Chicago's First Brandy Distillery Coming In November

By Anthony Todd in Food on Oct 16, 2013 3:20PM

We've been hearing rumors about Rhine Hall, the newest in Chicago's burgeoning crop of small micro-distilleries, for a few months and now we have an opening date. The distillery, which will focus on brandy, is opening on Nov. 2.

Using Michigan produce Rhine Hall will distill apple brandy, oaked apple brandy, grappa and oaked grappa, spirits not usually found in the gin and vodka-focused local craft distilling scene. They won't have an attached restaurant but will have a full brandy bar and tasting room at their West Fulton location.

Rhine Hall imported stills from Germany along with mash tanks fed by chopping machines powered by stationary bicycles. All of the residue from the process will be composted and they're donating a portion of their proceeds to the Alliance for the Great Lakes' clean water initiatives. Once they start distilling, we'll bring you more information.

Rhine Hall is located at 2010 W. Fulton Street.