Historie

Kennay Farms Distilling carries on the Kennay family lineage through six generations. The family produces, mills, and distills locally grown corn for spirits on the farm, and the entire process is family-owned and -operated. In 2019, the distillery opened in Rochelle, Illinois, in a historic building that formerly housed Hub Theatre, which through a renovation was given new life as a small, family-owned distillery and visitor destination. The Kennay Lady logo was created to honor women in the spirits and agricultural industries, and the story of Kennay Farms is described as a family-owned business where each generation contributes.

Produktion / Fremstilling

The distillery blends a production framework with old-fashioned craftsmanship and modern facilities: On the production floor there are seven locally made fermentation vessels and two copper stills, providing efficiency and quality. The bottling line is a modern line capable of producing 2,000–3,000 bottles per day. The Rickhouse is a new building complex for aging older whiskies and bourbons in oak barrels. The Tasting Room overlooks the distillery’s work, and the Rochelle area offers local events.

Vodka

The vodka is made from 100% corn from the Kennay family farm. It undergoes 28 distillation passes and activated charcoal filtration for a smooth finish. It sits at around 80 proof and has earned a 91-point rating at the Denver International Spirits Competition.

Gin

The gin features a soft juniper flavor with notes of coriander, lemongrass and bitter orange, balanced with an iris root backbone and a pepper finish. It is 95 proof and has earned 87 points in the competition’s judging.

Bourbon

The bourbon is 100 proof and is produced from three different mash bills: 65% corn, 30% white wheat and 5% barley; 65% corn, 35% wheat; and 80% corn, 20% wheat. The first batches were put into barrels in August 2020 and bottled in October 2024; the release party took place November 1, 2024, and it is available in the tasting room and as a bottled product.

100% Corn Bourbon

This bourbon is made exclusively from 100% corn from the Kennay family farm. It was barrel-aged starting in the summer of 2020 and is expected to be over 5 years old at a future release; it is now sold out (100% sold out).

Double Oaked Rye Whiskey

This rye whiskey is 111 proof and consists of a mash bill of 51% rye, 30% wheat and 19% corn. It is first aged in a 15-gallon barrel for more than a year and then moved to a 53-gallon barrel for another year for a pronounced oak tone. Tasting notes describe a rich oak-forward character, a balance between the sweetness of corn and the mildness of wheat along with the rye’s spicy profile; cherry notes are mentioned as part of the tasting experience.

Rye Whiskey Exclusive (Cask Strength)

This rye whiskey is cask strength and has 111.5 proof. The mash bill is 51% rye, 30% wheat and 19% corn. Tasting notes describe a lightly smoked/fine oak, a rich blend of sweetness from corn, balance from wheat and a spicy character from rye, as well as a strong finish from the cask.

Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey is presented at 111 proof with a smoky undertone, where the rye’s spicy profile meets the sweetness of corn and the softness of wheat for a balanced whiskey experience. Separate cocktails such as Rye’s 'n Shine are mentioned as recipe ideas.

Bulk Spirit and Packaging Availability

Kennay Farms offers bulk spirits (bourbon, rye, gin and vodka) in different sizes, including 53-gallon barrels, 15-gallon barrels, and totes. Packaging includes bottles, barrels and totes, and there are offers and minimum quantities available for special projects.

Corn Bourbon

A special bourbon concept that uses only 100% corn from the Kennay farm; this bourbon is 100 proof and has been in development since 2020, with expected aging and maturation in barrels.

Besøg / Oplevelser

Kennay Farms Distilling hosts a Tasting Room described as a view over the distillery and a farm-to-table experience in the heart of rural America. There is also a historic 1920s theatre renovation used as an events venue. The Hub Theatre building in Rochelle has been renovated in Art Deco style and transformed into a distillery. The Tasting Room hours are: Fridays 4–8 PM and Saturdays 3–8 PM; Monday through Thursday are private events only and Sunday is closed. Rickhouse delivers and picks up on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Kennay Farms also hosts Downtown Rochelle events and offers private events.

Filosofi

Kennay Farms Distilling operates with a family-owned approach: six generations of farmers, where every step—from production to processing and distillation—is performed by a member of the Kennay family. The farm produces, mills, and distills from locally grown grain and follows a farm-to-bottle philosophy. In 2024 they partnered with The DeLong Company on the Grown Climate Smart Initiative for more sustainable production, and in 2021 they were named an Illinois Made product. In 2021 the company was recognized as “Best of Ogle County Distillery & Brewery” and “Best Family Owned Business” by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce; a number of other activities and honors are mentioned in the company’s history.

Noter

The history also includes the Kennay Lady logo and its origin story, created by Dusty Horner and a digital artist, which honors women in the industry. The distillery’s transformation from Hub Theatre into a modern building complex and the dedicated family effort illustrate the company’s culture and approach to craftsmanship and sustainability.