Hidden down a dark alley in a former chop shop, skilled men are quietly violating one of Evanston's founding principles: Prohibition. In the 19th century, Frances Elizabeth Willard was elected President of the Chicago Woman's Christian Temperance Union and embarked on a decade-long crusade to prohibit alcohol in the U.S. As a result, Evanston remained a dry town for over 100 years. Enter Paul Hletko, the master distiller. He began lobbying the town so that the antiquated laws were lifted. From a mash bill of 47.5% bourbon, 47.5% rye, and 5% single malt smoked with cherry wood. Vanilla, cinnamon, tart cherries and a touch of gentle smoke on the nose. On the palate sweet corn and sweet smoky flavors balance the punchy rye and sweet toasted oak. The rye begins to shine on the finish with light peppery notes that cling to the palate before a gentle fruity malt builds, all around a subtly smoky core. A chewy and complex whiskey that makes a fantastic Manhattan. After the most American of holidays, why not an American Whiskey.