FEW Spirits, a distillery located just outside Chicago in Evanston, IL, is the proud creator of Few Bourbon. This unique and flavorful bourbon is the result of founder Paul Hletko's passion for distilling and his desire to honor his family's brewing legacy.
The story of Few Spirits begins in 2011, in the city that was once known as the ‘Seat of American Prohibition'. Evanston, Illinois, was the birthplace of the temperance movement and the hometown of Paul Hletko. It was in this historically significant location that Hletko decided to establish his distillery and revive the art of craft spirits.
Paul Hletko's family has a long history in brewing, dating back to the 19th century. This brewing heritage inspired Hletko to create spirits that would rival the traditional offerings from Kentucky, the home of bourbon. With this vision in mind, he set out to create a bourbon that would be distinctive, flavorful, and true to its roots.
Few Bourbon is crafted using a combination of traditional and non-traditional methods. The distillery sources its corn, malted barley, and rye from local farmers, ensuring the highest quality ingredients. The grains are then mashed and fermented in-house, allowing for complete control over the production process.
One of the unique aspects of Few Bourbon is its aging process. The distillery uses a combination of new, charred American oak barrels and smaller, used barrels to age their bourbon. This combination of barrel sizes and types imparts a rich and complex flavor profile to the spirit, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
In addition to its distinctive aging process, Few Bourbon is also known for its high rye content. Traditional bourbons typically have a mash bill that is predominantly corn, but Few Bourbon bucks this trend by incorporating a higher proportion of rye. This gives the bourbon a bolder and spicier flavor profile, setting it apart from other offerings on the market.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting Few Bourbon on multiple occasions. Each time, I am struck by its unique character and the skillful craftsmanship that goes into its production. The flavors are well-balanced, with a delightful interplay between the sweetness of the corn and the spiciness of the rye.
Few Bourbon is a testament to the passion and dedication of its makers. The distillery's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and their innovative approach to aging sets them apart in the world of bourbon production. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Few Bourbon is a spirit that truly stands out.
Few Spirits is the proud producer of Few Bourbon, a bourbon that combines traditional and non-traditional methods to create a unique and flavorful spirit. With its rich history, commitment to quality, and innovative approach to production, Few Spirits has established itself as a leader in the craft spirits industry.