Evanston's First Micro-Distillery to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Sept. 29
Evanston is welcoming its newest business to the city after a resident turned his dream into a reality. With the help of City of Evanston staff, Paul Hletko, founder of FEW Spirits, worked through various liquor licensing and zoning processes to open Evanston’s first micro-distillery. Last year, state and local licensing laws were changed to permit local micro-distillation.
A ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and aldermen will be held to officially welcome FEW Spirits into the Evanston business community.
What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for FEW Spirits
When: Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 4:30pm
Where: 918 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL
Alderman Melissa Wynne shared her enthusiasm about the project, “It is exciting that an Evanston resident has turned his passion into a business. I am pleased to welcome FEW to Evanston and the Third Ward and look forward to its continued success.”
The first distillation of alcohol at FEW Spirits was on April 30, 2011. The first official bottling of liquor occurred in June 2011. "It is always difficult to open a business, but the City of Evanston was great, and helpful every step of the way. I am proud to be in Evanston," said Hletko.
Hletko went on to share his ideas about the future, "We plan to keep making the best products we can. Our brown whiskies will be released, hopefully sometime this winter, and we have some special, limited releases coming up. You can keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter, but stop by the distillery and say hello!"
In Evanston, FEW is available at: Pete Millers, Oceanique, Union, SPACE, Koi, Bistro Bordeaux, Cellar, Stained Glass, and Prairie Moon.