Feb. 23--When Derek and Sonja Kassebaum opened North Shore Distillery in 2004, they knew that they were the first craft distillery to open in Illinois since Prohibition. But this very fact -- being the first of its kind in years -- meant most building owners in the area were reluctant to work with the couple. So when they moved in 2005, they had to settle for a less than ideal spot. "Everyone was worried that we were going to blow ourselves up," says Sonja Kassebaum. "We ended up in a boring industrial park."
This all changes in April, when the distillery plans to move to a much larger location less than a half mile away. Though close, the new building is out on a main street, making it far more visible to the public. "We can better showcase what we do and what we're all about," says Kassebaum.
The move gives the distillery both space to grow its production capabilities and to increase the size and scope of its tasting room. "I'm geeking out about the bar," says Kassebaum. "We'll be able to offer some snacks, which is not something we do now."
The new production area is 75 percent larger than the company's current space, but Kassebaum was not able to say yet how much production would increase. And they won't be filling the space completely at first. Kassebaum admits that they'll be taking things slow while they make the move. "The state doesn't even have a form for moving a distillery, so we have to act like we are starting new."
The new location used to be a custom kitchen and cabinet showroom, and the couple hope to repurpose as much leftover material as possible. A number of glass panel dividers are being used to make the top of the bar, while old cabinets will be used in the retail store.
This move also happens to coincide with some new additions to their product line. Spirits that have been aged for years on site are finally ready to be bottled for release. Sonja thinks an aged rum should be available in the summer, while the whiskey should be ready later in the year.
"Part of the fun of having a distillery is playing around with a lot of spirits," says Kassebaum. "Having more room allows us to do more of that."
Opening April 2016, 13990 Rockland Road, Green Oaks
