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

Add a flavorful meal with a refreshing cocktail to your week.
Our Fish & Chips paired with a summer cocktail is the perfect way to taste what we have to offer at Thornton Distilling Co.
We`re open today from 3:00pm-9:00pm - we`ll see you soon!

#craftcocktails #summerspecials #summerdrinks #fishandchips #wednesdayvibes #thorntonillinois #distillery #restaurantspecials
...

20 0

Summerween just got better ☀🎃✨
Join us for our Monster Mash Summer Bash Event at Thornton Distilling Co.
We`ll have unique vendors for you to explore, delicious food options and of course - amazing drinks! 🔮🍔🍹

📆Sunday, July 27th
⏰12:00pm-6:00pm
📍400 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL.
⭐Free to attend | Free parking

#summerween #monstermash #summerbash #spookyevents #craftshow #summermarket #witchyevents #summerfun
...

23 0

☀New Summer Hours☀
Come spend some extra time with us at Thornton Distilling Co. all summer long!

Here are our new summer hours:
Monday-Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday-Thursday: 3:00pm-9:00pm
Friday: 3:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm-11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-9:00pm

⭐Make a reservation, book a tour or view our menu here: https://thorntondistilling.com/experience/ or visit the link in our bio!

#distillerytour #summerhours #thorntonillinois #summerevents #summerdrinks #summermenu #summertimefun
...

16 0

History and handcrafted spirits are part of the experience when you book a tour with us at Thornton Distilling Co.

Come along with us to learn about the unique space our distillery was founded on, how we do things now and sample a taste of what we create!
*Must be 21+ with a valid ID to participate in tasting, sit at bar, or to purchase alcohol.

We`re inviting you to participate in a tour that`s available every Saturday and Sunday, grab a bite to eat at our restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere.

Purchase tour tickets through the link in our bio!

#thorntonillinois #distillerytour #distillery #historyevent #craftcocktails #handcraftedspirits
...

17 0

Our Dead Drop Old Fashioned is a no-hassle handcrafted cocktail with an incredible fusion of flavor. An excellent option to enjoy for the first time or once again!

Bottled to perfection with dreamy layers of flavor that include sweetness and some spice.

Taste it here or take it home! We offer two size varieties based on your preference.

#oldfashioned #oldfashionedcocktail #craftcocktail #whiskeybourbon #thorntonillinois #summerdrinks
...

21 0

Happening this Sunday from 12:00pm-6:00pm! We`ll be ready for you with plenty of incredible food & drink options after you browse the market. Don`t forget to try our refreshing Summer Slush to stay cool. See you Sunday!

#spookyvibes #summermarket #summerdrinks #sundayfunday #localevents #thorntonillinois
...

35 1

Take a look! Thornton Distilling Co. is featured with Spirits & Distilling in an article that captures our unique distilling process and how we make our product full of the flavor you enjoy.

This article dives into the process on how our head distiller, Ari, creates our spirits with incredible expertise and passion.

We’re excited to share some behind the scene details about what we offer and how it’s done!

Head over to the link in our bio to read more.

#distilling #distillery #singlemaltwhiskey #kosher #thorntonillinois
...

22 0

Creating a cocktail experience you enjoy is essential. Our Dead Drop Gin can be savored neat, on the rocks or mixed into a cocktail.

With a unique blend of botanicals and the right technique, we`ve created a highly aromatic and fresh blend for you to enjoy. A perfect way to enjoy a summer drink!

Our gin is made with flavor notes of bright citrus with a subtle floral hint.

#gin #distillery #summerdrink #craftcocktails #thorntonillinois
...

21 0

Hey there! Looking for the perfect Father`s Day gift? Why not swing by Thornton Distilling Company this year? We`ve got a special treat for you. Buy any bottle over the Father`s Day weekend and receive a 15% discount on your purchase... Because we believe that good dads deserve good Bourbon. Cheers to celebrating Father`s Day in style! ...

23 0

Elevate your cocktail experience with our ready-to-drink classic cocktail, the Dead Drop Old Fashioned, NOW available in a 750ml format due to popular demand!

Crafted with thoughtful attention to every detail, the Dead Drop Old Fashioned features our signature homemade bitters, infused with warm notes of cinnamon, clove, Tahitian vanilla and cardamom to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Rich Demerara sugar from Malawi, caramelized over an open flame during our proprietary bitters-making process, adds an extraordinary depth of flavor.

Simply serve over ice, and indulge in the smooth, sophisticated taste of a classic cocktail without the hassle. Perfect for unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Available at the distillery and fine retailers near you!

Cheers to effortless elegance! 🥃✨
#Droptodram #DeadDropCocktails #OldFashioned #CraftedWithCare
...

47 1

🌞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
...

57 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
...

88 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
...

33 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)
...

51 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
...

