Building Community One Flight at a Time
Yesterday’s Annual Aviator Member Open House was everything we hoped it would be—not because of the perfect weather, the delicious food, or the expertly crafted cocktails (though those were pretty spectacular!)—but because of the people who showed up.
When Tim and I started Barnstormer Distillery, we had a vision that went far beyond copper stills and oak barrels. We dreamed of creating more than just a craft distillery producing exceptional spirits. We wanted to build a place where people felt genuinely at home, where friendships formed naturally over shared glasses, and where community wasn’t just a buzzword—it was the foundation of everything we do.
Yesterday proved we’ve accomplished exactly that. And it’s all because of the incredible people who make the hangar their happy place.
The Inspiration: From Flight Deck to Distillery Floor
With my 40 years in aviation—from earning my A&P and ATP certifications to logging over 15,000 flight hours and helping launch airlines around the world—I’ve always understood the power of crew. In aviation, your crew becomes your family. You trust them with your life. You celebrate victories together and navigate turbulence as a team.
When we transitioned from the flight deck to the distillery floor, that crew mentality came with us. The Aviator Membership program wasn’t created as a marketing gimmick or revenue stream. It was born from a genuine desire to build a squadron of people who would share this journey with us—people who understood that supporting a local craft distillery means supporting a family farm, a restaurant, a dream, and a community.
Every Aviator Member becomes part of our extended crew. You’re not just customers; you’re fellow pilots on this adventure.
The Elements That Made Yesterday Special
What transforms a gathering from simply “an event” into something memorable? It’s the same principle we apply to our spirits: quality ingredients, careful preparation, and the magic that happens when everything comes together.
The People: Aviator Members joined us yesterday, each bringing their own stories, energy, and enthusiasm. One of the greatest gifts of the day was having the time to actually sit down and talk. In the rush of busy weekend service at The Brasserie or during packed tasting room hours, we don’t always get those unhurried conversations. Yesterday, we could hear your stories, catch up on life, and simply be present with this incredible community.
The Setting: Our 22-acre farm provided the perfect backdrop. The weather cooperated beautifully, allowing us to showcase the full Barnstormer experience—from the working distillery where we produce over 20 handcrafted spirits to the grounds where we grow many of the botanicals that make our farm-to-glass philosophy possible. Members could see firsthand the complete journey from field to bottle.
The Food: Our kitchen team at The Brasserie created a menu designed for grazing, mingling, and savoring. Each dish showcased the seasonal, locally focused approach that defines our restaurant. Perfect bites that paired beautifully with our spirits while encouraging conversation and connection.
The Cocktails: Addie, our Master Mixologist, curated a selection featuring member favorites alongside preview tastings of upcoming releases. Each cocktail told a story about our distilling journey—from our flagship cucumber vodka that started it all to experimental batches that might become future releases. Members got an insider’s look at what’s coming down the pipeline.
The Crew: None of this would be possible without our dedicated team who make magic happen every single weekend. They set up, served with genuine warmth, and ensured every member felt welcomed and appreciated. Their commitment to hospitality transforms good events into exceptional experiences.
How We Prepared for Takeoff
Planning the Annual Open House follows the same systematic approach I learned in aviation: clear objectives, detailed preparation, and flexibility to adapt when conditions change.
We started planning months ago, coordinating schedules, developing the menu, and ensuring we could give our members the undivided attention they deserve. Unlike our regular themed dinner events that follow a tight choreography, the Open House needed breathing room—space for organic conversations, spontaneous toasts, and the kind of unscripted moments that become treasured memories.
The preparation included menu testing, staff briefings, grounds maintenance, and all the behind-the-scenes logistics that guests never see but absolutely feel. We wanted members to walk in and immediately sense that this event was created specifically for them, because it was.
The Perfect Pairing: Membership and Community
Aviator Membership pairs perfectly with anyone who:
Values Community: If you’re looking for more than just a place to drink—if you want to belong to something meaningful—the Aviator squadron is your home. Members forge genuine friendships, support each other, and create a network that extends beyond the distillery walls.
Appreciates Craft: Members get exclusive access to limited releases, barrel picks, and experimental batches. You’re not just tasting spirits; you’re participating in the creative process and supporting the artistry of small-batch distilling.
Seeks Experiences: From events like yesterday’s Open House to members-only tastings, themed dinners, and behind-the-scenes distillery tours, membership unlocks experiences you won’t find anywhere else. It’s VIP access to a community that genuinely values your presence.
Supports Local: Every Aviator Membership directly supports our family farm, our restaurant, our distillery, and the local agricultural community we partner with. Your membership helps us continue pursuing our farm-to-glass vision and creating jobs in our community.
Join the Squadron
To every Aviator Member who joined us yesterday—your support means the world. Thank you for trusting us with your time, your enthusiasm, and your belief in what we’re building together.
To our members who couldn’t make it—we missed you, and we know you continue to support us in countless ways. You’re still very much part of this family.
And to everyone who makes the hangar their happy place: this community we’ve built together is exactly why we do what we do.
Member renewals are due December 1st. We hope to see you back in the squadron for another year of exclusive releases, unforgettable events, and the community that makes Barnstormer special.
Not a member yet? Stop by our tasting room and ask our bartenders how you can join this amazing community. Visit barnstormerdistillery.com to learn more about Aviator Membership benefits, or come see us in person at 6969 S Main St in Rockford.
Because at Barnstormer Distillery, we don’t just make craft spirits. We build community, one flight at a time.
Clear skies and smooth landings,
Addie, Tim, and the entire Barnstormer crew
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