- Attraction: BLACK BAND Distillery
- Location: 1000 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602
- Industry: Distillery
- Website: https://www.blackband-distillery.com/
What happens when century-old architecture meets modern craft distilling excellence?
BLACK BAND Distillery brings distilling back to Peoria’s historic Warehouse District as the first craft distillery in the city since Prohibition ended.
After more than 90 years, this organic craft distillery honors Peoria’s legacy as the former “Whiskey Capital of the World”.
Their commitment to excellence shows in their accolades – BLACK BAND won six medals at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving that quality organic grains from Illinois farms can create world-class spirits.
You’ll find yourself in a space where exceptional small plates, service, and cocktails come together in a refreshingly different style of dining.
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Award-Winning Bourbon: Their bourbon earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, making it a standout choice for serious whiskey enthusiasts.
The Peoria Bourbon features 78% white corn and 15% warthog wheat from local Janie’s Mill, delivering complex flavor notes at 111 proof.
You’ll taste the difference that certified organic grains make in every sip.
Signature Gin: Their gin has claimed both Gold Medal and Double Gold Medal honors from prestigious competitions.
The botanical blend includes juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cinnamon, ginger, angelica root, cardamom, anise seed, rosehip, orris root, and lemongrass. Each botanical creates layers of complexity that gin lovers will appreciate.
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Discover MoreHand-Crafted Cocktails: The bitters and syrups used in their cocktail menu are produced in-house, alongside the spirits.
You can expect each glass to be forward thinking, boundary pushing and emanating excellence in every way. The creativity behind the bar transforms their award-winning spirits into innovative cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.
Coffee Liqueur: Their collaboration with ZION Coffee Co. resulted in a “Double Gold” winning Coffee Liqueur.
This unique offering demonstrates their willingness to partner with other local artisans to create something truly special.
Farm-Driven Small Plates
Seasonal Menu Philosophy: Their dishes reflect a fusion rooted in collaboration, fueled by creativity, and grounded in sustainability.
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Creative Culinary Approach: Their seasonal food menu and ever-changing cocktail program are exciting and forward-thinking, serving as the perfect companion to their spirits.
Don’t miss their smash burger, which has made its comeback to the menu. The kitchen focuses on small plates that pair beautifully with their spirits.
Local Partnership Focus: They work directly with Illinois Organic Farm families, including Harold & Ross Wilken at Janie’s Mill in Ashkum, IL, who provide their grains and corn. This farm-to-glass approach ensures exceptional quality while supporting local agriculture.
Historic Atmosphere & Design
Century-Old Building: Located inside a century-old building in the historic Warehouse District of Peoria, the space maintains its historical character while serving as a modern distillery.
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Discover MoreCustom fixtures feature hand-blown glass from Olde Brick Lighting, and the building showcases original Purington pavers from Peoria Public Works in the two-level outdoor area.
Warehouse District Setting: The warehouse district is described as an up and coming area, placing you in the heart of Peoria’s revitalization efforts. The relaxed restaurant experience takes place inside the award-winning distillery space, creating an authentic craft beverage atmosphere.
Thoughtful Interior Details: The romance of the space and décor is vital to the experience, with careful attention paid to creating an environment that honors both the building’s history and the distillery’s modern mission.
You’ll appreciate how the historic architecture enhances rather than competes with the contemporary distilling operation.
Tours, Events & Practical Information
Educational Tours: Tours include exploration of the distilling process from grain to glass, covering mash bills, still technology, distillate selection, and barrel aging. Their brand ambassador and tour guide, Tate Ulm, leads these educational experiences in their restored historic space.
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Parking & Accessibility: Street parking is available, plus additional parking in the Adams St Outdoor Advertising and Pop-A-Shot parking lots.
The facility is wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming to all visitors.
Operating Hours: Monday 5-9 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 4-10 pm, Friday 4-11 pm, Saturday 12-11 pm. For parties of 8 or more, contact them directly as they have an auto-gratuity policy. Weekend visits offer the longest windows for experiencing both tours and dining.
BLACK BAND Distillery
📍 1000 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602
