History

Barnstormer Distillery presents itself as Illinois' most unique craft distillery experience with the motto “The Spirit of Rockford – Hidden in Plain Sight.” It is located in Rockford and marketed as a secret pearl in the rural area. The distillery is run by Master Distiller Tim and Master Mixologist Addie, who together create magic in every glass. Repeatedly it is emphasized that the company does not follow tradition: they produce everything from fresh ingredients to experimental single barrels and use methods such as vacuum distillation. They emphasize using what the country produces and growing some of what they distill, and they are described as a farm-to-glass experience on a 22-acre farm.

Production / Manufacturing

Barnstormer Distillery calls itself a 22-acre farm-distillery, where they grow part of the raw materials they use in their spirits. They emphasize freshness and farm by-products (e.g., greenhouse-grown cucumbers for cucumber vodka) and use outside-the-box processes to highlight fresh flavor. They use 95% locally grown grain from within 20 miles and highlight Hazard Free Farms as primary grower. Also mentioned is the use of a special “Cold Distilling” process for flavor concentration, and that they can produce completely shelf-stable flavors. Tim and Addie are described as the ones who continuously challenge traditions and experiment with mashbills, conventional methods and unexpected ingredients in both the distillery and in the tasting room.

At Barnstormer, the experience is also shaped by the timing around their products: they offer custom-barrel programs, where customers can design a mashbill and chosen barrel, gain hands-on experience in milling the grain, be present during the distillation itself, taste raw distillate, hang a personal commemorative plaque on a barrel they've joined, and later participate in tastings during maturation – all as part of a personalized whiskey journey.

Products / Whisky Series

• Barnstormer Bourbon (90 Proof): A rich, earthy profile with leather, banana bread notes and a soft mid-palate experience of sweet oak, ginger and a short finish of cookies and tobacco.
• Barnstormer Bourbon (Barrel Proof): Full-bodied with pepper, walnut and a hint of star anise; finish with notes of walnut, leather and dried cherries.
• G-FORCE WHISKEY SERIES: In-house blended whiskey with sweet caramel and a smoky beginning, quickly balanced by sweet corn, vanilla and caramel; the finish is very smooth.
• Whiskey Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels: Special barrels where the whiskey takes on deep flavors of maple syrup and an extra-creamy sweetness.
• Whisky Finished in Rum Barrels (Anticipated release Spring/Summer 2024): Planned further development in their own used rum barrels.
• 40 Winks Cinnamon Whiskey: A cinnamon-flavored whiskey based on a bourbon mash, cold-distilled to lock in the cinnamon aroma without added sugars or colorants.
• Tiger Moth (Small Batch Release Whiskey): A straight corn whiskey, where the corn is aged for more than 3 years and stored in 40 Winks barrels; nose with fresh corn, brown-butter and honeyed notes; finish with notes of corn and corn spice.
• Corn/Pear Whiskey: A kind of Corn-and-Pear whiskey, noted as one of Tim’s unconventional spirits in his work thinking outside the box.
• Single Barrel Spirits: Tim mentions that the distillery offers many single-barrel spirits as part of his innovation and experimentation.

Note: In addition to the above there are mentions of other formats such as “RFD Vodka,” “Horseradish Vodka,” “Cucumber Vodka” and rum varieties, but these are vodka and rum and therefore not classified as whiskey types in this overview.

Visits / Experiences

• Tours & Tasting: Tours are held on Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, lasting about 1 hour; where visitors meet Master Distiller Tim, see the distillation system (EVE & AISLING, the so-called “Irish Twins”) and taste a selection of spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, vodka and moonshine. There are limited seats and booking is recommended.
• Summer Cabins & hours: Fridays 15:00–20:00 (food 16:00–19:00), Saturdays 11:00–20:00 (food 12:00–19:00), Sundays 11:00–17:00 (food 11:00–16:30).
• Food experience: Weekends feature The Brasserie at Barnstormer, serving farm-based dishes and special weekly offerings such as smash burgers and Chef Tim’s specials – suitable for dates, groups and private events.
• Social media: Follow Facebook/Instagram for weekly menu updates and live music announcements.
• Custom Barrel Program: In addition to standard products, personalized barrel experiences with signing, tapping and follow-up tastings are offered – perfect for corporate gatherings, family occasions and friendship groups.

Philosophy

• Fresh is Everything: They use what the country produces and outside-of-the-box methods to craft spirits and cocktails, with freshness at the center, e.g., cucumber vodka made from greenhouse-grown cucumbers.
• Tim & Addie Manifesto: Tim creates unconventional spirits, Addie creates unique cocktails, and together they push flavor to the edge through fresh ingredients and vacuum distillation.
• Local ingredients and sustainability: About 95% of the grain comes from within 20 miles, and the collaboration with Hazard Free Farms underscores proximity to the land and responsible production.
• Non-traditional methods: Tim and the team experiment with mashbills, conventional methods and unexpected ingredients; they do not follow a traditional approach, but a path that allows them to create unique single-barrel and special releases.
• Germination and replication: The emphasis is on giving each guest a “wow” moment through Addie and the team’s dedication to craftsmanship and to each guest’s palate.

Contact and location

Barnstormer Distillery is located at 6969 South Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102, and offers walk-ins as well as group bookings. Contact via marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com and the phone number (815) 269-4069 for more information and arranging visits.