FEW Spirits, based in Evanston, Illinois, has unveiled its latest whiskey, FEW Chicago Smokeworks, paying tribute to Chicago’s resilience following the Great Fire of 1871. The whiskey was inspired by the city’s rebirth after the devastating fire that claimed nearly 300 lives and reshaped the landscape of Chicago. The launch is a reflection of the city’s unwavering determination, capturing its history, grit, and traditions in a bottle.
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Chicago Smokeworks Whiskey is a 93-proof spirit with a mashbill combining cherrywood-smoked barley and rye. This unique combination delivers a bold and smoky profile, reminiscent of traditional malt whiskey but with a distinct Chicago twist. The flavors evoke memories of smoke-filled skies and the strength of the people who rebuilt the city from its ashes.
Paul Hletko, the founder of FEW Spirits, emphasized the importance of honoring Chicago’s history with this release. “Chicago’s an old city with a proud history full of deeply ingrained traditions that loves any excuse for a party,” Hletko said. “With FEW Chicago Smokeworks, we wanted to honor the grit and determination of our city by remembering how far we’ve come.” This sentiment is reflected not only in the whiskey’s flavor profile but also in its packaging.
The creation process for Chicago Smokeworks involved more than just distilling the whiskey. The design team behind the bottle took samples of the whiskey on a barbecue tasting journey through Chicago, drawing inspiration from the city’s ironworks and classic barbecue flavors. The final label design was influenced by these experiences, capturing the essence of the city in both flavor and appearance.
As for tasting notes, Chicago Smokeworks offers aromas of honey graham cracker, vanilla, and campfire smoke. On the palate, the whiskey features flavors of cereal grains, baking spices, and a gentle, rounded smokiness that lingers, making it an ideal spirit for the cooler autumn months. FEW Spirits sees this whiskey as the perfect companion for Chicago’s fall traditions, particularly football tailgates, which are a staple of the season.
This release continues FEW Spirits’ tradition of creativity in their offerings. Earlier this year, the brand partnered with The Smashing Pumpkins for a bourbon cut to proof with black tea, highlighting their innovative approach to whiskey-making. With Chicago Smokeworks, FEW Spirits once again demonstrates its ability to craft unique spirits that celebrate both tradition and creativity.
About Chicago's Great Fire of 1871
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the most devastating urban disasters in American history. The fire began on the evening of October 8, 1871, in a small barn owned by the O’Leary family on the city’s southwest side. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in the barn, igniting the flames, though this story is widely considered a myth. Regardless of its exact origin, the fire quickly spread due to a combination of dry conditions, strong winds, and the city’s mostly wooden construction. At the time, Chicago’s buildings, sidewalks, and even some streets were made primarily of wood, creating a tinderbox that fueled the blaze.
The fire raged for more than 24 hours, consuming over 3 square miles of the city. By the time it was finally extinguished on October 10, more than 17,000 buildings were destroyed, leaving nearly 100,000 people homeless. The fire’s path of destruction stretched from the southwest side, leaped across the Chicago River twice, and decimated the city’s business district and wealthy neighborhoods. Despite the massive scale of the disaster, only about 300 people were killed, a figure that is low given the magnitude of the destruction.
In the aftermath of the fire, Chicago faced the monumental task of rebuilding. The disaster, however, also provided an opportunity to rethink and modernize the city’s infrastructure. Rebuilding efforts began almost immediately, and Chicago quickly emerged as a more resilient and prosperous city. The reconstruction introduced more fire-resistant materials like brick and stone, improved building codes, and new urban planning strategies. The rapid rebuilding and population growth in the years that followed helped transform Chicago into a major economic hub in the United States, solidifying its place as a key player in the nation's industrial expansion.
The Great Chicago Fire also left a lasting cultural impact, influencing fire safety regulations and emergency response strategies across the country. The city’s recovery became a symbol of resilience, while the myths and legends surrounding the fire entered American folklore. Today, the fire remains a significant chapter in Chicago’s history, remembered not only for its destruction but also for the remarkable recovery and growth that followed.
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About FEW Spirits
FEW Spirits is a craft distillery located in Evanston, Illinois, renowned for its innovative approach to whiskey and other spirits. Founded in 2011 by Paul Hletko, FEW Spirits was the first distillery to legally operate in Evanston, a city historically known for its stringent stance on alcohol due to its ties to the temperance movement. The name "FEW" is a playful nod to Frances Elizabeth Willard, a key figure in the temperance movement and a prominent resident of Evanston.
FEW Spirits stands out for its dedication to high-quality, small-batch production. The distillery sources local grains and uses traditional methods to create a range of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and gin. Each product reflects a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to innovation, blending classic techniques with modern flair.
One of FEW's flagship products is its FEW Bourbon, a unique expression that deviates from the standard Kentucky style. This bourbon features a high corn content but incorporates malted barley and a significant amount of rye, giving it a distinctive spicy and sweet flavor profile. The bourbon is aged in smaller barrels to accelerate the maturation process, resulting in a robust and complex spirit with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
FEW Rye Whiskey is another standout, known for its bold and peppery character. The rye whiskey showcases the distillery's ability to produce a spirit that is both intense and balanced, with flavors of cinnamon, clove, and dark fruit. This rye has garnered acclaim for its quality and distinctiveness, earning a place among the notable rye whiskies in the market.
In addition to whiskey, FEW Spirits produces a variety of gins, including FEW American Gin and FEW Barrel-Aged Gin. These gins are crafted with a unique blend of botanicals and reflect the distillery's innovative spirit. The barrel-aged gin, in particular, combines the botanical complexity of gin with the rich, oaky characteristics imparted by aging in whiskey barrels, creating a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.
FEW Spirits has gained recognition and numerous awards for its products, solidifying its reputation as a leading craft distillery. The distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the craftsmanship and passion that go into each bottle. By combining traditional distilling methods with creative experimentation, FEW Spirits continues to push the boundaries of what craft distilling can achieve, making it a notable player in the American spirits industry.
