Born 1857. Established 2015.


Tour & Taste


Book a tour of Thornton Distilling Co.
Slide

Latest News

Whiskey Advocate Article, “Peat Done Differently” feat. Thornton Distilling Co.

Check out the Summer 2024 issue of Whiskey Advocate to read more about “Praire Peat,” our forthcoming American Single Malt Whisky. Head Distiller Ari Klafter… Read more

Follow us for latest news

🐰🌼 We’re closed today for Easter so our team can spend time with family. ❤️ We’ll be back on Wednesday! Happy Easter! 🌷✨ ...

8 0

🌞Come celebrate the sunshine with us at the distillery and try our refreshing new cocktail: the Southern Sunset! 🌇🍹

Part of our new spring cocktail menu, this delightful drink features our signature Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon, a tasty peach & ginger root shrub, and zesty lemonade—perfect for enjoying the beautiful weather.

Here’s to sunny days ahead! 🌞🕶️

#SouthernSunset #DeadDropBourbon #ChicagoDrinks #ChicagoCocktails #ChicagoDrinksScene
...

55 1

🌸Meet our staff favorite: the Dooryard Blooms cocktail! Part of our exciting new cocktail menu, it features Dead Drop Gin, strawberry mint shrub, lemon, and rose water.

Join us this weekend to taste spring in a glass! 🌼✨

#chicagodrinks #chicagodrinksguide #chicagococktails #droptodram #chicagodrinkscene #cocktailsofinstagram
...

87 0

🌟 Celebrate Passover with Dead Drop Spirits! 🌟*
This Passover, elevate your celebrations with our exclusive range of Kosher for Passover spirits! ✨

🌿 **Dead Drop Kosher for Passover Dark Rum**
🌿 **Kosher for Passover Silver Rum**
🌿 **Kosher for Passover Vodka**
🌿 **Kosher for Passover Gin**

Available for a limited time in Chicago, New York, & New Jersey!

🛒 Find our bottles at select Binny`s locations, Kol Tuv, and Sarah’s Tent in Chicagoland.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Passover! L`chaim! 🕊️❤️

#Passover #Lchaim #KosherForPassover #DeadDropSpirits #Cheers #CelebrateTogether
...

27 0

🌼🌿 Spring is in the air, and we’re excited to invite you to stop by the distillery this week! Come and experience our brand-new spring cocktail menu, crafted with fresh flavors that celebrate the season.

Whether you’re a fan of our classic cocktails or eager to try something new, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you! 🍹✨

#SpringAtTheDistillery #NewMenu #Cheers #chicagodrinks #chicagococktails
...

32 0

🥃 Happy International Whiskey Day! 🥃

Wishing everyone a fantastic day filled with warmth and good company. May you savor a wonderful dram of whiskey with someone you love! Cheers to great moments and even greater spirits!

#InternationalWhiskeyDay #Cheers #WhiskeyLovers
...

28 0

🎶 Last chance to grab your tickets! 🎟️ A few remain for Nathan Graham & his band at Thornton Distilling Co., brought to you by Trail Mix Productions! ✨

Get ready for an incredible night as Nathan Graham, a rising star in the Chicago blues scene, mixes Southside Chicago blues with Nashville Americana.

🎤 Kicking off the night are local favorites, Falling Stars, with their amazing harmonies and guitar jangles!

🕕 Doors open at 6 PM, Falling Stars at 7 PM, and Nathan hits the stage at 8 PM.

🎟️ Snag your pre-show tickets for just $20 online—available until 2 hours before the show! If there are any left on the day of, they’ll be $30.

👉 Don’t wait! Get your tickets now via the link in the Thornton Distilling Bio or at [https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/trailmixmusicfest/6933](https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/trailmixmusicfest/6933)

🍽️ Arrive early for a delicious dinner and craft cocktails! We highly recommend making reservations to skip the wait. Reserve your table via the link in our bio or here: [https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/11afaa5c-2857-4367-b08f-4b1bf12dedc8/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2025-03-22T15:00:00.000-05:00](https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/11afaa5c-2857-4367-b08f-4b1bf12dedc8/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2025-03-22T15:00:00.000-05:00)
...

49 4

We highly recommend visiting Boonie’s Chicago to indulge in their Banana Old Fashioned! This delightful twist on a classic features the rich flavors of Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon, beautifully complemented by the sweet notes of Cartron Banana Liqueur and Spiced Demerara 🥃✨

#BooniesChicago #chicagoeats #chicagodrinks #chicagococktails #drinksdrinksdrinks #droptodram #chicago
...

