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Shedd Aquarium

Thornton Distilling Co.

400 East Margaret Street , Thornton, IL 60476

Distilleries

Brewing is in our Foundation. The colorful history of the Thornton Distilling can be traced back to 1857. The 20,000-sf brick and limestone building was built by the John S. Bielfeldt family on the west bank of Thorn Creek in the Village of Thornton.

Thornton Distilling Co., maker of Dead Drop Spirits, specializes in traditional malt whisky production. Their single malt whisky is the first to utilize locally sourced Illinois’ peat. The colorful history of Thornton Distilling begins with Illinois' oldest standing brewery. The historical brick and limestone building was built in 1857 by the John S. Bielfeldt family on the west bank of Thorn Creek in the small Village of Thornton, Illinois. The original subterranean artesian well is still on the property where a log cabin saloon and brewery had operated in 1836. The Bielfeldt family built a residence above the well and The Bielfeldt Brewing Company began producing exceptionally fine beer using the pristine artesian well water, the same water used today. At the onset of Prohibition, the Bielfeldt Brewing Company was sold.

Guests are invited to sign-up for a tour and guided tasting. Tickets are available for purchase online in advance. Afterward guests can enjoy a craft cocktail made with Dead Drop Spirits and have dinner at the recently opened restaurant. Live music, stand-up comedy, and large festivals are scheduled throughout the year.

Dead Drop Spirits are available for purchase at fine retailors throughout Illinois, Indiana, New York, Florida, & California.

Please visit the Thornton Distilling website to book a tour, plan a visit to our restaurant, and learn more about Dead Drop Spirits & our unique wedding venue/event space.

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More Information

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tue: Closed
  • Wed: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Thu: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Fri: 3:00pm – 11:00pm
  • Sat: 3:00pm – 11:00pm
  • Sun: 12:00pm – 9:00pm

  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Full Bar
  • Parking Available
  • Private Dining
  • Serves Alcohol
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Located in Illinois' oldest standing brewery, our multiple event spaces offer industrial chic and a hometown rustic aesthetic. Perfect for weddings, birthdays and much more! All spaces are wheelchair accessible. Coopers Hall and Distillers Hall can each accommodate 140 people seated.

How to find us?

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