42 1

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

Add a flavorful meal with a refreshing cocktail to your week.
Our Fish & Chips paired with a summer cocktail is the perfect way to taste what we have to offer at Thornton Distilling Co.
We`re open today from 3:00pm-9:00pm - we`ll see you soon!

#craftcocktails #summerspecials #summerdrinks #fishandchips #wednesdayvibes #thorntonillinois #distillery #restaurantspecials
...

20 0

Summerween just got better ☀🎃✨
Join us for our Monster Mash Summer Bash Event at Thornton Distilling Co.
We`ll have unique vendors for you to explore, delicious food options and of course - amazing drinks! 🔮🍔🍹

📆Sunday, July 27th
⏰12:00pm-6:00pm
📍400 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL.
⭐Free to attend | Free parking

#summerween #monstermash #summerbash #spookyevents #craftshow #summermarket #witchyevents #summerfun
...

23 0

☀New Summer Hours☀
Come spend some extra time with us at Thornton Distilling Co. all summer long!

Here are our new summer hours:
Monday-Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday-Thursday: 3:00pm-9:00pm
Friday: 3:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm-11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-9:00pm

⭐Make a reservation, book a tour or view our menu here: https://thorntondistilling.com/experience/ or visit the link in our bio!

#distillerytour #summerhours #thorntonillinois #summerevents #summerdrinks #summermenu #summertimefun
...

16 0

History and handcrafted spirits are part of the experience when you book a tour with us at Thornton Distilling Co.

Come along with us to learn about the unique space our distillery was founded on, how we do things now and sample a taste of what we create!
*Must be 21+ with a valid ID to participate in tasting, sit at bar, or to purchase alcohol.

We`re inviting you to participate in a tour that`s available every Saturday and Sunday, grab a bite to eat at our restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere.

Purchase tour tickets through the link in our bio!

#thorntonillinois #distillerytour #distillery #historyevent #craftcocktails #handcraftedspirits
...

17 0

Our Dead Drop Old Fashioned is a no-hassle handcrafted cocktail with an incredible fusion of flavor. An excellent option to enjoy for the first time or once again!

Bottled to perfection with dreamy layers of flavor that include sweetness and some spice.

Taste it here or take it home! We offer two size varieties based on your preference.

#oldfashioned #oldfashionedcocktail #craftcocktail #whiskeybourbon #thorntonillinois #summerdrinks
...

21 0

Happening this Sunday from 12:00pm-6:00pm! We`ll be ready for you with plenty of incredible food & drink options after you browse the market. Don`t forget to try our refreshing Summer Slush to stay cool. See you Sunday!

#spookyvibes #summermarket #summerdrinks #sundayfunday #localevents #thorntonillinois
...

35 1

Take a look! Thornton Distilling Co. is featured with Spirits & Distilling in an article that captures our unique distilling process and how we make our product full of the flavor you enjoy.

This article dives into the process on how our head distiller, Ari, creates our spirits with incredible expertise and passion.

We’re excited to share some behind the scene details about what we offer and how it’s done!

Head over to the link in our bio to read more.

#distilling #distillery #singlemaltwhiskey #kosher #thorntonillinois
...

22 0

Creating a cocktail experience you enjoy is essential. Our Dead Drop Gin can be savored neat, on the rocks or mixed into a cocktail.

With a unique blend of botanicals and the right technique, we`ve created a highly aromatic and fresh blend for you to enjoy. A perfect way to enjoy a summer drink!

Our gin is made with flavor notes of bright citrus with a subtle floral hint.

#gin #distillery #summerdrink #craftcocktails #thorntonillinois
...

21 0

Hey there! Looking for the perfect Father`s Day gift? Why not swing by Thornton Distilling Company this year? We`ve got a special treat for you. Buy any bottle over the Father`s Day weekend and receive a 15% discount on your purchase... Because we believe that good dads deserve good Bourbon. Cheers to celebrating Father`s Day in style! ...

23 0

Elevate your cocktail experience with our ready-to-drink classic cocktail, the Dead Drop Old Fashioned, NOW available in a 750ml format due to popular demand!

Crafted with thoughtful attention to every detail, the Dead Drop Old Fashioned features our signature homemade bitters, infused with warm notes of cinnamon, clove, Tahitian vanilla and cardamom to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Rich Demerara sugar from Malawi, caramelized over an open flame during our proprietary bitters-making process, adds an extraordinary depth of flavor.

Simply serve over ice, and indulge in the smooth, sophisticated taste of a classic cocktail without the hassle. Perfect for unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Available at the distillery and fine retailers near you!

Cheers to effortless elegance! 🥃✨
#Droptodram #DeadDropCocktails #OldFashioned #CraftedWithCare
...

47 1

🌞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
...

57 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
...

88 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
...

33 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)
...

51 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
...

42 1

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.