North Shore Distillery

A distillery is not a brewery. But we did visit a brewery last time!

Inside joke.

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“Ooohhh, this is something special!”

A distillery is not a brewery. Spirits or beer, we put one pajama pants leg on at a time in this stressed-out world and do whatever it is we do these days, which is mostly wait it out for the skies to clear like they used to be. But instead of sleepwalking to the local party store and carting off with a canned this or that, why not straighten up to taste the difference that only an expert artisan can do?

That’s the spirit!

Our two spirited friends Julie and Mark accompanied Lisa and me for a tour and tasting at North Shore Distillery. As we pulled up to the building, the exterior seemed unassuming. It could’ve been almost anything. We trusted the sign out front and stepped into…

…a world of warm wood, mellow spirits, and a chill vibe. It seemed like we went from industrial area to high rent district downtown. After we got our feet under us, we met Derek the Master Distiller and Tony the Head Bartender. Small talk ensued and a nice group gathered for the start of the tour.

We started in a small kitchen that looked like a set for a cooking show. Tony explained that this location used to sell choice cabinetry, and that they kept some of the stock since it was good wood. I could understand how a distiller and bartender would appreciate the quality of good grain. With our first of three cocktails, Tony walked us through the mixing of an Apple Old Fashioned. Everyone immediately recognized that this wasn’t your average cocktail off the shelf. Everything was fresh, chosen and measured for the perfect swirl.

Next, we proceeded to tour the operations of the brewery distillery. Derek proudly showed off Ethel the Still, a beautiful and hardworking copper still that is the heart and soul of North Shore Distillery. The processes were complex and time-consuming; but, well worth the wait and effort as we were about to taste. Tony assembled a few key ingredients that would appear to spirit us away from fall to summer. A few lemon presses and cocktail shakes later, we held summer in our hands. Cameron’s Kick turned out to be an instant favorite for Lisa and Mark. Mark thought that the fresh lemon gave it a zing!

After we were introduced to the handcrafting of everything from spirits to bottle labeling, we returned to the kitchen for our third cocktail, Georgette Hayer, born from the imagination just last night and already taking its first sips today. Julie took to this one best of all. (It was like it was her birthday.) Julie: “It had the perfect balance of spirits to all the fun parts!”

“I need a bigger sipping glass!”

With all that walking behind us, it was time to settle into a private room for a few flights. Julie ordered: Aquavit – Private Reserve, Third Coast Rum, and Sirène Absinthe Verte. Julie said (in order): “Spicy flavor, fragrant like aromatherapy,” “Drinkable straight or mixed,” and “Ooohhh, this is something special!”

Mark lined up: Twisted Citrus Vodka, Aquavit – Private Reserve, and Third Coast Rum. Mark remarked (in order): “Smells citrusy, and smooth without the burn,” “Almost a little peppery, with a pop of caraway,” and “Would go well with grapefruit juice.” Mark also sipped the Sirène Absinthe Verte: “This is very nice—I’ve been waiting for this one!”

Lisa chose: Aquavit – Private Reserve, American Malt Whiskey, and Sirène Absinthe Verte. Lisa noted (in order): “Tropical aroma, flash of licorice or anise,” “A little punchy but finishes smooth,” and “Wow, the anise is mind blowing!”

Then came bok choy. Yes, that bok choy. Fermented and blended to drink. Well, as a key ingredient in Bokamaro, a limited release spirit. This was either never going to come back again or we were going to come back to the Distillery Store for more. Release your spirit. Julie: “I like this spirit best! It goes down smooth. It’s a digestive, but I would drink this before, during, and after dinner!” Mark: “No, this is my favorite. And I need a bigger sipping glass!” Lisa: “This has a strong floral fragrance. It tastes super smooth and light!” They say don’t drink your calories but we do need our vegetables!

“Everyone was happy to be there!”

Since I fell into the role of designated driver, I naturally dove into the smell of wet leaves, moody skies and Basically Fall, a tempting, non-alcoholic, cold brew cocktail. I felt nostalgic: “This is velvety smooth, and not overly sweet, with a nice balance of coffee to cocktail!”

The drive home clinked with glass bottles and happy feedback about our experience. Julie: “I want to go to North Shore Distillery again! Everything was excellent. The guys gave us a great tour. I need to get on the mailing list for St. Patrick’s Day!” Mark: “The guys took the time to answer all our questions. The former cabinet shop came in handy for the interior, very nice. Bokamaro seemed kinda out there at first with the bok choy, but I wanted more!” Lisa: “The tour was very entertaining! Everyone was happy to be there. I loved the private room where we enjoyed a drink that they just created yesterday!” And me: “I was impressed by the passion from everyone! The interior felt like an exclusive club with a chill vibe. The personal touch to everything was exceptional. The balance of flavors shows in all the spirits and cocktails at North Shore Distillery!”

A brewery wouldn’t have made it.

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To learn more and plan your visit to North Shore Distillery (located at 13990 Rockland Road, Green Oaks, IL 60048) click North Shore Distillery

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