CRAFT DISTILLERY

Ch Distillery

Chicago,
Illinois
— Vodka, Bourbon, Gin, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (312) 707-8780
🌐 https://chdistillery.com/
📍 1629 S Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

CH Distillery sits in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood at 1629 S Clinton Street, occupying a converted industrial space that feels authentically urban. Founded in 2012 by Tremaine Atkinson, the distillery emerged from his passion for craft spirits and desire to bring artisan distilling to Chicago. The 8,000-square-foot facility houses both production equipment and a sleek tasting room that doubles as a cocktail bar, making it one of Chicago’s early craft distillery pioneers. Atkinson, who previously worked in finance, spent years researching distillation techniques before launching CH Distillery with the goal of creating premium spirits using local ingredients whenever possible. The operation started small but has grown into a significant player in Chicago’s craft spirits scene. Head distiller Tremaine oversees production on custom copper stills, focusing on small-batch runs that emphasize quality and innovation. The team sources grains from Midwest farms and uses Chicago’s municipal water, filtered through their proprietary system. Visitors find themselves in a modern industrial setting where you can watch production happening behind glass walls while sipping cocktails made from the same spirits being distilled feet away. The space balances working distillery functionality with sophisticated hospitality—you’re not just touring a facility, you’re experiencing an active craft spirits operation. CH has earned recognition for both their spirits and their visitor experience, establishing themselves as a legitimate destination for spirits enthusiasts and curious locals alike.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

CH Distillery stands out for being one of Chicago’s first licensed distilleries since Prohibition, helping revive the city’s distilling heritage in a neighborhood known more for tacos than bourbon. Their copper pot still setup allows for precise control over small batches, and they’ve developed proprietary mash bills that showcase Midwest grains differently than traditional Kentucky approaches. The facility operates as both production distillery and cocktail destination, so you’re drinking spirits that were literally made in the room next door. Their location in Pilsen gives them an authentic Chicago industrial vibe that feels genuine rather than manufactured, and they’ve built relationships with local grain suppliers to create a truly regional product.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll walk into a sleek tasting room where floor-to-ceiling windows let you watch the actual distillation process happening in real time. The space feels like a modern cocktail bar that happens to have a working distillery attached—which is exactly what it is. Tours take you through their production area where you can see the custom copper stills up close and learn about their grain-to-glass process. The staff knows their products inside and out and can explain everything from mash bill specifics to barrel aging philosophy. Tastings happen at a proper bar where skilled bartenders craft cocktails using CH’s spirits, so you experience the products both neat and in expertly made drinks.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in craft spirits and want to see urban distilling in action, CH delivers a genuine experience without the tourist trap feel. It’s perfect for spirits enthusiasts who appreciate learning about production methods and tasting products that aren’t available everywhere. The cocktail bar component makes it appealing even to casual drinkers who might not seek out a straight distillery tour. You won’t find the rustic charm of rural distilleries here, but you will find serious craft spirits production in an authentically Chicago setting. The proximity to other Pilsen attractions makes it easy to build into a neighborhood crawl.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Book tours in advance through their website, especially on weekends when they fill up quickly. The distillery is easy to miss from the street, so look for the small signage on Clinton Street. Parking can be tight in Pilsen, but there’s usually street parking within a block or two. Visit during production hours if you want to see the stills actually running—they’re not always operating during evening cocktail service. Try their spirits both neat and in cocktails to appreciate the full range of what they’re doing. The bartenders are knowledgeable, so ask questions about their production process and local ingredient sourcing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ch Distillery — Visitor FAQ

How far in advance should I book a tour?
Book at least a week ahead for weekend tours, especially during summer months. Weekday tours are easier to get into with shorter notice. They offer tours through their website and recommend booking online rather than calling.
Can I watch the distillation process during my visit?
Yes, if you visit during production hours you can see the copper stills running through large windows from the tasting room. Production typically happens during daytime hours, so afternoon visits offer the best chance to see active distillation.
What’s the difference between your bourbon and rye whiskeys?
Their bourbon uses a high-corn mash bill with local Midwest grains, creating vanilla and caramel notes from new oak aging. The malted rye whiskey emphasizes spicy, complex flavors that rye grain provides, offering a different taste profile than their sweeter bourbon.

GETTING THERE

Find Ch Distillery

📍1629 S Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

 — 

📞 (312) 707-8780

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