29 1

Thrilled to taste through barrels of our American Single Malt Whisky today with a couple of legends! Cheers to Chuck Cowdery and Lou Bank for stopping by!
🥃✨

#americansinglemalt #whisky #madeinillinois
...

41 1

Join us tonight at Delilah`s in Lincoln Park to celebrate National Absinthe Day! 🌿✨ We`ll be pouring samples of Dead Drop Absinthe Blanche and diving into its fascinating history and our distillation process💧

#NationalAbsintheDay #Delilahs #LincolnPark
...

24 1

Dark Matter Coffee, y’all are crazy for this one! Coffee beans conditioned with Dead Drop Absinthe Blanche?!?

But they did it, and the results are spectacular.

Starting with raw Catimor coffee beans from El Salvador, which are prized for their lively fruit flavors and subtle notes of cherries and herbs, Dark Matter then conditioned the beans with our 66.6% abv Swiss-style absinthe made with locally grown wormwood prior to roasting.

The resulting coffee is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted, with notes of almond paste, anise, and grapefruit peel.

Please note that this release is extremely limited. Dark Matter sold out nearly immediately upon releasing it on their website, but were good enough to swing us 10 bags to make available at the distillery. Bags are available in our tasting room for $28. Limit one bag per customer.

Join us March 5th at @delilahschicago at 6pm and celebrate National Absinthe Day with a guided tasting of Dead Drop Absinthe Blanche 💧

#nationalabsintheday #darkmattercoffee #absinthe #droptodram #chicagodrinks
...

36 1

Our Bridal Fair and Open House is 2 weeks away! Don`t forget to register for FREE ahead of time, visit our Facebook Event page for the ticket link!
Explore all the reasons to say "I do" to the venue and meet the best vendors in the area!

📸@stephainepana
...

16 0

Our Bridal Fair and Open House is coming up at the end of this month! Don`t miss your chance to explore our building, sample our drinks, try our appetizers all while visiting with the best in the business!
Best of all it`s FREE when you preregister, visit the link in our story!
...

9 0

You`ve sampled our bourbon, now sample why so many couples have said "I do" at the distillery! Visit us at our Bridal Fair and Open House on Sunday Feb. 23rd, registration is FREE just click on the link in our Facebook event page to sign up today!

📸Oats and Honey Photography
...

48 1

🍃✨ Stop by and check out our new Dead Drop Frozen Grasshopper!

This delightful cocktail is made with our homemade crème de cacao, crème de menthe, rich vanilla bean, fresh mint, cream, and Dead Drop Vodka.

It might be chilly outside, but this classic drink is fire ! 🔥 You can now enjoy it in our tasting room, along with other tasty beverages featured on our recently updated seasonal cocktail menu.

Cheers!

#frozengrasshopper #drinkstagram #drinksdrinksdrinks #madeinillinois #droptodran
...

91 2

🍔✨ This week`s food special at the distillery is the mouthwatering Patty Melt! Enjoy a double beef patty topped with melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and our signature sauce, all served on buttery Texas toast. Comes with a side of hand-cut fries 👀

Available while supplies last! #FoodSpecial #PattyMelt #yum
...

37 0

We can`t wait to see you at our Bridal Fair and Open House coming up on Sunday, Feb. 23rd, don`t forget to get your FREE tickets now by registering on our Eventbrite page! The link is on our Facebook event page, tickets will be $5 at the door day of. ...

20 0

Howdy neighbor!

Wonderful seeing our friends at Homewood Brewing featuring Dead Drop Gin at their stunning new brewery! 🎉

And the Thornton Distilling Co. tasting room is proud to be their first ever account, now featuring Homewood’s HBC Pale Ale on tap!

Make sure to stop by their beautiful space. Cheers to great collaborations! 🍸✨

#HomewoodBrewing #DeadDropGin #CraftCocktails #SupportLocal
...

53 0

Our Bridal Fair and Open House is coming up soon! Don`t forget to register for your free tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/thornton-distilling-co-bridal-fair-open-house-tickets-1105831434589?aff=oddtdtcreator ...

45 0

Thornton Distilling Company,
maker of Dead Drop Spirits

The colorful history at Thornton Distilling Co. can be traced back to 1857 when the brick and limestone brewery and grain tower was built by the John S. Bielfeldt Brewing Company on the west bank of Thorn Creek in the small village of Thornton, Illinois. 

To learn more about our unique history and to view a portion of our massive collection of historic photos and artifacts,
please visit our timeline below.

I’m of legal drinking age.

