Join me as we take a walk through the heartland of American whiskey and discovery a few distilleries that you may have never heard of. From the rolling hills of Kentucky and Tennessee to the bustling cities of New York and L.A., each region boasts its own unique distilling traditions and flavor profiles. In this week’s article we visit distilleries in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. So, raise a glass to the spirit of discovery as we uncover some hidden gems of whiskey from coast to coast.
Indiana: Starlight Distillery
Borden, IN
Nestled in Borden, Indiana, Starlight Distillery is a gem in the world of spirits. It’s part of the historic Huber’s Orchard & Winery, which has roots going back to 1843 when Simon Huber began the family’s distillation tradition. This family-owned distillery is celebrated for its artisanal approach to crafting a variety of spirits, including bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, and a distinctive blackberry whiskey. Their commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in their holistic farming practices and innovative packaging.
Visitors to Starlight Distillery can enjoy a range of experiences, from guided tours of the distillery and winery to tastings of their exceptional spirits.
Carl T. Bourbon Whiskey – $31.99
Mashbill: A blend of 60% corn | 20% rye | 20% malted barley and a four grain recipe of 51% corn | 20% rye | 20% malted barley | 9% wheat | 92 Proof | Age: At least 4 years
Distillery Tasting Notes: Sustainable bourbon whiskey that is elegant, fruit driven and sweet. An easy sipper neat or on the rocks. Balanced, lending itself to an extraordinary craft cocktail.
Double Oaked Carl T. Bourbon Whiskey – $69.99
Mashbill: Blend of 60% Corn | 20% Rye | 20% Malted Barley | 51% Corn | 20% Rye | 20% Malted Barley | 9% Wheat | 103 Proof | Age: 4 years & Finished for 8 months
Distillery Tasting Notes: Toasted oak, butterscotch and salted caramel that softens slowly in the mid palate, with hints of french vanilla, toffee with red fruit notes.
Old Rickhouse Rye Whiskey – $50.99
Mashbill: 85% Rye | 15% Malted Barley | 92 Proof | Age: 5 years
Distillery Tasting Notes: Distinctive hints of sweet caramel and vanilla. The prominent characteristics of rye exhibiting classic spice notes which shine through, making for a long smooth finish.
Illinois: FEW Spirits
Evanston, IL
Back in 2011, Paul Hletko, who had quite the eclectic background as an engineer, patent attorney, and rock and roll band member, decided to start FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois. His inspiration? A deep-rooted family history in brewing. His grandfather had a brewery in Czechoslovakia before it was taken during World War II.
Paul wanted to honor his family’s legacy, so he set up a distillery focused on crafting high-quality, small-batch spirits. The name “FEW” is a cheeky nod to Frances Elizabeth Willard, a famous temperance advocate from Evanston. Today, FEW Spirits is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning whiskeys and gins, all made from grain to glass right in their own facility.
FEW Straight Bourbon Whiskey – $55.99
Mashbill: 70% Corn | 20% Northern Rye | 10% 2-Row Malt | 93 Proof | Age: Under 4 years
Distillery Notes: Nose: This spirit, distilled through timeless liquor-making techniques, utilizes a three-grain recipe that infuses generations of Southern tradition with the spiciness of northern rye and a touch of malt for smoothness.
FEW Straight RYE Whiskey – $55.99
Mashbill: 70% Rye | 20% Corn | 10% Malted Barley | 93 Proof | Age: NAS
Distillery Notes: The generous rye content is married with the sweetness of corn for a genteel interpretation of the venerable spirit. Patiently aged in air-dried oak barrels, its spicy character transcends mere resurgence.
Note: FEW has also done a “few” musical collaboration with artist such at The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains, and The Flaming Lips.
Michigan: Valentine Distilling
Ferndale, MI
Valentine Distilling Co. was founded in 2007 by Rifino Valentine, one of the pioneers of small-batch spirits in the United States. Nestled in Ferndale, Michigan, this distillery has made quite a name for itself with its unwavering commitment to quality. In fact, their Valentine Vodka was crowned “World’s Best” by The World Vodka Awards in London for two years in a row, 2016 and 2017.
Another gem from Valentine Distilling Co. is the Mayor Pingree line of whiskey. Named after Hazen S. Pingree, a former Detroit mayor known for his fight against corruption and monopolies.
Mayor Pingree Red Label Bourbon Whiskey (2024) – $47.99
Mashbill: 75% Corn | 21% Rye | 4% Malt | 100 Proof | Age: At least 6 years
Distillery Tasting Notes: On the nose “Chachi” highlights vanilla, brown sugar, and allspice, while the palate shows a perfect balance of pepper, peach cobbler, and creme Brule.
Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye Whiskey (2024) – $49.99
Mashbill: 95% Rye | 5% Malt | 100 Proof | Age: 6 years
Distillery Tasting Notes: his spicy little number, consisting of 6 & 7 year barrels, shows sage, orange, and lemon curd aromas that lead to coffee, burnt caramel, cigar, honey on the palate.
Missouri: Holladay Distillery
Weston, MO
Holladay Distilling was named after the “Stagecoach King” Ben Holliday. Holladay was an American entrepreneur who left a lasting impact on both the transportation and whiskey industries. His legacy includes creating the Overland Stage to California during the height of the 1849 California Gold Rush.
Founded in 1856, the Holladay Distillery is the oldest distillery in the state of Missouri and the oldest west of the Mississippi still operating on its original site.
Ben Holladay bourbon whiskey is crafted using the original recipe from 160 years ago, and is classified as a “Real Missouri Bourbon”. To be a Missouri Bourbon you must adheres to strict criteria: Any whiskey labeled as Missouri bourbon must not only meet the federal standards for bourbon, but also be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in the state; aged in oak barrels manufactured in the state; and made with corn exclusively grown in the state.
Ben Holladay Soft Red Winter Wheat – $48.99
Mashbill: Corn 73% | Wheat 15% | Barley 12% | 100 Proof | Age: 6+ years
My Tasting Notes: The nose gives you lots of sweet toffy, vanilla and oak notes followed by a slight fruit note. On the Palate: Lots of sweet caramel and vanilla up front followed back baking spices and oak. Finish adds a slight black pepper note.
Ben Holladay Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon – $48.99
Mashbill: 73% Corn | 15% Rye | 12% Malted Barley | 100 Proof | Age: 6 years
My Tasting Notes: Up front you are met with notes of caramel, citrus, and vanilla followed by cinnamon, and rye spice. Very little burn on the nose. On the palate: rye spice, and oak note up front and a slight pepper on the finish. Spicy on the tongue. Second Sip: Up front you find the rye and oak spice followed by a sweet caramel and vanilla.
LET’S START A CONVERSATION!
Well, that was this week’s visit to the Midwest. There are a few more states we can travel to and many more distilleries to see. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this article. Have you had any of these whiskeys? What states and distilleries should we visit next? Post it in the comments. You know I love conversation and will reply to you. As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until the next Whiskey Wednesday, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff…” and do it responsibly!
Charles Ruth