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SUMMARY:3 Historic Hours: Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake
DESCRIPTION:The Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake event brings historic Illinois craft spirits\, artisanal American single malts\, and award-winning “Dead Drop” expressions to Beer Bazaar! Help us celebrate the official “Fall Opening” of the market season on Saturday\, October 3\, 2026\, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a complimentary tasting showcase featuring Thornton Distilling Co.. Warm up with deep oak\, rich vanilla\, pecan-infused autumn spirits\, and specialty single malt whiskies distilled at Illinois’ oldest standing brewery site! \nThornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake Overview & 1857 Heritage\nAutumn in downtown Grayslake calls for warming\, full-flavored craft spirits. The Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake showcase at Beer Bazaar offers guests a chance to sip a piece of living Illinois brewing and distilling history. \nHoused in the oldest standing brewery structure in Illinois—originally established in 1857 by John Bielfeldt—Thornton Distilling Co. crafts small-batch spirits using artesian spring water drawn directly from an original 1850s limestone well located deep beneath the distillery floor. This mineral-dense water\, naturally filtered through prehistoric limestone strata\, provides a remarkably smooth malt backbone and rounded texture to their entire spirit portfolio. \nLed by Head Distiller Ari Klafter\, Thornton Distilling Co. has emerged as one of the premier producers of American Single Malt Whiskey in the Midwest. By pairing complex craft beer malt bills with traditional copper pot distillation\, they produce innovative single malts alongside their acclaimed “Dead Drop” bourbon\, rye\, gin\, and cocktail line. \nWhether you are stopping by during your afternoon Grayslake Farmers Market stroll or kicking off an early evening in the taproom\, this free tasting showcase is the ultimate way to embrace autumn flavors. \nFeatured Lineup: American Single Malts & Dead Drop Classics\nDuring our 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM tasting hours\, guests can sample across Thornton Distilling Co.‘s complete signature spirit series: \n1. Thornton Distilling Signature American Single Malt Whiskey (92 Proof / 46.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: Binny’s Beverage Depot Highly Recommended \n\n\nMalt Bill Credentials: Crafted strictly according to American Single Malt Whiskey Commission guidelines using 100% malted barley. Brewed with a complex grain bill of brewer’s pale\, Munich\, roasted brown\, and Special Dark malts. \n\n\nTasting Notes: A masterclass in craft malt complexity. Displays rich aromas of roasted cacao nibs\, fresh coffee beans\, and grilled tropical fruit. The palate opens with brambleberry jam\, dark chocolate\, and biscuity malt sweetness before finishing with a delicate\, dry oak tannic structure. \n\n\n2. Thornton Distilling Prairie Peat American Single Malt Whiskey (92 Proof / 46.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: Terroir-Driven Specialty Drop (Unrated) \n\n\nProduction Innovation: A groundbreaking Midwestern expression crafted from 100% estate-malted barley smoked using native regional peat and proofed with 1850s limestone artesian well water. \n\n\nTasting Notes: Fuses traditional Scottish peat-smoking techniques with Illinois agricultural terroir. Features an inviting nose of earthy campfire smoke\, heather honey\, and toasted grain\, opening into flavors of dark chocolate\, roasted barley\, and a long\, lingering peaty finish. \n\n\n3. Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon (80 Proof / 40.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: USA Spirits Ratings Silver Medalist | Untappd: 3.82 / 5 \n\n\nFlavor Profile: The quintessential fall spirit! Infused with real toasted pecans and aged in charred American white oak barrels. \n\n\nTasting Notes: Pours a warm mahogany color. Brimming with inviting aromas of toasted pecan pie\, caramelized brown sugar\, maple syrup\, and oak vanillin. The palate is velvety and rich without cloying sweetness\, finishing with lingering roasted nuttiness and warm oak spice. \n\n\n4. Dead Drop Straight Bourbon Whiskey (94 Proof / 47.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: Untappd: 3.78 / 5 | Bartender Spirits Awards Silver Medalist \n\n\nDistillation & Blend: A curated blend of high-rye straight bourbons\, copper pot-distilled using 1857 artesian well water and aged in charred new oak barrels. \n\n\nTasting Notes: Rich\, complex\, and non-chill filtered. Delivers dominant notes of toasted oak\, overripe nectarines\, vanilla bean\, and dark toffee\, followed by subtle spearmint and baking spice on the finish. \n\n\n5. Dead Drop Straight Rye Whiskey (90 Proof / 45.