Judson & Moore Distillery is now open for tastings and cocktail service in Chicago’s Rockwell on the River complex. In addition to a bar and tasting room, the space features a mercantile with offerings from local and sustainable artisan producers, regular live music programming. and production tours.

The family-run craft distillery, located at 3057 N. Rockwell St., Bldg. 5, was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Judson Bergman; his daughter, designer Elise Bergman; and her husband, distiller and engineer Collin Moore. Judson & Moore whiskeys are distilled from local, Midwestern grains using Lake Michigan Water and aged in Minnesota white oak barrels.

“Judson & Moore represents years of our working together to create quality spirits that represent the land from which the grains are harvested as well as a welcoming and inviting space where guests are surrounded by history and both vintage and new artisanal products,” said Elise in a news release. “We are thrilled to finally open our doors to the public, and share Judson & Moore with friends, neighbors, and whiskey lovers alike.”

Designed by fcSTUDIO, Judson & Moore’s space in Rockwell on the River operated as a leather tannery in the early 1900s, named J.M. & V. Weil Tanners. The building is a brick and timber warehouse, which after a fire in 2015, was rebuilt to the specifications needed for a modern-day distillery. The production facility includes a mill room, production room with a showpiece 500-gallon custom Vendome copper still, barrel storage, and an open-floorplan gathering space.

The Judson & Moore tasting room features a custom bar and tabletops made by Zak Rose of Dock 6 Collective from white oak trees from Elise’s childhood home. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring light into the 5,800 square foot space, and charred oak sculptures by Elise’s brother Elliot Bergman adorn the room. Seating and glassware include sourced vintage and American-made pieces, and the custom sound system is by Chicago audio manufacturer Bag End. The main space of Judson & Moore can accommodate up to 125, and 75 for a seated event, and the patio (opening later this summer) will seat up to 28.

The distillery’s first release includes Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey, and Single Malt Whiskey. Aged two years and bottled in Spring 2022, Judson & Moore balances tradition and innovation, agriculture and craft, hard work and simple pleasures; and the realization of a vision to create the finest of American whiskeys.

Currently Judson & Moore’s bottles are only available for purchase at the Distillery, Thursday through Saturday from 2-6pm. Starting Friday, the space will be open for cocktails and tastings on Thursdays from 4-8pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 2-8pm. Hour-long Distillers’ Tours, each led by one of the distillers, take place Saturdays at 2pm with tickets available in advance at this link. Private tours are also available upon request.

Judson & Moore’s stable of cocktails, designed by Operations Manager Colleen Malone (Violet Hour, Superkhana, Lula Café), are classic in nature and were created to showcase the distillery’s four distinct spirit offerings. In addition, the menu offers a seasonal cocktail, as well as Spirit Free options.