Rush Creek Distilling sits on West Diggins Street in Harvard, Illinois, about an hour northwest of Chicago. Founded by Mark and Sherrie Mahoney, this family operation opened its doors in 2014 after Mark transitioned from a career in construction to follow his passion for craft distilling. The couple converted a former industrial building into their production facility and tasting room, creating a space where visitors can watch the distillation process up close. They focus on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, using traditional methods combined with modern equipment to produce spirits that reflect their commitment to quality over quantity. The Mahoneys handle most operations themselves, from mashing and distilling to bottling and serving customers in their tasting room. What started as Mark’s hobby experimenting with different grain bills has evolved into a legitimate distillery that’s become a destination for spirits enthusiasts exploring Illinois craft distilling. The operation remains intentionally small-scale, allowing them to maintain hands-on control over every aspect of production while building personal relationships with visitors who stop by to learn about their process and sample their spirits.