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Touring FEW Distillery in Evanston, Illinois

Just north of Chicago is the quiet suburb of Evanston, Illinois, where FEW Distillery makes whiskey and gin. Evanston is famously the home of the Temperance Movement that eventually led to Prohibition, but thanks to the distillery, it’s starting to get a reputation for alcohol itself. Touring FEW Distillery is an easy day trip from Chicago, and a delicious one at that.

Chicago is notorious for the men who bootlegged alcohol during Prohibition, but what’s lesser known is the women who started Prohibition just north of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. The Temperance Movement had a huge following in Evanston and eventually they pushed to pass Prohibition. Not only did they succeed, Evanston remained dry decades after Prohibition ended . In fact, the first bar didn’t open until 1972!

The Story Behind FEW Distillery

Paul Hletko, the founder of FEW, was inspired to open a distillery to honor his grandfather, who lost his brewery to the Nazis during World War II. As the family’s only survivor of the Holocaust, he tried to get his brewery back after the war with no luck. When he died, Paul realized his legacy would be gone unless he did something about it. So the idea for a craft distillery was born.

Evanston, Illinois, wasn’t the obvious choice for a distillery, but would allow Paul to work close to his family. But that required changing his hometown’s local distilling laws. As a former attorney,  Paul worked to change several of Evanston’s laws regarding craft distilling, zoning, even requiring food to serve alcohol. After a year of working on the legal system, production started at FEW in 2011. It’s now available in 30 countries across four continents.

The Story Behind the FEW Name

The name FEW is often quoted as standing for the initials of one of the Temperance Movement’s biggest advocates, Frances Elizabeth Willard. As President of the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement (among other titles), Frances influenced Prohibition, Women’s Suffrage, and a dozen other social movements. But rumor has it that’s actually a coincidence. The name comes from the fact that the distillery doesn’t make a lot of products, “only a few.” 

While the inspiration for the name is up for discussion, the bottle labels are definitely inspired by Chicago. Designed to mimic woodcut prints, each label depicts a different element of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Grain to Glass… Or is it?

FEW distillery calls itself a Grain to Glass operation, a term used by craft distilleries to imply majority of the production is done on site. There’s no legal definition, but it usually means everything from growing the grain to bottling the alcohol happens in the same spot. But at FEW, grain is shipped in from Canada, Idaho, or Montana (depending on the type) and arrives milled.

So the grains aren’t from Illinois, but they are distilled and barreled there. Each product has a different mashbill at FEW Distillery that are then distilled in either the hybrid stills (FEW has two) or the column still that’s so tall it protrudes through the roof.

The resulting whiskey goes into 53-gallon Minnesota white oak barrels (recently upgraded from smaller barrels in 2019) and aged in 3 different warehouses in Evanston. The temperature-controlled warehouses mimic the dramatic Illinois weather, just not as drastically. (After last year’s 160-degree temperature swing in 6 months, can you blame them?!)

FEW Whiskey

I always appreciate when brands offer as much information about their spirits as possible. Unfortunately, FEW’s website doesn’t provide a lot of details, but they were more upfront during the tour. FEW’s core line includes three types of whiskey (bourbon, rye, and single malt) plus a blend , called American Whiskey. All bottled at 46.5% ABV, none of the whiskeys have age statements.

Like many craft distilleries, FEW experiments with different releases, including single barrels, on a regular basis. The distillery tasting features their core line, which is widely available.

FEW Bourbon :: The high corn mashbill (70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% barley) has notes of cloves, caramel, and vanilla on the nose; with caramel and toffee notes layered with young heat on the palate.

FEW Rye :: Flipped for the rye, the mashbill is 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% barley. There are interesting earthy, herbal notes on the nose, with malt and spice; and fruity notes on the palate, with spice and fresh orange.

FEW American Whiskey :: Few’s American Whiskey is a blend of 47% bourbon, 47% rye, and cherrywood smoked malt. The nose is very corn forward, with apples, vanilla, and brown sugar notes. There are spicy, hot notes on the palate, with caramel, more apples, black pepper, and nutmeg.

FEW Single Malt :: Made from smoked and un-smoked malted barley, FEW ages their single malt in used rye and bourbon barrels and cherrywood barrels. There’s heavy malt and nutty notes on the nose, with a tiny bit of smoke. The palate has red apple and chocolate notes, with some dusty spice.

In addition to whiskey, FEW makes three different kinds of gin, including an aged version. They use different botanicals for each one, placing them directly in the still in what is essentially a giant tea bag. To avoid contaminating whiskey flavors, they reserve one still specifically for gin production.

Each gin varies by ABV: Breakfast gin (42% ABV), American gin (40% ABV), and Barrel Gin (46%). Aged for 8 months in used rye and bourbon barrels plus unused white oak, the Barrel Gin is darker in color, with smoky, charred wood notes.

