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Blaum Bros Distilling Co.

Two brothers walk away from their day jobs to follow their dream of making handcrafted spirits together.

Illinois Made Spirits from Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

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Matt and Mike Blaum are your typical brothers.

They still butt heads over who was Mom’s favorite growing up. But the debate resolves quickly over a bottle of finely crafted whiskey, a formula that’s worked for Matt & Mike since they turned 21. After quitting their day jobs (Mike worked for the Department of Defense; Matt dabbled in nuclear medicine), the Bros. settled into Galena, a town steeped in distilling history, and took their passion for good booze to a higher level.

Without any formal training (or hipster vests, as they’re proud to point out), the Blaum Brothers set up shop in historic Galena, where they craft small batches of rye, whiskey and vodka. By sourcing grains from local farmers and controlling the entire process in a purpose-built facility, they produce the highest-quality spirits the old-fashioned way.

Blaum Bros. has quickly become a popular tourist attraction in Galena. Credit this spike in popularity in large part to the Bros. popular spirits tours. The tour is a full sensory experience that takes visitors through the distillation area, to the barrel room, and finishes in a relaxed tasting room. And for whatever reason, if your birth name is “Gus,” your tour is free.

Discover more Illinois makers and artisans at Illinois Made.