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.