Several gins and whiskeys have won awards locally and internationally, and I’ve spotted their bottles as far away at Italy! So it seems they’re well on their way to change Evanston’s alcohol reputation.

How to Tour FEW Distillery

If you’re interested in touring FEW Distillery, tours are offered Thursday – Sunday for $10/person. Tours fill up, so book reservations beforehand online here . The Tasting Room is open Thursdays and Friday for cocktails, tastings, and purchasing bottles.  Few Distillery is located down a small alley and is really easy to miss!

FEW Distillery is a great place to learn more about FEW spirits and their production, but it’s not the most informative or picturesque craft distillery I’ve ever visited. But if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth stopping in. Or you can take a short detour from Chicago. (It’s easily accessible from the red/purple L lines and just a few minute walk off the station.)

After the tour, if you want more whiskey, check out Whiskey Thief Tavern . They have hundreds of whiskeys, great cocktails, and excellent food. (Get the spicy chicken served in waffle cones!)

Related :: Whiskey Acres Distillery in Illinois , MGP Distillery in Indiana , and J. Henry Whiskey in Wisconsin

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FEW Spirits

918 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202

Distilleries

Gin & whiskey distillery with an old-world industrial-hip vibe, offering tours & a tasting room.

In a world chock-full of mass-produced spirits, only few remain truly handcrafted, and small-batched. FEW Spirits are a new take on timeless distilling techniques, and transcend the oft-ordinary taste we’ve all grown accustomed to. Distilled from the very best grains, aged to perfection, and bottled under one roof, FEW remains in worthy hands until distribution. Join us for a walkthrough of our distillery, learn the history of liquors in Evanston and enjoy a generous tasting of our award-winning spirits.

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FEW Bourbon Whiskey

In-depth review.

Classification:  Bourbon

Company:  FEW Spirits LLC

Distillery:  FEW Spirits

Released:  Ongoing

Proof:  93

Age:  Less than 4 Years

Mashbill:  70% Corn, 20% Northern Rye, 10% 2-Row Malt

Color:   Deep Reddish Copper

MSRP:  $50 (2017)

Official Website

FEW Spirits was founded in 2011 by Paul Hletko. The distillery is located outside of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. The name is taken from Frances Elizabeth Willard’s initials, an historical figure who made Evanston the home of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Ironically, Frances was a staunch supporter of prohibition and was one of many who played part in ensuring Evanston remained a dry city beginning in 1855 and finally ending in 1972. The company currently produces four spirits - Bourbon Whiskey, Barrel Gin, Rye Whiskey, and American Gin. FEW Bourbon is aged in small barrels ranging in size from 5 to 30 gallons. The barrels are made from Minnesota oak which has a shorter growth season and tighter grain than other types of oak. The bottle in review is Batch # 5/14, Barrel # 13-339, Bottle # 118. This information is handwritten on the side of the bottle along with the distiller’s signature.

Cherries, rich caramel, and seasoned wood mingle with burnt brown sugar and other scents I can’t quite zero in on. This complex array of scents is wrapped in young grains and balanced with a light spicy burn. Even though it’s rough around the edges, it’s actually quite enjoyable and not a turn-off considering how obviously young it comes off. It’s an odd mix of wonderfully interesting and strangely inviting, yet obviously under-aged.

Big corn and spice upfront. The graininess becomes much more evident here and it starts to take a turn for the worst. Bits of caramel and vanilla tease through, but whatever potentially good flavors that were noticed on the nose are overpowered by grain and alcohol.

The downhill momentum continues into the finish. It becomes bitter, tannic, and almost sour. Hints of oak and a light sweetness are present, but overpowered by the tannic flavors. It ends on its lowest note.

The interesting aspect about craft bourbons is each is unique in its own right. FEW is no exception. While I personally dislike the flavor of this particular bourbon, I will also say I don’t have anything else in my cabinet that tastes like it. It has the potential to be a far better bourbon if it could spend more time in the barrel to smooth out the rough edges and allow the complexity noticed on the nose to show through into the palate and finish. Alternatively, maybe the smaller barrels used for aging are bringing in too many tannins, and FEW should just move to larger barrels and longer aging altogether to allow this bourbon’s real potential to show through. Despite the lack of any specific evidence of a difference in flavor profile created by Minnesota oak, it is something not otherwise discussed by other distilleries and likely has an impact on the final flavor. Moreover, it’s evident that FEW takes care in controlling their process right down to the wood used to make their barrels which is a promising sign from an exciting upstart distillery that seems to be doing just about everything right.