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: Untappd: 3.80 / 5 | San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Medalist \n\n\nMash Bill: High-rye grain bill engineered for bold\, traditional spice. \n\n\nTasting Notes: Bold\, assertive\, and warming. Expresses aromas of spicy rye grain\, cracked black pepper\, citrus peel\, and mint\, softening into rich vanilla and toasted oak complexity. \n\n\n6. Dead Drop Small Batch Artisanal Gin (88 Proof / 44.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: Bartender Spirits Awards Gold Medal Winner | USA Spirits Ratings Gold Medalist \n\n\nBotanical Blend: Copper pot-distilled using limestone-filtered artesian well water. Infused with Italian juniper\, ruby red grapefruit\, hibiscus flowers\, and lavender. \n\n\nTasting Notes: Offers a lush floral nose alongside bright\, citrus-forward botanical balance and a silky\, mouth-coating finish. \n\n\n7. Dead Drop Old Fashioned RTD Craft Cocktail (74 Proof / 37.0% ABV)\n\n\nRatings: Premixed Speakeasy Craft Collaboration \n\n\nCollaboration Partner: Handcrafted in collaboration with Eden Laurin\, operating partner of Chicago’s iconic speakeasy The Violet Hour. \n\n\nIngredients: Blended with Dead Drop Straight Bourbon\, rich demerara sugar\, blood orange\, bitter orange peel\, Madagascar and Tahitian vanilla beans\, wild cherry bark\, Saigon cinnamon\, and aromatic bitters. \n\n\nTasting Notes: Expresses rich bourbon\, vanilla\, and clove on the nose\, opening into toffee\, baking spices\, and blood orange before finishing with balanced bitters and spearmint. \n\n\nThe Science of Artesian Water\, Craft Malts & Pecan Infusions\nUnderstanding what makes Thornton Distilling Co.‘s spirits unique involves examining the chemistry of historical water sources\, craft brewing malt bills\, and natural botanical infusions: \n1. Limestone Artesian Water Chemistry\nThe 1850s artesian well at the Thornton distillery site sits atop deep Niagaran limestone formations. Limestone naturally filters out iron (which imparts bitter\, metallic off-flavors to spirits) while enriching the water with calcium and magnesium ions. Calcium supports healthy yeast metabolism during fermentation\, while magnesium enhances sweet malt and ester perception in the final distillate. \n2. Maillard Pyrazines in Specialty American Single Malts\nIn Thornton Signature American Single Malt\, Head Distiller Ari Klafter incorporates Munich\, roasted brown\, and Special Dark malts alongside pale brewer’s malt. During kilning and mashing\, high heat triggers Maillard reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars\, generating pyrazine and furfural compounds. These chemical compounds pass through copper pot distillation\, creating natural dark chocolate\, roasted coffee\, and grilled fruit flavors without synthetic flavorings. \n3. Lipid Extraction in Pecan Bourbon\nIn Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon\, real pecans undergo a specialized infusion process. Pecans contain high concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural vanillin precursors. By conditioning high-proof bourbon over gently roasted pecans\, the alcohol extracts rich lipid oils and nutty aromatics without dissolving astringent tannins from the outer pecan shells. \nThornton Distilling Expression Comparison Matrix\n\n\n\n\nSpirit Expression\nCategory\nProof / ABV\nKey Flavor Notes\nRatings\n\n\n\n\nSignature Single Malt\nAmerican Single Malt Whiskey\n92 Proof (46.0%)\nRoasted Cacao\, Espresso\, Grilled Fruit\, Brambleberry\nBinny’s Highly Recommended\n\n\nPrairie Peat Single Malt\nPeated American Single Malt\n92 Proof (46.0%)\nCampfire Smoke\, Heather Honey\, Dark Cocoa\nFresh Terroir Release\n\n\nPecan Bourbon\nPecan-Infused Bourbon\n80 Proof (40.0%)\nToasted Pecan\, Maple\, Oak\, Brown Sugar\nUSASR Silver | Untappd: 3.82\n\n\nStraight Bourbon\nHigh-Rye Straight Bourbon\n94 Proof (47.0%)\nDeep Oak\, Vanilla Bean\, Nectarine\, Spearmint\nUntappd: 3.78 / 5\n\n\nStraight Rye\nHigh-Rye Straight Whiskey\n90 Proof (45.0%)\nSpicy Rye\, Peppercorn\, Mint\, Vanilla\nSFWSC Silver | Untappd: 3.80\n\n\nArtisanal Gin\nCopper Pot Botanical Gin\n88 Proof (44.0%)\nJuniper\, Grapefruit\, Hibiscus\, Lavender\nBSA Gold Medal Winner\n\n\nRTD Old Fashioned\nPremixed Craft Cocktail\n74 Proof (37.0%)\nBlood Orange\, Vanilla\, Bitters\, Clove\nCollab w/ The Violet Hour\n\n\n\n\nFood & Autumn Beverage Pairing Suggestions\nSipping high-proof Dead Drop spirits and American single malts alongside complementary autumn food profiles heightens the tasting experience: \n\n\nThornton Signature Single Malt: Pair with dark chocolate tarts\, espresso gelato\, smoked gouda cheese\, or grilled ribeye steak. \n\n\nPrairie Peat Single Malt: Matches smoked