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. Cocktails are priced between $10-$14. I asked to sample their other vodka prior to purchasing a bottle to go. At time of review they had a dill pickle vodka (surprisingly tasty!, good for bloody marys) and a horseradish vodka (not a fan) Service was super friendly. They also have some non-alcoholic options. It was a little dark coming up the drive at night. I will definitely return. read more

Barnstormer Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

A pleasant surprise located in the countryside of Rockford. It is a distillery that also grows fruits and vegetables on the farm , which are used in their bourbon, whiskey and rums. The dirt road to the distillery is a bit misleading , not sure where it will lead, until you see the barn, lights, an outdoor stage and chairs. I had the There is No Crying in Baseball - Vodka, Peach Tea and Lemonade, it was so good. My husband had the classic Old Fashioned. The band New Shoes provided entertainment while we sat outside. The bartender was personable and patient, while we decided which cocktail to select. They do offer food with many of the ingredients grown on the premises. This was such a pleasant surprise and would definately return. read more

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Definitely check out this countryside distillery in the outskirts of Rockford. The setting is beautiful, the staff friendly even when busy and really enjoyed the live entertainment. New Shoes is a duo we've seen before and the guitar player sounds just like Neil Young. I enjoyed a lemon lavender martini although I couldn't really taste the lavender as much as I would have liked. It was a generous pour. The food coming out looked good so we will be back next time hungry. They had a private event also going on but it didn't spoil the fun for the rest of us because it was located further back in a tent and separate bar. Really great place to enjoy yourself. read more

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This might be my favorite local Illinois distillery. Located in a country-like setting on the outskirts of Rockford,they produce whiskey,bourbon,vodka,rum as well as specialty spirits. Located on a 22 acre farm that grows vegetables,fruits and herbs that are all used at the distillery. Open Fri-Sun with food available but check their website for specific hours. Live music most of the time as well. My wife had a Lavender Lemon Martini which was very refreshing but she said she would have liked to taste more lavender. I had a Bourbon Old Fashion instead of their Whiskey Old Fashion and it was absolutely delicious. I would like to try one of their Whiskey flights on my next visit as they do sell bottles to go A real hidden gem just outside of Chicago! read more

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Out near Rockfords airport off route 2, it's not where you'd expect a distillery. When you drive by, it's off the highway and looks like a driveway to someone's home. Luckily we had some friends and family let us know what to look for. It's not lit up well by the highway. Once you're up the driveway, it opens up to a large area with some small buildings, lights, a bonfire and music area, and a main building with a bar and bathrooms. They have a cocktail menu. Their drinks are pretty good. You can also buy full bottles to take with you. read more

Great spirits. Love the bourbon and rye. Charcuterie board did not leave me wanting. Got my gluten free crackers and manchego. Great attentive staff. Nice location tucked back in the trees. Hope to be back in the summer when they open the big door. read more

Excellent place! Wonderful staff. We played Scrabble while we had a Charcutierre Board. That was excellent as well. We took 2 bottles home and have enjoyed the Bourbon. The drive up and grounds could use a nice $30,000 landscapping but who cares. We are looking at summer under the pine trees. read more

Spent a wonderful evening at the Barnstormers Valentines Event. Great food and inspired drink pairings. Addie and Tim always do such a great job making everyone feel so welcome. Great food, atmosphere, and service. read more

Very nice location for this venue. Distillery on premises. They make Vodka, Rum, Bourbon, and Gin. Everything they distill is 100% natural. Open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Live music on some evenings. Check their website. Inside bar available. Outdoor seating during nice weather. Sandwiches and nachos are available if you're hankering for something to eat. Prices are very reasonable .... plenty of parking. It's back in the woods, so it's very secluded. read more

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We only live a few miles away. My wife brought me here on my 60th birthday, and i fell in love with it. We've been back a few times and we always enjoy it. I have brought some if thier gin and bourbon home and have always been impressed. read more

We had a wonderful time at our class reunion that was held at Barnstormer Distillery! A couple of years before the event, our classmates voted on a spirit. We toured the distillery and helped fill the barrel with rum. At our reunion, we sampled and bottled the rum. We got to place the labels and sign them. It was a fun and unique reunion! Owners Tim and Addie Ford went above and beyond to make this a memorable event. When our caterer backed out several days before the reunion, Tim and Addie pulled together a terrific buffet with plenty of delicious food for everyone. Barnstormer Distillery is a great place to grab a bite to eat (from food trucks), relax and enjoy the weather. They've lined up some music for the summer months, too. read more