Value is tricky when it comes to craft whiskeys. As you may have noticed, we don’t review too many limited distribution craft whiskeys and instead focus on whiskeys with widespread distribution, which is somewhat by design. It’s not that we don’t appreciate locally-distributed craft, in fact, it’s the opposite. We prefer to write up distillery tours and talk in a general sense, as we understand take-off can be a little bumpy and these craft distillers are working with what they have - limited budgets, limited time to age and bring to market, their own learning process, etc. While some of the largest distilleries can deliver pretty decent 4 year-old plus bourbons for under $20, that is obviously not the mark we set for craft distillers and as a result, reviews of new and highly limited distribution craft whiskeys may come across unnecessarily harsh when, in fact, we really do support the craft movement. Like a number of other craft distillers FEW Spirits has achieved fairly widespread distribution, so a comparison with mainstream competition is arguably fair. FEW Rye received the Craft Whiskey of the Year in 2013 from Whiskey Advocate and was scooped off the shelves immediately - although I haven’t tasted it yet I still have my hopes up. Whether FEW Rye can compete nationally is not the topic here though, the whiskey in review is FEW Bourbon. In order to appreciate this one I think you’ll need to have a connection with the distillery in some way, no different than many other craft spirits and in that case it will feel fairly priced. Without that connection though it’s just another $50 bottle of bourbon amongst many others. It's flavor profile is just too rough and under-developed to warrant its price or ability to fairly compete with other widely distributed bourbons in the $50 price range.

FEW Bourbon Whiskey is a rough-around-the-edges downhill ride from nose to finish - a surprise from a distillery surrounded by overwhelmingly positive accolades and a product with fairly widespread availability.

FEW Spirits is a well respected upstart craft distillery with positive accolades surrounding them. I’m excited to visit them someday and sample the rest of their spirits. Unfortunately, the cause for widespread distribution of FEW Bourbon Whiskey is not justified by the taste of the spirit within the bottle. It’s young, rough, and I feel it’s possible the demands of widespread distribution may have caused FEW to sacrifice the quality of the end product here in order to bring it to market faster. I would like to have seen this bourbon aged longer or in larger barrels as it shows a great deal of promise, with a complex and interesting nose and incredibly deep color considering the age and proof. Unfortunately, without a flavor profile to back it up, I’m now quite hesitant to purchase another FEW product without taste-testing first. After I wrote my review I looked around and noticed most reviews are positive for this one, with my opinion in the minority. I definitely see the potential, but the end result just isn’t there for me. Maybe it’s my batch or just my palate. Despite that, I still think it’s a risk at its price point and one that I’d recommend sampling before making a purchase. I also noticed a fairly dense amount of particulate in my bottle when held up to the light. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but something I rarely notice and it was extensively more dense than any other bottle I compared it with. I’m curious if this is an anomaly or consistent with other FEW bottlings.

Written By: Nick Beiter

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Forbes Travel Guide Stories

The Top 10 American Whiskey Distilleries To Tour Now By Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Sarah White

April 11, 2012

Whiskey-only bars, tasting flights and $100-plus pours are more common than ever, but to become a real whiskey connoisseur you need to learn the liquor making process from the inside. We rounded up the country’s top 10 whiskey distilleries where you can tour the facilities, learn about mashbills and barrel woods and discover what gives your favorite label its distinct flavor, whether its rye or single malt, blended or bourbon.

1. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, Mount Vernon, Va. Our first president likely wet his whistle on some of the whiskey his own distillery produced after its founding in 1797. Restored and reopened in 2006, it now bottles an un-aged white Rye whiskey and a barrel-aged (in charred American oak) whiskey using historically accurate techniques. (For example, it hand-chop logs for wood stoves that heat the stills). Demand outstrips supply here — spirits are on sale just twice a year, with only a few hundred bottles to each batch. Tour the 18th-century distillery year-round.

Stay: The distillery is an easy 16-mile drive from the nation’s capital, and a stay at the luxurious and intimate Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Jefferson Hotel Washington, D.C. will give you a stylish place to retreat to where you can sample even more fine liquors at the cozy Quill bar.

Stay: Experience Southern hospitality at its finest at Five-Star Hermitage Hotel in historic downtown Nashville , 75 miles northwest of the distillery and in the center of the city’s music scene. The hotel can arrange for a private luxury car to transport you to and from Jack Daniel’s.

3. St. George Spirits, Alameda, Calif. Originally founded as an eau de vie (fruit brandy) distillery 30 years ago, St. George now produces two whiskey labels at its location in a former airplane hangar near San Francisco . See the huge collection of copper pots and aging barrels during free tours offered on weekends. In the tasting room, sample St. George Single Malt whiskey, made from roasted and smoked barley spirits, and the well-known Breaking & Entering Bourbon, blended and aged onsite from a selection of Kentucky bourbons.

Stay: The distillery is a quick cab ride across San Francisco Bay from The St. Regis San Francisco . Decorated in sleek creams and dark woods, the Five-Star hotel has contemporary art installations that echo the vibrant museum and shopping districts just beyond its doors.

Stay: About 20 miles southwest of Woodinville is downtown Seattle ’s The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The Four-Star hotel has unique 1920’s Italian Renaissance architecture and top-notch service just a stroll away from Pike Place Market.

