Meet Derek and Sonja Kassebaum, outlaw distillers.
Well, maybe they’re not outlaws seeing that in their past lives Derek was a chemical engineer and Sonja was an attorney. They did, however, buck the system and high-profile careers to live the distillers’ life. Or as TimeOut called them “The OG of Local Spirits.”
Self-proclaimed nerds who love working with their hands, Derek and Sonja were searching for more in life, something they could be passionate about and look forward to doing every day. Distilling spirits obviously fit the bill. Since everything they make, from their gins and vodkas to their artisan absinthe and aquavit, are truly top shelf. And they have the awards to prove it.
What if you’re more of the cocktail type instead of the straight booze type? No need to worry. Sonja’s endless experimenting and crafting of new cocktails made with house spirits, is your reward. New recipes are skillfully mixed and poured almost weekly. Of course, the classics are expertly prepared and served as well.
But enough about Derek and Sonja. No story about North Shore Distillery is complete without talking about Ethel — the heart of the operation. All spirits that are made at North Shore Distillery spend some quality time with her. You see, Ethel is a still, custom-built and handmade in Southern Germany. (Ethel was named for Sonja’s grandmother and for the wonderful ethyl alcohol she makes. The still, not the grandmother.) Derek worked with the manufacturer to design Ethel to his exacting standards. (Remember, the guy was a chemical engineer.) The result — a curvy copper and steel beauty with a capacity of 60 gallons. Small by commercial standards, but who wants to be like the big guys. Not Ethel.
So the next time you’re in the mood for some quality spirits and cocktails, make your way to North Shore Distillery. Derek and Sonja (and Ethel) love to share their passion with others. As they put it, “We are in the happiness business.” We couldn’t agree more.
(Incidentally, for those who are curious, you can follow Ethel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. According to her profile she has been told she has an attitude.)
Discover more Illinois Artisans at Illinois Made.
Related Reads
Best Empanadas in Chicago at Cafe Tola
A blending of delicacies with colorful Mexican pizzazz and an adventurous menu of daily crafted homemade empanadas and wickedly-delicious coffees guaranteed to rock your world.
Epiphany Farms
Healthy living through sustainable, environmentally sound farming that relies on farm to fork education has to be tasted to be believed.
Incredibly Delicious Artisan Bakery
Artisanal breads, traditional croissants, handmade pastries, specialty cakes and desserts are just the start of why this French Bakery and Cafe is called Incredibly Delicious.
Blaum Bros Distilling Co.
Two brothers walk away from their day jobs to follow their dream of making handcrafted spirits together.
Copper Fiddle Distillery
The sound of a violin made in 1906 gets better with each passing year. So, too, does a batch of handcrafted bourbon.
Share your Moments
#EnjoyIllinois