Barnstormer Distillery

“The Spirit of Rockford – Hidden in Plane Sight”

Discover Illinois’ Most Unique Craft Distillery Experience

What Makes Us Different

Aircraft Hangar Tasting Room – Not your typical distillery setting
22-Acre Farm Distillery – We grow some of what we distill
20+ Handcrafted Spirits – Always something new to try
Master Distiller & Mixologist Team – Tim & Addie create magic in every glass

Illinois’ Best Kept Secret – Until Now

The aircraft hangar distillery experience everyone’s talking about

Yes, We’re in an Aircraft Hangar | Yes, We Grow Some Ingredients Onsite | Yes, It’s Worth the Drive

Take our quarter-mile gravel road through rolling Rockford countryside to discover what guests call a “hidden gem” in a park-like setting. Our custom-built aircraft hangar houses a tasting room where fresh ingredients (Some from our property) become award-winning spirits and cocktails.

“I Had No Idea This Existed!”

– Every first-time visitor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 4.4 Stars (79 Reviews)

“This place deserves more than 1 review. Good food…amazing staff…good cocktails and spirits…live music was awesome.”
— TripAdvisor Review

“Addie and Tim always do such a great job making everyone feel so welcome.”
— Yelp Review

“A hidden gem that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making visitors feel like they’re part of the family. The skilled bartenders craft artful cocktails, and the service is top-notch and friendly.”
— Restaurantji (4.4 Stars)

Why People Drive From Chicago, Milwaukee & Madison

Farm-to-Glass Innovation – Master Distiller Tim throws out the rulebook to create unconventional spirits using 95% local grain from within 20 miles. From experimental single barrels to shelf-stable Cucumber Vodka that tastes as fresh as the day it was harvested, we’re not afraid to break tradition.

Cocktails You Can’t Get Anywhere Else – Master Mixologist Addie creates personalized cocktail journeys. With an intuitive understanding of different palates, she excels at crafting the perfect drink from our seasonal menu or designing something custom just for you.

Our Promise: Every guest deserves a “wow” moment with their cocktail. If your first drink doesn’t deliver that special experience we’re known for, our team will create something different until it does.

Instagram-Worthy Setting – Aircraft hangar meets craft distillery with live music weekends during the summer

The Innovation Behind Every Bottle

What makes our cocktails truly special is the collaboration between Addie (Master Mixologist) and Tim (Master Distiller). Since we can only serve what we produce in-house, they work together to push the boundaries of flavor using fresh ingredients and vacuum distillation techniques.

Our primary grain grower is Hazard Free Farms located near Pecatonica, Illinois.

Tim’s “cold distillation” process creates shelf-stable flavored spirits that maintain their fresh taste for years—proof that throwing out the rulebook leads to extraordinary results.

This isn’t just about having a cocktail—it’s about experiencing the artistry of craft distillation from a team that’s never been afraid to innovate.

Visit Us

6969 South Main Street, Rockford, IL
Quarter-mile down the gravel road – we’re the aircraft hangar at the top of the hill
(GPS might get confused, but you’re going the right way!)

(815) 269-4069 – Call for large party reservations & private events

Hours:

Friday 3-8pm (Food 4-7pm)
Saturday 11am-8pm (Food 12-7pm)
Sunday 11am-5pm (Food 11-4:30pm)

Weekend food service by The Brasserie at Barnstormer

Groups of 8+? Call ahead to reserve your spot | Walk-ins always welcome

This Weekend at Barnstormer

🎵 Summer Live Music – Check our Facebook & Instagram for this week’s lineup
🍔 Farm-Fresh Food – The Brasserie serves Friday-Sunday
🥃 New Experiments – Tim’s always creating something you can’t find anywhere else
🌾 Farm Experience – See our 22-acre property where we grow ingredients

Perfect For:

✓ Date nights & celebrations
✓ Group outings & corporate events
✓ Private tastings & custom barrel programs
✓ Anyone seeking Illinois’ most unique distillery experience

Pro Tip: Follow our Facebook/Instagram for weekly menu updates, live music announcements, and new spirit releases

Ready to Discover Your New Favorite Place?

(815) 269-4069 | 6969 South Main Street, Rockford, IL

A Peek Inside the Hangar

Hidden in the rolling Rockford countryside, Barnstormer Distillery offers something you won’t find anywhere else in Illinois. Whether you’re working with Addie or any of our skilled bartenders, you can expect the same level of expertise and passion for craft.

Led by Addie’s creative vision and supported by our team’s dedication, we create perfectly balanced drinks that showcase the true character and innovation of our handcrafted spirits. For those new to craft spirits or trying something outside their usual preferences, any member of our team is more than happy to create a different drink if the first one doesn’t deliver that special experience we’re known for.

The Choice Is Yours

You can visit another distillery that follows the rules, uses automation, and plays it safe with predictable flavors.

Or you can experience what happens when innovation meets Illinois tradition in an actual aircraft hangar.

Come taste the difference. Come be part of the revival.

THE ALCOHOL PRODUCTS ON THIS WEBSITE ARE INTENDED FOR ADULTS ONLY. By entering this website, you certify that you are of legal drinking age in the location in which you reside (age 21+ in the United States).