5. High West Distillery & Saloon, Park City, Utah . You can practically ski right into the tasting rooms in the restored mining-era home in Old Town Park City , located just blocks from some of Park City Resort’s ski runs. A 250-gallon copper pot is visible from the street through floor-to-ceiling windows, and here you can learn how whiskey is made in small batches before sampling a few of the 12 labels offered, including a barrel-aged Manhattan called The 36th Vote (in honor of Utah’s role in repealing Prohibition). Whiskeys run the gamut from 12-year old barrel-aged ryes to un-aged western oat “silver whiskeys.” Free afternoon tours are available daily by reservation.

Stay: The Five-Star Stein Eriksen Lodge is two miles away in the luxury resort community of Deer Valley. The clubby-classic wood décor, majestic fireplaces, heated sidewalks and outdoor activities keep the mountain magic alive year round.

6. Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Ky. All bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons: A trip to Buffalo Trace in Kentucky’s Bourbon County will help you decode this riddle once and for all (hint: bourbon must be made from at least 51 percent corn). Its century-old warehouses are open for free hourly tours Monday through Saturday, winding through the reportedly haunted distillery and barrel-aging facility before finishing up with tastes of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and chocolate bourbon balls. Take it up a notch (but be prepared to pay) with tastes of aged Pappy Van Winkle or George T. Stagg, also bottled here.

Stay: The 90-room 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville doubles as a contemporary art museum and cultural center in the heart of the historic downtown, about 55 miles west of Buffalo Trace.

Stay: Combine a visit to Woodford Reserve with one to Buffalo Trace (about 11 miles north) for a fun, whiskey-filled day trip. Be sure to try 21c Museum Hotel’s restaurant, Proof on Main.

8. Balcones Distillery, Waco, Texas If the idea of whiskey made from 100 percent roasted blue corn intrigues you, visit the Balcones Distillery and try to decipher its super-secret method of smoking liquid whiskey. Founder and head distiller Chip Tate’s crafted and installed the copper still onsite in 2009, and a factory tour gets you an up-close look at every step of the double distillation and aging process. Round off your tour with a sampling of lightly aged Baby Blue and the rich True Blue corn whiskey in the barrel-lined tasting room.

Stay: Book a suite at the Four-Star Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek , about 100 miles north of the distillery, to mimic the measured pace of Balcones’ deliberate methodology. Located in a charming residential neighborhood along a winding, wooded creek, the hotel boasts elegant Italianate architecture and a gracious, welcoming staff.

9. RoughStock Distillery, Bozemon, Mont. This distillery uses local water from mountain-fed streams and Montana-grown wheat, barley and corn to produce its five labels, including un-aged sweet corn white whiskey and a barley whiskey bottled at cask strength (undiluted after barrel aging). Tours of Roughstock are half-day volunteer “bottling parties,” where visitors are put to work filling and labeling bottles before hitting the tasting room. Plan ahead, as the working tours are only offered three Saturdays a month.

Stay: Make a day trip to the distillery from the ultimate glamping destination, The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Mont., a hilly retreat on the Blackfoot River that offers upscale safari-style tent camping from May though September.

10. Tuthilltown Spirits, Gardiner, New York . As one of very few whiskey distilleries in the state, Tuthilltown made a splash when it produced New York’s first bourbon in 2006 — Hudson Baby Bourbon, a 100 percent corn, single-grain spirit that’s aged in oak barrels. Here you can taste five different labels including an aged rye, a white dog whiskey and a four-grain bourbon. Visit the 220-year-old gristmill on Friday through Sunday for tours to see batches labeled by hand, or visit in fall when harvest season sends distillerymen out into nearby rye fields.

Stay: Nestled in the Catskills, Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper — 35 miles north of Tuthilltown — is a country retreat that puts visitors in the center of a thriving summer art festival scene.

One to watch: WhistlePig Farm, Shoreham, Vt. While not yet an actual distillery, this restored Vermont farm is where hand-selected whiskey blends become WhistlePig Straight Rye under the direction of master distiller Dave Pickerell (he honed his craft at Maker’s Mark). WhistlePig Farm is growing high-quality grain for future blends and storing both oak and used bourbon barrels full of 100 percent rye spirits — aged for 10 years before bottling — for its 100 proof rye. Tours are scheduled to start up this fall.

Stay: The countryside takes a starring role during a stay at Five-Star Twin Farms in Barnard, Vt., with secluded private cabins decorated in different themes, from Moroccan to Scandinavian. From here, it’s a picturesque 60-mile drive on bucolic mountain roads to WhistlePig Farm.

Photos courtesy of Jack Daniel Distillery, Woodinville Whiskey Co. and Woodford Reserve.

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Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

While the retro kitsch alone is worth embarking on the 2,000-mile drive, these convienently placed distilleries and bars are sure to get you in the american spirit. grab a friend—or a designated driver—and hit the road..

