FEW Spirits: Evanston's Grain to Glass Distillery
Updated: 6 days ago
FEW Spirits is a craft distillery in Evanston, Illinois, near Chicago, founded in 2011 by Paul Hletko. It makes small batch whiskeys and describes its production as grain to glass.
In this guide
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FEW Spirits at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | FEW Spirits |
Country and region | Illinois, United States |
Owner / operator | FEW Spirits, ownership to verify |
Historical background | Whisky.com and TripAdvisor both record that FEW Spirits was founded in Evanston in 2011 by Paul Hletko. Whisky.com adds that it was the first time in about 100 years that spirits were made… |
Whisky identity | Small-batch grain-to-glass American whiskey |
Visitor planning | Check the producer's official site for current tours and operating hours. |
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At a glance
Location: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Founded: 2011 by Paul Hletko
Name: a nod to the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, a leading Evanston temperance campaigner (Tasters Club)
Claim: 100% grain to glass, per the official site
Phone: 847.920.8628
The story
Whisky.com and TripAdvisor both record that FEW Spirits was founded in Evanston in 2011 by Paul Hletko. Whisky.com adds that it was the first time in about 100 years that spirits were made legally in the city, which was long associated with the temperance movement.
The official site says its spirits are inspired by pre Prohibition times and are small batch, made from locally sourced grain, aged in American oak and bottled in American made glass bottles. The name nods to Frances Elizabeth Willard, according to a Tasters Club profile.
The people
Paul Hletko: founder and master distiller
The range
The official site has a Products page. The range and ABVs were not read.
Small batch rye, bourbon and other whiskeys, per the official description
Visiting
Search listings place the distillery in downtown Evanston.
Tour and tasting details were not read. Check fewspirits.com before travelling.
Grain to glass in Evanston
Whiskykort describes FEW Spirits as a grain-to-glass distillery in Evanston, just north of Chicago, producing small batch whisky and gin since 2011. It was founded by Paul Hletko and is based in a former auto shop. The brand draws on the 1893 World's Fair and Evanston's role in the temperance movement.
Grain: locally sourced, with ageing mainly in American oak
Range: straight bourbon, straight rye, a single malt smoked with cherry wood instead of peat, Bottled-in-Bond bourbon and rye at 50% ABV, and collaboration releases
Single malt: released in small quantities, 500 to 600 bottles a year
Founder: a Spirits Business post reports Paul Hletko has left the Heaven Hill owned distillery after more than a decade
Frequently asked questions
Who founded FEW Spirits?
Paul Hletko, in 2011.
Where is it?
In downtown Evanston, Illinois.
What does FEW stand for?
It nods to the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, per a Tasters Club profile.
Sources and gaps
Sources read on 20 October 2026: fewspirits.com home page; search snippets from Whisky.com, TripAdvisor, Tasters Club and Pour and Sip. The official story page did not load.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Whiskykort distillery profile of FEW Spirits.
What makes FEW Spirits distinctive?
Small-batch grain-to-glass American whiskey
FEW Spirits whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
FEW Bourbon | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Small-batch grain-to-glass American whiskey |
FEW Rye | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Small-batch grain-to-glass American whiskey |
The table records named or historical expressions. Exact availability, strength and provenance can change; consult the producer for current details.
FEW Bourbon Whiskey, 93 proof (46.5% ABV), is pictured below. This producer-specific bottle photograph illustrates the Bourbon expression discussed above.
Pictured: FEW Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ml bottle. The label and availability can vary by market and date.
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Frequently asked questions about FEW Spirits
Where is FEW Spirits located?
Illinois, United States.
Who owns or operates FEW Spirits?
FEW Spirits, ownership to verify.
What makes FEW Spirits distinctive?
Small-batch grain-to-glass American whiskey.
Which whiskies are documented for FEW Spirits?
FEW Bourbon, FEW Rye. Availability varies.
Can visitors tour FEW Spirits?
Check the producer's current tour and booking information; not all sites are open to visitors.
Sources and editorial notes
The original research and reference links have been retained. Current ownership, prices, operating status and visitor arrangements should be reconfirmed.
Featured photograph: FEW Spirits' own copper distilling equipment and spirit vessels inside the Evanston facility. Photo source and credits are listed at the bottom of this article.
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Photo and source notes
Cover photograph: FEW Spirits' own copper distilling equipment and spirit vessels inside the Evanston facility. Source: Johnstone Yellin Drinks. Reuse rights have not been independently confirmed.
Bottle photograph: FEW Bourbon Whiskey product photo hosted by Real Liquor. Copyright remains with the original image owner; explicit reuse permission has not been independently confirmed.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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