Episode Details

A grain-to-glass distillery since 2011, FEW Spirits produces craft whiskey in a tucked away alley located in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, IL. A historical town where Prohibition lasted until 1972, Founder & Master Distiller Paul Hletko changed the future of Evanston when he opened FEW Spirits Distillery, the first (legal) alcohol-production facility of any kind to ever open there.

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About the Brand:Paul Hletko always knew he wanted to make craft spirits —produced in the local Chicago area -that offered something different, delicious and fun. Living in Evanston, a town that was prime for change after being dry for four decades post the repeal of prohibition, Paul felt it was the perfect home and backdrop for FEW and the brand. Deeply integrated into the brand story, both Evanston and Chicago are crucial elements of the FEW DNA and its inspiration. From its liquid, created from locally grown or sourced ingredients, to the look & feel of the design, which pays homage to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago— FEW is the true definition of a local Illinois craft spirit.

FEW Spirits features a refreshing and innovative portfolio including a stable of core spirits and several small batch limited edition specialty expressions. Each flagship spirit is a new take on the timeless liquors of the past; distilled from the very best grains, aged to perfection, and bottled under the FEW roof. The small batch limited editions hold true to the premium quality FEW drinkers have to come to love and expect from the brand, but offer something novel to the oft-ordinary taste and style we've all grown accustomed to.

In a world over saturated with mass-produced spirits, only few remain truly handcrafted, locally sourced and small-batched. FEW has never strayed from this —even as it grows, Paul and his team continue to provide consistently impeccable spirits that are true to their craft roots and reminiscent of their home base.

About Paul Hletko - Founder & Master Distiller

A maverick for the ages, Paul Hletko wore many hats before launching FEW Spirits, but one thing has always remained consistent throughout —he loves to make new things. Whether that was making blueprints as an engineer, deals as a lawyer or music for his rock-n-roll band, at his core Paul is a creative and always wants to bring something to the table that hasn't been done before.

"All my life, I've tried to be a creative person and beat to the sound of my own drum," says Paul. "At the end of the day, I like to have created something that didn't exist that morning and offers something completely different." FEW Spirits was and is exactly that. And while that notion, and Evanston's history itself led to the creation of FEW, the biggest inspiration for Paul was his own family history. Prior to World War II, Paul's grandfat