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Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

Driving the entirety of Route 66 is a formidable achievement, but not exactly off-the-beaten-path—the legendary king of American road trips covers exceedingly well-covered ground. Shake things up by combining one great American pastime with another: whiskey. There’s never been a better time to take a whiskey road trip; according to the American Craft Spirits Association, there are now approximately 1,600 craft distilleries operating across the country.

Carve your way through the spirit’s source—those famous amber waves of grain—and get a firsthand taste at distilleries conveniently dotting the historic route, all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles. (Over time, most of the famed highway has been replaced by interstates, so you’ll see more signs for I-55 and I-40 than you will for U.S. 66.) And remember, hit the road before you hit the distilleries on this whiskey-themed Route 66 road trip.

The tasting room at FEW Spirits

Courtesy of FEW Spirits

Starting point: Chicago, IL

Start your journey just 10 miles north of Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. The one-time seat of the temperance movement is now home to one of the leading craft whiskey distilleries in the United States, FEW Spirits . Tours and tastings are held Wednesday through Sunday, and a range of whiskeys are available, including bourbon, rye, and single malt. FEW’s founder Paul Hletko suggests stocking your motel room at Binny’s in Chicago, one of the country’s leading whiskey retailers, then heading to everyone’s favorite dive bar, Delilah’s , which serves more than 800 whiskeys. Other Chicago distilleries to check out include Quincy Street Distillery and KOVAL .

First stop: St. Louis, MO

Cruise 300 miles down what is now known as I-55 to St. Louis, Missouri. Be sure to take your obligatory photo of the Gateway Arch, then make your way to StilL 630 for a few refreshments. The “630” in the distillery’s name is a nod to the arch’s height, and you’ll notice that you can’t spell “still” (or “distill,” for that matter) without “StL.” The distillery is best-known for its rye whiskey but also produces bourbon, single malt, and a range of flavored whiskeys. Owner David Weglarz leads tours on the weekends; they’re popular, so you should book online in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. If you’re still thirsty after the tour, head to the nearby Square One , a brewery and distillery with a full lineup of pub fare.

Second stop: Springfield, MO

Springfield, Missouri , is only about 200 miles southwest on I-44. Directly in your path, however, just an hour outside of St. Louis, is Bourbon, Missouri . According to the town’s official history, yes, it is named for bourbon whiskey, although there are no distilleries to visit here. But this is a whiskey road trip, so it’s worth stopping to take a photo of the town sign.

Another 90 minutes down the road is a second potential detour: the town of Lebanon. It’s home to a Route 66 Museum and one of the bourbon industry’s most prominent cooperages, the Independent Stave Company , which works with big-name brands like Jim Beam and Buffalo Trace. Alas, it doesn’t offer public tours, but perhaps another photo is in order.

Finish the drive to Springfield and disembark at Missouri Spirits , producers of bourbon and corn whiskey. Sample its wares in a cocktail—the “Bluebird” is a particularly tasty concoction made with blueberry-infused corn whiskey, fresh lemonade, and a house cherry cordial—served at the full bar and restaurant.

Third stop: Tulsa, OK

Stay on I-44 for an easy three-hour drive, and you’ll arrive in Tulsa , Oklahoma, home to Red Fork Distillery , located directly on the old Route 66. Red Fork produces whiskey and white spirits and became Tulsa’s first distillery since Prohibition when it opened at the end of 2017.

Unfortunately, state law blocks distilleries from selling or sampling on-site, although the legislation will be partially loosening by October. To quench your thirst, sample Red Fork and other local whiskeys from the well-appointed list at Valkyrie . There are also plenty of classic Route 66 diversions to check out while you’re in Tulsa, like Totem Pole Park and the Blue Whale.

The team at Prairie Wolf Spirits in Guthrie, Oklahoma

Courtesy of Prairie Wolf Spirits

Fourth stop: Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City is only another 100 miles due west on I-44, and this stretch of Route 66 is dotted with kitschy stops such as the wacky Pops 66 Soda , purveyors of a staggering 700 soft drinks, the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum , and the Milk Bottle Grocery building, named for the huge metallic milk bottle that has adorned its roof for the past 80 years.

Just outside of OKC, in Moore , you’ll find Scissortail Distillery , which is run by a team of combat veterans and produces Leadslingers Bourbon and Fighting Spirit Rye.

In Guthrie, about half an hour north of OKC, Prairie Wolf Spirits offers gin, vodka, and coffee liqueur in addition to M Whiskey, its blend of bourbon and rye. It also has an exciting sorghum rum release on the way, with sorghum sourced from the Seminole Nation.

As in Tulsa, distilleries here are hamstrung by Oklahoma state laws, so head to OKC’s Stag Lounge , a cigar lounge and cocktail bar, to taste some of its 350 whiskeys, or Power House , for a cocktail and a bite.