You must be of legal drinking age to view this content.

Born 1857. Established 2015.


Tour & Taste


Book a tour of Thornton Distilling Co.
Slide

Latest News

Whiskey Advocate Article, “Peat Done Differently” feat. Thornton Distilling Co.

Check out the Summer 2024 issue of Whiskey Advocate to read more about “Praire Peat,” our forthcoming American Single Malt Whisky. Head Distiller Ari Klafter… Read more

Follow us for latest news

🐰🌼 We’re closed today for Easter so our team can spend time with family. ❤️ We’ll be back on Wednesday! Happy Easter! 🌷✨ ...

8 0

🌞Come celebrate the sunshine with us at the distillery and try our refreshing new cocktail: the Southern Sunset! 🌇🍹

Part of our new spring cocktail menu, this delightful drink features our signature Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon, a tasty peach & ginger root shrub, and zesty lemonade—perfect for enjoying the beautiful weather.

Here’s to sunny days ahead! 🌞🕶️

#SouthernSunset #DeadDropBourbon #ChicagoDrinks #ChicagoCocktails #ChicagoDrinksScene
...

55 1

🌸Meet our staff favorite: the Dooryard Blooms cocktail! Part of our exciting new cocktail menu, it features Dead Drop Gin, strawberry mint shrub, lemon, and rose water.

Join us this weekend to taste spring in a glass! 🌼✨

#chicagodrinks #chicagodrinksguide #chicagococktails #droptodram #chicagodrinkscene #cocktailsofinstagram
...

87 0

🌟 Celebrate Passover with Dead Drop Spirits! 🌟*
This Passover, elevate your celebrations with our exclusive range of Kosher for Passover spirits! ✨

🌿 **Dead Drop Kosher for Passover Dark Rum**
🌿 **Kosher for Passover Silver Rum**
🌿 **Kosher for Passover Vodka**
🌿 **Kosher for Passover Gin**

Available for a limited time in Chicago, New York, & New Jersey!

🛒 Find our bottles at select Binny`s locations, Kol Tuv, and Sarah’s Tent in Chicagoland.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Passover! L`chaim! 🕊️❤️

#Passover #Lchaim #KosherForPassover #DeadDropSpirits #Cheers #CelebrateTogether
...

27 0

🌼🌿 Spring is in the air, and we’re excited to invite you to stop by the distillery this week! Come and experience our brand-new spring cocktail menu, crafted with fresh flavors that celebrate the season.

Whether you’re a fan of our classic cocktails or eager to try something new, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you! 🍹✨

#SpringAtTheDistillery #NewMenu #Cheers #chicagodrinks #chicagococktails
...

32 0

🥃 Happy International Whiskey Day! 🥃

Wishing everyone a fantastic day filled with warmth and good company. May you savor a wonderful dram of whiskey with someone you love! Cheers to great moments and even greater spirits!

#InternationalWhiskeyDay #Cheers #WhiskeyLovers
...

28 0

🎶 Last chance to grab your tickets! 🎟️ A few remain for Nathan Graham & his band at Thornton Distilling Co., brought to you by Trail Mix Productions! ✨

Get ready for an incredible night as Nathan Graham, a rising star in the Chicago blues scene, mixes Southside Chicago blues with Nashville Americana.

🎤 Kicking off the night are local favorites, Falling Stars, with their amazing harmonies and guitar jangles!

🕕 Doors open at 6 PM, Falling Stars at 7 PM, and Nathan hits the stage at 8 PM.

🎟️ Snag your pre-show tickets for just $20 online—available until 2 hours before the show! If there are any left on the day of, they’ll be $30.

👉 Don’t wait! Get your tickets now via the link in the Thornton Distilling Bio or at [https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/trailmixmusicfest/6933](https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/trailmixmusicfest/6933)

🍽️ Arrive early for a delicious dinner and craft cocktails! We highly recommend making reservations to skip the wait. Reserve your table via the link in our bio or here: [https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/11afaa5c-2857-4367-b08f-4b1bf12dedc8/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2025-03-22T15:00:00.000-05:00](https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/11afaa5c-2857-4367-b08f-4b1bf12dedc8/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2025-03-22T15:00:00.000-05:00)
...

49 4

We highly recommend visiting Boonie’s Chicago to indulge in their Banana Old Fashioned! This delightful twist on a classic features the rich flavors of Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon, beautifully complemented by the sweet notes of Cartron Banana Liqueur and Spiced Demerara 🥃✨

#BooniesChicago #chicagoeats #chicagodrinks #chicagococktails #drinksdrinksdrinks #droptodram #chicago
...

