Barnstorming Pilots were the Original Rule-Breakers
Barnstormer Distillery isn’t just inspired by aviation history—it’s owned by people who lived it.
The barnstorming philosophy isn’t just our inspiration. It’s in our DNA.
Master Distiller Tim’s Journey from the Cockpit to the Still:
40+ Years in Aviation:
The Connection:
When you’ve spent your career at 30,000 feet, trusting your instincts to safely transport passengers across continents, you learn a few things:
That same fearless approach that helped launch airlines on two continents now drives every bottle we create. Just like those barnstorming pilots who refused to follow the crowd, Tim brings decades of innovation experience to craft distilling.
ATP-rated pilot. A&P certified mechanic. Airline CEO. Now Master Distiller.
Tim and the Team Distill with That Same Barnstormer Spirit
Walk into our Distillery, and you’ll see we’re cut from the same cloth as those barnstorming pioneers.
We throw out the corporate playbook
No computer-controlled processes. No mass-production shortcuts. No playing it safe with “market-tested” flavors.
Master Distiller Tim creates spirits using taste, smell, and touch—the way it was meant to be done. Every batch is hands-on. Every flavor is an experiment. From the failed Blue Cheese Vodka experiment to shelf-stable Cucumber Vodka that tastes fresh years later, we’re pushing boundaries other distilleries won’t touch. Just like in aviation, where Tim learned that the best innovations come from trusting your instincts and expertise, every spirit at Barnstormer is crafted through hands-on mastery—not algorithms or automation.
95% of our grain comes from within 20 miles. Our primary grower, Hazard Free Farms, supplies the foundation. Then Tim’s unconventional “cold distillation” process creates flavors you simply can’t find anywhere else in America.
This isn’t just craft distilling—it’s barnstorming with a still.
When you visit Barnstormer, you’re not just tasting spirits. You’re experiencing:
✓ Innovation in every glass – Flavors no one else dares to create
✓ Illinois history revived – The state’s forgotten distilling legacy
✓ Hands-on craft – No automation, no shortcuts, no compromise
✓ Risk-taking creativity – Single barrels and experiments you won’t find anywhere
✓ A movement worth joining – Helping rebuild Illinois’ craft spirit reputation
Master Mixologist Addie’s Journey from the Office to the Tasting Room:
Master Mixologist Addie takes Tim’s bold spirits and creates cocktail experiences that match the barnstorming philosophy: innovative, adventurous, unforgettable.
30+ Years in Human Resources:
-Ryan International Airlines – Ran company Drug & Alcohol program
–Managed 100+ Pilots working for major Cargo Airline – managing people is easy, managing pilots is another story
Addie’s Family History in Aviation:
- Grandfather was one of the Original PanAm Clipper Pilots – Pioneers in carrying passengers over the Oceans
- Uncle was RF-8 Pilot in the Navy – first supersonic carrier-based Jet for the U.S. Navy
The Connection:
When you’ve spent your career at in Human Resources, you learn a few things:
You get to know people and what makes them happy – The best solutions often come from throwing out the rulebook
This isn’t just craft cocktails—it’s barnstorming with a glass.
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.
Experience It at Our Aircraft Hangar6969 South Main Street, Rockford, IL
Quarter-mile down the gravel road – the hangar at the top of the hill
Normal Hours:Friday 3-8pm (Food 4-7pm)
Book Your Tour | See Our Spirits | Upcoming Events | View Full Calendar | Gift Cards Available |
This Weekend’s Reasons to Visit:
- Summer Live music – Check our Facebook & Instagram for lineupThe Brasserie serves food – Farm-fresh dishes that pair perfectly with our spiritsNew spirit releases – Tim’s always experimenting with something newFarm-to-glass experience – See our 22-acre property where we grow some of the ingredients
Groups of 8+? Call ahead to reserve your spot
Private events? We host celebrations, corporate gatherings, and custom barrel programs
Follow us for weekly specials, spirit releases, and live music announcements
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What Visitors Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 Stars across 79+ reviews
“We started here for a little birthday tour of the northern Illinois area. The owners are very friendly, and the aviation-themed distillery offers a nice variety of spirits. A large taproom and open outdoor area give great spaces for the various food trucks and live music that they routinely have. We enjoyed their whiskey and also their spirits infused with items grown on their farm. It was an enjoyable experience and would highly recommend.”
— TripAdvisor, September 2023
“Cute little spot that I discovered from other Yelpers! Even some of my local Rockford peeps had not heard of this gem. Looking at other postings, it appears that they change cocktails regularly which is fun. I tried one of their vodka cocktails and it was tasty. Service was super friendly.”
— Yelp Review
“Barnstormer Distillery is 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
The Choice Is YoursYou 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.| Upcoming Events | View Full Calendar | See Our Spirits | Gift Cards Available | Tours | Custom Barrels | ContactFollow us for updates: Facebook | Instagram