Fifth stop: Amarillo, TX

Back on the road, 250 westward miles on I-40 lands you in Amarillo, Texas. It’s an ideal stopping point, but there are no distilleries here, so give your liver some rest and dive deep into Americana. Amarillo is home to the Route 66 Sixth Street Historic District, which is lined with a dozen notable buildings and historic sites to see as well as plenty of shops and restaurants. There may be no distillery here, but this doesn’t have to be a completely dry stop: Don’t miss the aptly named Whiskey River .

Sixth stop: Albuquerque, NM

Keep heading west on I-40 for another 300 miles and you’ll find yourself in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Get a true taste of the Southwest with the New Mexico Blue Corn Whiskey at Left Turn Distilling . Named for the Bugs Bunny “shoulda taken a left turn at Albuquerque” gag, Left Turn offers tours Tuesday through Saturday.

At Broken Trail Spirits you can get hands-on in the production of your own micro-batch of whiskey; the team will mature the resulting five-liter barrel in their warehouse for you until its ready to drink. (It’s the perfect excuse to plan a second visit down the road to pick up your barrel.)

Then head to The Hangar , a beer and liquor shop inside the Historic El Rey Theater building. Behind the shop’s faux freezer-room door, a fingerprint scanner unlocks access to the hidden basement whiskey bar dubbed Braise. The members-only club does take reservations from nonmembers for a few hours in the early evening on weeknights; be sure to snag a spot ahead of time.

Second-to-last stop: Flagstaff, AZ

You’ve been close friends with I-40 for days already, so why say good-bye now? Stick with your pal for another 325 miles west until you reach Flagstaff, Arizona. About 30 minutes outside of town, you’ll find Grand Canyon Brewery , which just added a distillery component to its successful brewpub. The young distillery currently offers white spirits and an unaged corn whiskey, but bourbon and single malt whiskey are on the way.

Consider stopping for a few drams at the Uptown Pubhouse , which has several hundred whiskeys on offer, or try the Annex Cocktail Lounge , which incorporates its quality whiskey selection into can’t-miss craft cocktails. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the 20-foot tall lumberjack now residing outside the Skydome at Northern Arizona University; the Route 66 icon initially stood at the Paul Bunyan Cafe.

Kicking back with Walton Goggins in the Mullholland Room might be the best way to end a Route 66 road trip.

Courtesy of Mulholland Room

Final stop: Los Angeles, CA

Last but certainly not least is the longest stretch of your journey. A final 450-mile push takes you from I-40 to I-15 and finally puts you on I-10, heading straight into the City of Angels. After that kind of drive, you’ll need a drink, so plan ahead and secure a reservation at Mulholland Distilling’s new Mulholland Room in the Arts District. The space is open for private events and small group meet-and-greets and hangouts.

Maybe you’ll get to meet actor and co-owner Walton Goggins, who is known for unforgettable roles on shows including Justified and The Shield . After resting up for the night, you may want to hit the beach and enjoy the L.A. sunshine before heading to Greenbar Distillery to enjoy a tour, a tasting, and a hands-on cocktail class offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Because sometimes the best way to ensure you get the cocktail you need after a 2,000-mile road trip is to make it yourself.

>>Next: America’s Best Drinking City Isn’t Where You Think It Is

FEW Spirits

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

• Main • 3 min walk
• Dempster • 10 min walk

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FEW SPIRITS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Mon - Sat 14:00 - 17:00
• (0.74 mi) Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
• (1.47 mi) Lang House Chicago
• (0.82 mi) Graduate Evanston
• (0.66 mi) Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston, an IHG Hotel
• (0.11 mi) Ideal Evanston 2BR w/ Deck & Gym, walk to Lee Beach, by Blueground
• (0.11 mi) Lucky Platter
• (0.06 mi) Cross-Rhodes Restaurant
• (0.08 mi) Trattoria D.O.C.
• (0.11 mi) Oceanique
• (0.08 mi) La Principal

Thirty-One Whiskey

Independent and impartial reviews of the best (and worst) spirits on the shelf.

Whiskey Review: Few Spirits Rye Whiskey

Previously here at Thirty One Whiskey, we reviewed the bourbon from Few Spirits in the Chicago area, Few is much more than a one trick pony. They also produce a rye whiskey with the same focus on local ingredients and craft distilling. Since we’re big fans of their bourbon, we were pretty excited to check out more of their offerings — and let’s just say, they didn’t disappoint.

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• Behind the Barrels: Distillery Visit with FEW Spirits

Evanston, located just north of Chicago, was the birthplace of the temperance movement that spawned Prohibition in the United States. For nearly a century following the end of prohibition the city continued to maintain some of the most restrictive laws regarding the sale and consumption of spirits, but all of that  started changing in 2001 .

