made a name for itself among whiskey enthusiasts. Tucked in a revitalized 1900s leather tannery building along the North Branch of the Chicago River, this distillery focuses on Midwestern grain-forward whiskies (chicago.eater.com). In fact, Judson & Moore prides itself on using grains sourced from local farms and showcasing the terroir of the Midwest in its spirits. The tasting room is a handsome space with rustic-industrial decor, often filled with live music or community events, reflecting the distillery’s youthful energy. Here you can sample their whiskeys neat or in classic cocktails while overlooking racks of aging barrels. Judson & Moore’s flagship products include a Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a Rye Whiskey, and even a Smoked Single Malt – all distilled, barreled, and bottled on-site in Chicago (judsonandmoore.com). Despite being new, they’ve already snagged awards in craft spirits competitions (a testament to their quality). Tours are offered on weekends, where you can see the shiny copper stills up close and learn about their grain-to-barrel process (chicago.eater.com). What makes Judson & Moore special – aside from the quality of the whiskey – is the blend of old and new: they’ve brought an old factory back to life and filled it with the buzz of a modern distillery and music venue. It’s a symbol of Chicago’s continuing distilling renaissance, bridging the city’s industrial past with its creative present.

What to Try:

Go for the Judson & Moore Bourbon first – it’s a bourbon that typically features a high-corn mashbill balanced with malted barley, yielding a smooth, slightly sweet whiskey with notes of caramel and toasted oak. Contrast that with their Rye Whiskey, which is spicier with pepper and baking spice notes, to appreciate the range of their grain-forward style. If available, the Single Malt Whiskey (made with smoked malted barley) is a unique pour that whiskey geeks will appreciate for its subtle campfire smokiness (thehouseofglunz.com). The tasting room also offers a seasonal whiskey cocktail menu – try whatever special twist they’re serving (for example, a rye-based Manhattan or a bourbon slushie collaboration with a local bar). It’s a great way to see how these young whiskeys shine in mixed drinks as well.

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