Announcement of renovations at Evanston's Like the scent of vanilla in a bourbon cocktail few spirits I suggested something more complicated.
Grain to Glass Distillery is located in an old brick building tucked away in an alley at 918 Chicago Avenue. A passion project of musician, former copyright lawyer and master distiller Paul Hletko, he opened in 2011 and has been making and bottling whiskey ever since. And gin.
On a recent Thursday morning, Riley Henderson, FEW's director of operations, gave me a quick tour of the cramped 3,000-square-foot facility. He was joined by Ira Singerfounder and chief marketing officer of the Northbrook-based design-build firm. mosaic construction Managed recent repairs.
Sitting at a wooden table in his former tasting room, Singer was mostly silent. But Henderson wasn't that kind of guy. a bit words.
“Peoria, Illinois, was once one of the largest bourbon producing regions in the country. It was a bourbon mecca before Prohibition,” Henderson explains, dispelling the misconception that the spirit had to be made in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Corrected.
Of course, Kentucky makes a lot of bourbon, but given the Midwest's corn production, it also makes sense to tap into the region's oversupply as a “shelf-stable spirit.”
To be labeled as bourbon, whiskey must meet certain national standards. Distilled in the United States and aged in new charred oak barrels, the “mash” from the fermentation process must contain at least 51 percent corn. The rest can be any other grain, such as rye or malted barley. Used oak barrels, which impart tannins and a variety of flavours, are used to age other spirits.
Hretko was inspired to start FEW after losing his Czechoslovakian grandfather. His grandfather's family owned a brewery, but when Nazi Germany invaded in 1939, the family was forced to leave behind. Even after the war, they were unable to regain management rights.
At FEW, Henderson said, Hretko is committed to sourcing local ingredients, primarily corn from Indiana, malted barley from Wisconsin and barrels from Minnesota, while continuing his family's traditions. It has been rebuilt.
garage band
Originally from west suburban Riverside, Henderson is primarily into the visual arts, including photography and sculpture. However, his status was due to his work at a cigar store frequented by Hletko.
Most of FEW's team members are also “artists” and, like Henderson, are “teachers in a previous life” who have been trained “from the ground up.”
“That diversity of backgrounds really helps,” Henderson added.
The idea is of a group of laid-back creative types making alcohol in a former automotive “chop shop” — a garage band, if you will — and operating in a location where other distilleries are located. a bit And that in-between seems to be at the heart of the FEW ethos.
While large manufacturers benefit from economies of scale and produce and sell alcoholic beverages at lower prices, craft distillers are carving out niche markets through differentiation and using their own alcoholic spirits to create unique and enjoyable alcoholic beverages. Few companies have proven that they can produce distilleries. a bit High quality ingredients.
“lots of [the distilling process] It’s a sensory thing,” Henderson said. “We know basic chemistry and use our senses of smell and taste to ensure quality control and develop new products.”
Their products have won numerous industry awards and in 2013, Whiskey Advocate Magazine reportedly We named this year's craft whiskey this year's rye whiskey, which has “aromas of tarragon and dry mint spice.''
Ch-Ch-Changes
In 2016, Hletko sold FEW to Samson & Surrey. Samson & Surrey Premium His Craft He cultivated a portfolio of spirits and then Obtained in 2022 by heaven hilla large family-owned distillery located in Kentucky.
The acquisition provided an influx of resources to facilitate necessary structural changes to the bow trusses supporting the distillery's barrel roofs, as well as concrete flooring and electrical work. We also now have access to additional distribution power and marketing knowledge.
It is already available in most of the 50 states, and overseas in South Africa and South Korea. a bit We believe that FEW's brand recognition in each country will further increase.
Unfortunately, under new ownership, FEW unexpectedly lost its ability to host walk-ins.
illinois Liquor Control Act 1934 Permits craft distilleries that do not exceed established annual production limits to have areas where visitors can sample “up to three samples of distilled spirits of 1/4 ounce or less” and purchase the products produced. . site.
Now owned by a major distillery, FEW no longer qualifies for the craft exception, and the emphasis is on direct interaction with customers. It's a shame for the management that was hosting the event. I would be happy to do so again.
FEW will also discontinue its gin line. It simply didn't sell as well as whiskey, Henderson said.
Still, the eclectic playlists flowing throughout the building and collaborations with big-name music artists suggest that FEW remains true to its independent roots.
Remarkably, they flaming lips, alice in chains and black rebel motorcycle club We produce limited release whiskeys with hip custom designed labels.
Another batch, made in partnership with an undisclosed “major 90s alternative rock band” from Chicago, has been bottled and will be released soon. Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon with notes of roasted butternut squash?
If whiskey lovers can't visit the property and tempt their taste buds with a little rye like they sample Pinot Noir in wine country, the question remains: Does FEW's distillery exist in Evanston? What benefits does it bring?
“Tax revenue” echoed in the singer’s voice.
Evanston forever
In fact, the company pays rent, employs staff and works with local contractors. I also like Evanston.
There may be cheaper places to rent industrial warehouse space, but the relationship the city and distillery have here is built on partnerships with Mosaic and engineering consultants. Moshe Calamaro and Associates Its closeness to the city's inspector general and elected officials is central to its identity.
“We never want to leave Evanston because it's such a pivotal point in FEW's history at this point,” Henderson said. “We want to always be producers here, no matter what it looks like in the future.”
In fact, few people may outgrow their alley garage and need to relocate to a larger, more functional space. But when that day comes, you'll likely end up in the renovated building, if not elsewhere locally, where thousands of barrels of spirits are currently aged and bottled.
“We want to take some of the older buildings that we think are beautiful and raw and full of character and keep them alive,” Henderson said.
Anyone thinking of adopting a bit The bottle is Company website Approximately $55, not including shipping and taxes, or available at local retailers.