Paul Hletko didn’t start out in the distillery business. Engineer, patent attorney, and rock and roll band member, Paul took a rather unconventional route to the whiskey business. According to Paul, the biggest inspiration for his turn to distilled spirits came from his grandfather, who owned a large brewery in Poland prior to the outbreak of World War II. Paul’s grandfather was forced to flee the country and spent the rest of his life unsuccessfully fighting to get it back. That determination and love for alcoholic beverages was a family tradition Paul wanted to continue.

Between 2001 and 2011, Paul was instrumental in getting the laws changed in Evanston to allow for alcohol distribution and production to resume. The path now clear,  he opened his very own distillery called Few Spirits  dedicated to doing things right: in-house production using local ingredients.

• Learn More: What's the Difference Between Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch, and Rye?

Few Spirits’ rye whiskey starts as a dry mix of 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% “two row” malted barley (which is a regional variety of barley). Interestingly, this is pretty much just an inverse of the grain bill from their bourbon, which uses 70% corn instead — but keeps the malted barley content the same. That grain bill is fermented using a specific form of yeast that’s typically used in the production of saison beer (a typically lighter and crisper form of beer).

The fermented mash is distilled on-site and barreled in charred new oak barrels, where it sits for a minimum of one year before being bottled.

I think this packaging is perfect for Chicago.

It feels like the bottle is designed to pair perfectly with the Wrigley Building or the Tribune Tower, neo-gothic structures that bring you straight back to the 1920’s. The bottle is rectangular with flat sides, a sharply tapering shoulder, and a short neck.

On the front and back of the bottle are full size labels in the same style of the 1920’s with monotone printing and old fashioned type face. The label isn’t too busy or over stated, but instead has just enough artwork to make it interesting.

I’m usually the first person to complain about a label taking up the entire space of the bottle and not letting the whiskey show through, but I think this actually works better with the larger label. It’s a great homage to the history of the area, and I can still see a decent amount of the spirit itself around the edges and sides.

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten this specific aroma before, but what’s coming off the glass can best be described as a couple of cocktail cherries on a cedar board. Exposed to the air for a bit, those strains start to be more individually recognizable with some vanilla in there, a bit of cinnamon, and brown sugar rounding it out (in addition to the aforementioned cherries).

Taking a sip of this whiskey is more like taking a big bite out of a slice of rye bread. Those grains and the peppery spice are large and in charge throughout the experience, with some honey mixed in for sweetness. It’s smooth, delicious, and leaves a bit of that spice lingering well after the whiskey has disappeared.

Normally with a bit of ice, you expect the more delicate flavors to drop out of the running, leaving only the strong behind. But in this case, the only thing that happens is that there’s a little less emphasis on the peppery spice.

The rye bread flavor is there in all of its goodness, and the sweetness of the honey remains in its delicious supporting role. If anything, there’s a little more vanilla flavor coming through from the aging process in those wood barrels.

Cocktail (Old Fashioned)

Interestingly, this doesn’t need quite the level of sweetness that you’d usually put into the cocktail. A little less sugar goes a long way.

Otherwise, the drink is great. The cherry flavor is a great addition to the honey and rye bread, and the sweet honey notes balance out the bitterness in the bitters with ease. And, to top it all off, the peppery spice of the rye adds some complexity that’s enjoyable and delicious.

Fizz (Mule)

Normally, a rye whiskey or a rye heavy bourbon is something that does amazingly well in a mule. And in this case it’s still a hit, but it’s not quite as well-performing here as some other spirits in its category and class.

In general, all of the components are there. The vanilla and honey balance out the bitterness, there’s some added depth from the rye bread, and that traditional peppery spice adds something to the finish that you don’t see with another spirit. The issue I have is that this is a pretty straight rye, and so there’s not really anything else it brings to the party. Some of the other spirits we’ve reviewed bring a fruity flavor or something else to bear… but with this rye, what you see is what you get.

Overall Rating

This is a great rye whiskey. It’s got some amazing packaging, the flavor is on point, and overall the experience is well worth the price of admission. I think the Hudson Manhattan Rye is still going to remain my gold standard for what can be done with a rye whiskey, but this is a damn fine example in its own right.

Overall Rating: 4/5 Few spirits can make something this good.

One comment

I usually don’t care for Whiskey reviews, but I liked this one. I’ve bn curious abt FEW Rye for awhile. Just picked up my 1st bottle yesterday. I can’t write as eloquent a review as this author (he obviously has a more developed pallet & nose than I do). I can say I agree w/him 100%. Simply put, (with 1/2 an ice cube)…it has a pleasant aroma, the sweetness is forward if you let it sit on the tongue for a bit, the spice is on the back end. I’d call it a “soft Rye” as it has sweetness (even a Cherry flavor the review describes), but that in NO way makes it un-enjoyable. FEW Rye is a hit & I’ll be back for more!!!

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The Trace Tour

The Trace Tour is an incredible introduction to the history and science of bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery. You will walk amidst the path of rolling bourbon barrels. You will be captivated by the alluring smell and atmosphere of bourbon sleeping inside the aging warehouses. Our engaging tour guides can teach guests of all levels and will bring the story of Buffalo Trace to life.