29 1

Thrilled to taste through barrels of our American Single Malt Whisky today with a couple of legends! Cheers to Chuck Cowdery and Lou Bank for stopping by!
🥃✨

#americansinglemalt #whisky #madeinillinois
...

41 1

Join us tonight at Delilah`s in Lincoln Park to celebrate National Absinthe Day! 🌿✨ We`ll be pouring samples of Dead Drop Absinthe Blanche and diving into its fascinating history and our distillation process💧

#NationalAbsintheDay #Delilahs #LincolnPark
...

24 1

Dark Matter Coffee, y’all are crazy for this one! Coffee beans conditioned with Dead Drop Absinthe Blanche?!?

But they did it, and the results are spectacular.

Starting with raw Catimor coffee beans from El Salvador, which are prized for their lively fruit flavors and subtle notes of cherries and herbs, Dark Matter then conditioned the beans with our 66.6% abv Swiss-style absinthe made with locally grown wormwood prior to roasting.

The resulting coffee is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted, with notes of almond paste, anise, and grapefruit peel.

Please note that this release is extremely limited. Dark Matter sold out nearly immediately upon releasing it on their website, but were good enough to swing us 10 bags to make available at the distillery. Bags are available in our tasting room for $28. Limit one bag per customer.

Join us March 5th at @delilahschicago at 6pm and celebrate National Absinthe Day with a guided tasting of Dead Drop Absinthe Blanche 💧

#nationalabsintheday #darkmattercoffee #absinthe #droptodram #chicagodrinks
...

36 1

Our Bridal Fair and Open House is 2 weeks away! Don`t forget to register for FREE ahead of time, visit our Facebook Event page for the ticket link!
Explore all the reasons to say "I do" to the venue and meet the best vendors in the area!

📸@stephainepana
...

16 0

Our Bridal Fair and Open House is coming up at the end of this month! Don`t miss your chance to explore our building, sample our drinks, try our appetizers all while visiting with the best in the business!
Best of all it`s FREE when you preregister, visit the link in our story!
...

9 0

You`ve sampled our bourbon, now sample why so many couples have said "I do" at the distillery! Visit us at our Bridal Fair and Open House on Sunday Feb. 23rd, registration is FREE just click on the link in our Facebook event page to sign up today!

📸Oats and Honey Photography
...

48 1

🍃✨ Stop by and check out our new Dead Drop Frozen Grasshopper!

This delightful cocktail is made with our homemade crème de cacao, crème de menthe, rich vanilla bean, fresh mint, cream, and Dead Drop Vodka.

It might be chilly outside, but this classic drink is fire ! 🔥 You can now enjoy it in our tasting room, along with other tasty beverages featured on our recently updated seasonal cocktail menu.

Cheers!

#frozengrasshopper #drinkstagram #drinksdrinksdrinks #madeinillinois #droptodran
...

91 2

🍔✨ This week`s food special at the distillery is the mouthwatering Patty Melt! Enjoy a double beef patty topped with melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and our signature sauce, all served on buttery Texas toast. Comes with a side of hand-cut fries 👀

Available while supplies last! #FoodSpecial #PattyMelt #yum
...

37 0

We can`t wait to see you at our Bridal Fair and Open House coming up on Sunday, Feb. 23rd, don`t forget to get your FREE tickets now by registering on our Eventbrite page! The link is on our Facebook event page, tickets will be $5 at the door day of. ...

20 0

Howdy neighbor!

Wonderful seeing our friends at Homewood Brewing featuring Dead Drop Gin at their stunning new brewery! 🎉

And the Thornton Distilling Co. tasting room is proud to be their first ever account, now featuring Homewood’s HBC Pale Ale on tap!

Make sure to stop by their beautiful space. Cheers to great collaborations! 🍸✨

#HomewoodBrewing #DeadDropGin #CraftCocktails #SupportLocal
...

53 0

Our Bridal Fair and Open House is coming up soon! Don`t forget to register for your free tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/thornton-distilling-co-bridal-fair-open-house-tickets-1105831434589?aff=oddtdtcreator ...

45 0

Thornton Distilling Company,
maker of Dead Drop Spirits

The colorful history at Thornton Distilling Co. can be traced back to 1857 when the brick and limestone brewery and grain tower was built by the John S. Bielfeldt Brewing Company on the west bank of Thorn Creek in the small village of Thornton, Illinois. 

To learn more about our unique history and to view a portion of our massive collection of historic photos and artifacts,
please visit our timeline below.