brisket\, sharp blue cheese\, fresh oysters\, or dark cocoa nibs. \n\n\nDead Drop Pecan Bourbon: Pair with warm apple pie\, pecan bars\, pumpkin cheesecake\, or dark chocolate truffles. \n\n\nDead Drop Straight Bourbon: Matches smoked beef brisket\, aged gouda\, grilled pork chops\, or buttery coffee cake. \n\n\nDead Drop Straight Rye: Pair with spicy charcuterie\, cured salami\, dark rye bread\, or sharp cheddar cheese. \n\n\nDead Drop Artisanal Gin: Excellent alongside goat cheese crostini\, fresh oysters\, lemon tarts\, or cucumber sandwiches. \n\n\nDead Drop RTD Old Fashioned: Pair with roasted nuts\, dark chocolate-covered cherries\, or braised short ribs. \n\n\nStep-by-Step Visitor Guide to Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake\nVisiting Beer Bazaar during our Fall Market Opening showcase is simple\, free\, and completely informal: \n\n\nStroll Into Downtown Grayslake: Head to 107 Center Street during market hours between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday\, October 3\, 2026. \n\n\nVisit the Tasting Bar: Stop by our interior tasting station to meet our spirits curation team and sample complimentary pours across the American Single Malt and Dead Drop lineups. \n\n\nCompare Terroir & Grain Profiles: Sample Signature Single Malt alongside Prairie Peat and Pecan Bourbon to explore how roasted malts\, regional peat\, and pecan infusions transform spirit complexity. \n\n\nPurchase Bottles To-Go: Browse our package shop liquor shelves to purchase full 750ml bottles of your favorite Thornton Distilling Co. expressions to stock your home bar! \n\n\nEnjoy Taproom Drafts & Outside Food: Order a fresh draft glass pour from our tap wall or bring takeout food from local downtown Grayslake restaurants to enjoy at your table. \n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhere can I attend the Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake showcase?\nThe Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake event takes place inside Beer Bazaar at 107 Center St\, Grayslake\, IL 60030 during our Farmers Market tasting hours (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM). \nIs there an admission fee for the Thornton Distilling tasting?\nNo! The tasting showcase is 100% free for all guests aged 21 and older with valid government identification. \nDoes Thornton Distilling produce American Single Malt Whiskey?\nYes! Thornton Distilling Co. produces both their Signature American Single Malt Whiskey (brewed with pale\, Munich\, brown\, and Special Dark malts) and Prairie Peat Peated American Single Malt. \nIs Thornton Distilling located at a historical brewery site?\nYes! Thornton Distilling Co. operates out of the original 1857 Bielfeldt Brewery site in Thornton\, Illinois\, making it the oldest standing brewery structure in the state. \nCan I purchase full bottles of Dead Drop spirits and Single Malts at Beer Bazaar?\nYes! Beer Bazaar carries full 750ml bottles of Thornton Distilling Co.‘s spirits in our retail liquor department. \nIs Beer Bazaar family-friendly during daytime market hours?\nBeer Bazaar is a welcoming community taproom during daytime market hours. Alcohol sampling and purchases are strictly restricted to adults aged 21 and older with valid ID. \nHub & Spoke Cluster: Related Grayslake Events\nExplore our connected event hubs and upcoming taproom activities: \n\n\nPillar Event Hub: View our full schedule on the Grayslake Community Events Calendar. \n\n\nBB Oktoberfest & Pub Crawl: Join us all day on Oct 3 for BB Oktoberfest & Tapping History Pub Crawl (Crawl 5 PM – 8 PM). \n\n\nTuesday Night Trivia: Join us for Tuesday Trivia Night Grayslake every Tuesday at 6:30 PM. \n\n\nDraft & Package Hub: Browse active pours on the main Beer Bazaar Taproom Menu. \n\n\nVisit Beer Bazaar for Thornton Distilling Tasting Grayslake\nWarm up your autumn weekend and join us at Beer Bazaar at 107 Center Street in downtown Grayslake on Saturday\, October 3 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM! Sample Signature American Single Malt\, Prairie Peat\, Dead Drop Pecan Bourbon\, Straight Bourbon\, Rye\, and Artisanal Gin straight from Illinois’ oldest distillery site. \nFor product holds or directions\, call our team directly at (224) 541-4494. See you in historic downtown Village of Grayslake!
URL:https://thebeerbazaar.com/event/thornton-distilling-tasting-grayslake/
LOCATION:The Beer Bazaar\, 107 Center Street\, Grayslake\, IL\, 60030\, United States
CATEGORIES:Farmers Market Tasting,Free Tastings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thebeerbazaar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20261003_FMS-Thornton-Dead-Drop.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="The Beer Bazaar":MAILTO:General@TheBeerBazaar.com
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