The Trace Tour is open to all ages and is ADA accessible.

All tours are complimentary and include a tasting of some of our award-winning products.

Reservations are required.

Tour Details

Tour sizes are limited. Check availability of all tours by time and date. 

The Trace Tour leaves at least hourly or more frequently as needed. 

Due to limited quantities of our whiskeys, we only offer a few brands for tasting and purchasing in our Visitor Center.   Learn More

Tour & Tasting

113 Great Buffalo Trace, 

Frankfort, KY 40601

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tours & Tastings

Distillery hours.

Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is closed Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.  

Gift Shop Hours

Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Photography Guidelines

Click here to view information on our Photography Guidelines

Driving Directions

Other tours you might like.

Old Taylor Tour

Botanical Gardens Tour

Taste of the Trace

Hard Hat Tour

National Historic Landmark Tour

Put-in Tours

• See all photos

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Put-in Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Experience Idaho’s Craft Distilleries

Sara Sheehy worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.

Idaho’s craft distilleries combine time-honored technique, quality ingredients, and innovation to distill whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, rum, and brandy.

Here’s a sampling of Idaho’s craft distilleries, what they make, and where you can find a taste.

Up North Distillery

Open since 2015,  Up North Distillery  is focused on small batch, “farm to flask” production. The distillery recently scored three gold medals at the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition, including two medals for their flagship Honey Spirits.

The Up North Distillery bar in Post Falls serves artisan cocktails using its own spirits and others from throughout the Northwest. Local beer and wine are also available.

Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery

Bardenay , founded in Boise in 1999, was the nation’s first restaurant distillery. Now with locations in Boise, Eagle and Coeur d’Alene, Bardenay serves handcrafted cocktails from the liquor they distill on site.

Head into one of the three restaurant locations to sip on a drink made with their signature gin, rum or vodka. Try the Bardenay House Martini, a perennial favorite.

Grand Teton Distillery

Chilly mountain water is a key ingredient at  Grand Teton Distillery . Grand Teton makes award-winning potato vodka from ingredients sourced within 25 miles of the distillery.

Swing by Driggs for a tour and samples of their vodka and whiskey. While you’re there ask about Born and Bred Vodka, a spirit made in collaboration with actor Channing Tatum.

Warfield Distillery

The owners of  Warfield Distillery & Brewery  in Ketchum produce gin, vodka, and beer on-site at their popular restaurant. Warfield’s “coming soon” list includes whiskey and apple brandy.

Pair a cocktail made from No Return Gin with one of Warfield’s upscale food offerings, served on a rooftop deck with a view of Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain.

Koenig Distillery

Koenig Distillery  is known for its dry and aromatic fruit brandy. Owner Andrew Koenig learned the art of distilling fruit brandies in Austria and returned to the Gem State with a dream of producing brandy utilizing Idaho ingredients.

All brandies are created with fruit from the Koenig estate orchard or local farmers then aged for two years or more. In addition to brandy, Koenig Distillery produces vodka and whiskey. The Caldwell tasting room is open daily.

Sara Sheehy seeks adventure in the mountains of Idaho and beyond. She is the founder of  Camp Academy , an online beginner’s guide to camping and hiking.

Published on January 25, 2018

Charli XCX performance of 'C'est La Vie' featuring Union Jacks goes viral for all the wrong reasons

Irish Twitter is not happy, after a clip of Charli XCX has resurfaced online showing a few major blunders.

The 2018 episode of Lip Sync Battle shows the star performing B*Witched's classic 1998 hit 'C'est La Vie'.

While the singer was in good spirits and put on a great show, attention was soon turned to the backing dancers who were dressed in Union Jack dresses. More dancers were dressed as the Queen's guards.

Chrissy Teigen , a judge on the show, was also dressed up as the Queen of England.

To add insult to injury given the controversial history between England and Ireland, the dancers broke out into a poor attempt of Irish dancing.

"Charli XCX lipsyncing to c’est la vie by b*witched surrounded by UNION JACKS is the eighth deadly sin," one user wrote while sharing a snippet online.

She went on to defend the star, writing: "I do feel the need to clarify here that I would still die for Charli XCX, american producers did her dirty."

Another humoured: "Looks like they planned to do a Spice Girls song and changed last minute."

A third joked: "Why wasn’t she arrested for this?"

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee also chimed in, simply tweeting: "I have some notes."

Comedian and actress Aisling Bea responded to Lisa’s tweet pondering: "Eh… wha? Textbook example of a researcher claiming to be Irish-American. It gets worse with every watch."

"Pretty sure this contravenes the Good Friday Agreement," drag queen Panti Bliss penned.

The resurfaced clip comes after the star was trending online for her joint tour with Troye Sivan.

The tour will kick off on 14 September in Detroit before heading to the likes of Toronto, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville and Atlanta.

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