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Can't say enough good things about this place!! What a hidden gem. Formerly known as Grant View Distillery, Barnstormer Distillery is a farm to bottle distillery, growing a lot of their ingredients on site as well as getting them from a local farm in the neighboring town of Byron. I believe they are about 3 years old right now. We were given a tour by Addy, one of the owners. I've been to many brewery and distillery tours in my life, given by many talented and knowledgeable people. I can confidently say this was my favorite tour so far, and that's mostly because of how personable and knowledgeable Addy was at making us feel like we were family! She made us mixed drinks during the tour, showed us their "small but mighty" distillery and explained how their process works (they do many things different than the industry standard, in a good way!). We were then able to see a little bit of their gorgeous 22-acre property, as well as finish the tour off with a very extensive tasting of all of their spirits (and some snacks too). During the tasting, we were taught the best practices when sampling spirits and some of these tips and tricks I had never heard about before. After tasting all the spirits, I would personally recommend their RFD vodka and 40 winks barrel strength whiskey, but they also have a great offering for those who like rum, too. All their spirits are available for sale in Rockford at woodmans, artale, and cork keg & spirits. While they are not fully open to the public yet as of July 2020, they will be very soon and I would highly recommend booking your spot for a tour, as well as checking out the events that they will be hosting soon. It will definitely be an experience you'll remember for a long time--I know we will! read more

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Nice ambience tasty drinks, but clean up the junkyard I can't see having any event outside there with all the debris everywhere

The ambiance is so cute! The service was awesome and made us "custom" cocktails. We had a great time.

What a fun place! Awesome husband/wife duo running this quirky yet classy distillery. Come for a great cocktail and some award winning spirits. Be sure to say yes to the farm/distillery tour to hear more of their story. Catch this place while it's still a hidden gem and beat the crowds (because they're sure to come once the secret gets out). Gotta be the most peaceful, unique place to get a drink in the rock river valley! read more

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Absolutely slow service and ove rpriced drinks!!!!! Will never go again. The last time was the same. Stand at the bar for ten minutes(bullshit) when you're paying top dollar! These people should open a bed and breakfast! If you enjoy standing at the bar being ignored, this is the place for you! The ambiance is great. The bar service is garbage! read more

What a wonderfully quaint spot. I wasn't expecting much, but the whiskey was amazing. And the owners are sweet as can be. Can't wait to go back to sit by the fire pits or stroll through the twinkle lights. read more

Barnstormer Distillery - An empty whiskey flight and some cribbage was a perfect way to spend a chilly Saturday afternoon. - Distilleries Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Amazing venue! Warm, welcoming and rustic! Owners are present and there to share their stories with the customers.

What an amazing place tucked off the road if it had more than 5 stars they would get it...had a chance to visit with the owners so warm and welcoming making you feel at home. We had a chance to sample so many tasty drinks and bring a bottle home.. everything is distilled on sight a lot of farm to bar which is great to see...will be a return trip for us read more

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A cute find conveniently right by my parents' house. During the winter, they have a greenhouse bar open with plenty of propane heaters and tables/chairs. Super cozy! They also offer a couple hot beverage choices- always a win in my book. The buttered hot toddy hit the spot. The owners were very knowledgeable about their products and were able to answer all our questions. A great gem! read more

Quality and hospitality! These two words sum up Tim an Addie and the Barnstormer Distillery! We have been to the distillery a few times and it never disappoints. The care and attention put into the spirits is impressive. From the grain to the parings, there is significant attention to detail, care, and quality. If it does not meet their quality standards they will not serve it. We held a private event that was amazing. The new hanger is awesome and customers are welcomed like family. It's local and small-scale and we will continue to support as the spirits speak for themselves and the hospitality of the owners puts it over the top. Food is not served unless a partner food truck or other event is taking place. You can order from a local spot or bring food and in. Mixed drinks range from traditional to creative and unique. We lean to whiskey as our preferred drink but the Kailua like rum, cucumber vodka, and others are also great options. I am anxiously awaiting the release of additional creative spirits. read more

Off beaten path along Rt 2 near Rockford, nice outdoor and indoor seating , nice cocktail menu

Such a fun space. Amazing drinks. Simple ambience and fun people! It doesn't get any better than this!

I visited Barnstormer Distillery today. The band That Gurl was playing, enjoyed a delicious old fashioned and BBQ from a food truck. The weather was perfect and what an amazing setting to enjoy the day. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful place. read more