Chicago is a city that knows how to have a good time. First, our brewery boom turned us into the country’s craft beer capital. Now, Chicago’s distilleries are carving out their own niche in the local drinking scene. The city is now home to a handful of producers that craft their high-quality spirits in small batches, often using local Midwestern ingredients.
Here are just a few Chicago distilleries where you get a taste of locally made spirits. Cheers!
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
What you’ll find: Maplewood, located down a quiet Logan Square block, is a two-for-one — a neighborhood brewery and distillery, all under one roof. The hybrid spot, the first of its kind in the state, makes both handmade beer and an always-fluid lineup of spirits.
Tasting room: The Lounge exudes a laid-back vibe, with its exposed brick, comfy chairs, and large windows that give guests a sneak peek into the production process. You’ll find their beers on tap, including stouts, pale ales, and IPAs, along with specialty cocktails (including canned varieties) made with Maplewood’s own spirits.
Insider tip: Hungry? Maplewood knows just what pairs best with any type of drink — pizza. Order a “world-class frozen pie” from local favorite spots like Home Run Inn, delivered hot to your table.
KOVAL Distillery
What you’ll find: Chicago’s first distillery since Prohibition, KOVAL crafts organic single-barrel spirits from scratch in the Ravenswood neighborhood. They’re known for their signature style of whiskey and their grain-to-bottle philosophy that’s been passed down through generations.
Tours: Check the schedule for behind-the-scenes tours, capped off with a tasting. KOVAL staff takes their time explaining the differences between their products, the intricacies of distillation, and the beauty of small-batch spirits.
Insider tip: Sign up for one of Koval’s mixology classes or whiskey workshops, plus other fun events like yoga and cocktails.
CH Distillery
What you’ll find: Located in the hip West Loop, CH Distillery fits the vibe of the neighborhood with their industrial-chic lounge. The distillery is known for a variety of artisanal spirits, including their organic vodka made with Illinois grains. This is also the home of Jeppson’s Malört, an iconic Chicago beverage that’s truly a one-of-a-kind taste.
Bar and restaurant: CH is home to a full bar and restaurant, Jinsei Motto, which means you can pair your beverage of choice with fresh sushi dishes. They also offer a full cocktail menu, featuring classic and creative options crafted with spirits and mixers made in-house.
Tours: Check the schedule for tour options that dive into fascinating chemistry of the distilling process and ends with a classic cocktail.
Chicago Distilling Company
What you’ll find: This Chicago Distilling Company is owned and operated by one family who distill, bottle, and package everything by hand in their Logan Square facility. And they keep busy — the distillery produces vodka, gin, single malt whiskey, white whiskey, absinthe, and more.
Tasting room: The tasting room on bustling Milwaukee Avenue serves small-batch spirits crafted on the premises from Illinois grains. They also serve specialty cocktails (like the Chicago Mule) on draft and made to order. You can even grab a bottle (or two) to go.
Insider tip: Play a few games of ping pong on the weekends, or watch a round of bocce on select weekdays.
Insider tip: An added bonus — local favorite Revolution Brewing is just down the street, so you can get a taste of the local beer scene while you’re in the neighborhood.
Rhine Hall Distillery
What you’ll find: At Rhine Hall, brandy is the name of the game. This small West Loop distillery is owned and operated by a father-daughter team who specialize in handcrafted fruit brandies (also known as eau de vie or schnapps). Fruit is sourced from the Great Lakes area, and distilling takes place onsite with no flavorings, sweeteners, or neutral spirits.
Tasting room: The bright and airy tasting room offers tastings, flights, cocktails, and bottles. Take your pick from specialty cocktails made with apple brandy, grape-based grappa, and more
Tours: Take a tour for an inside look at every step of the production process, complete with samples. Or take one of Rhine Hall’s cocktail classes to learn more about the art of mixology.
