Introducing ChiTribe Business of the Month: Meet Ari Klafter
I look for inspiration in the world’s great distilling traditions — so many different cultures have their own traditional styles of spirits using different local ingredients and methods. I’m also constantly learning by speaking to industry peers and reading about distilling techniques. The cocktail world is also an excellent source of inspiration because it gets you thinking about new ingredients, how different flavors work together and how our spirits express themselves in both classic and novel cocktails. In a sense, I also look to Judaism, not only for the best kosher ingredients I can get my hands on, but also for fun one-off projects like using leftover Etrog to make Etrog-distilled vodka after Sukkot.
Head Distiller, Ari Klafter, Thornton Distillery Company
Welcome to ChiTribe’s Business of the Month feature! Each month, we shine a spotlight on a unique and inspiring business within the Jewish community, delving into their story, values, and the exceptional offerings that make them stand out. This month, we are thrilled to introduce you to a business that not only crafts fine spirits but also carries forward a rich cultural heritage. This interview is with Ari Klafter, head distiller at Thornton Distillery Company. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Thornton Distilling Company, the creators of the exquisite Dead Drop Spirits.
Tell us the full name of your Business
Thornton Distilling Company, maker of Dead Drop Spirits
Meet Head Distiller, Ari Klafter
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Westchester County, New York, but am proud to have called Chicago home for over 5 years.
What did you do Jewish growing up?
Jewish traditions brought my family together growing up and anchored us to our past. Otherwise scattered geographically, my extended family would gather for Seder, break fast, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah etc., and looking back… it gave us reasons to share special moments, bring out recipes that had been passed down over generations, and carry on the traditions of our ancestors. Beyond synagogue, as a young child I looked forward to Shabbos with my family — I may have been too young to fully grasp the significance, but I understood there were something sacred and momentous in saying Hamotzi over the challah as a family, and lighting Shabbos candles using an unassuming pair of brass candlesticks that my great-great-grandfather had made himself and brought with him to the U.S. as his sole position when he fled Europe in the early 20th century.
What do you do for fun?
I love exploring food — cooking new recipes and trying new cuisines —as well at trying different beer and spirit styles from around the world. I also enjoy watching old films, playing guitar, staying up to date on current events, and making overly complicated espresso drinks.
When did you start your business?
We began distilling and laying down barrels of whisky in 2018, held our grand opening in late 2019, and finally launched our brand, Dead Drop Spirits, in the spring of 2020.
Where is your business located?
Our distillery is in Thornton, Illinois, just a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago. We’re located in Illinois’ oldest standing brewery, dating back to 1857, with the original limestone-filtered artesian well still in operation for us to use for all of our production water. We also run a cocktail bar, restaurant and private event space Wednesday through Sunday each week. For full directions, business hours, upcoming special events and to reserve spots for an upcoming distillery tour, please check our website.
How did you get into distilling?
I began brewing beer roughly 12 years ago, and pretty immediately fell in love with the science behind it. I went down an absolute rabbit hole that first year and even founded a brewing club, Et Tu Brewte, as a student at Swarthmore College, and continued brewing as a hobby for years to come. But as time went on I also started looking for a new challenge and became fascinated by spirits and the diversity of distilled spirits from around the world, and I eventually decided to make a change and pursue distilling as a long-term career path. Unlike brewing, one can’t legally distill in their home as a hobby and at that time there weren’t many available resources to get a really strong background in distilling, so I took my time and spent a few years saving up to pursue a Master’s degree in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. After I graduated, I returned to the U.S. with the long-term goal of creating world-class American single malt whiskies and eventually crossed paths with my current business partners, who I’ve worked with to launch Thornton Distilling Company and move towards making that goal a reality.
Where do you find inspiration for your products?
I look for inspiration in the world’s great distilling traditions — so many different cultures have their own traditional styles of spirits using different local ingredients and methods. I’m also constantly learning by speaking to industry peers and reading about distilling techniques. The cocktail world is also an excellent source of inspiration because it gets you thinking about new ingredients, how different flavors work together and how our spirits express themselves in both classic and novel cocktails. In a sense, I also look to Judaism, not only for the best kosher ingredients I can get my hands on, but also for fun one-off projects like using leftover Etrog to make Etrog-distilled vodka after Sukkot.
What products does Thornton Distilling Company offer?
We create a wide variety of spirits using all-natural ingredients and traditional production methods, including whiskies, gin, and our bottled Old Fashioned cocktail. All of our products are kosher-certified, and we also make a line of kosher for Pesach spirits, including our botanical gin, vodka and world’s first kosher for Passover-certified silver and barrel-aged rums.
At the distillery, we operate an award-winning cocktail bar and restaurant with seasonal menu items, rotating special events such as vintage markets and live music, and weekly distillery tours where guests can explore the original limestone-filtered artesian well and other parts of the original brewery dating back to 1857 and enjoy a guided tasting of our spirits lineup.
Our newly-renovated wedding and private event space can accommodate up to 250 guests, provides kosher and non-kosher catering options and includes private bridal and groomsmen’s suites.
How do we order from Thornton Distilling Company?
You can find Dead Drop spirits at your nearest Binny’s! Our spirits are also always available at our distillery and we also distribute to select locations throughout Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and New York (check the searchable list our website for a store nearest you).
What are your goals for your business?
Spirits are about community, and my goal is to be able to share exceptional and unique American single malt whiskies with the people around me. I’m passionate about using local grain, and we’re proud to be Illinois’ first and only Craft Malt Certified Distillery due to us getting 100% of our malt from small, local, family-owned maltsters and the farmers who supply them. I also want to distill whiskies that that no-one has ever made before, such as whisky from pre-WWII Czech heirloom barley varieties or whisky using malt smoked with local Midwestern peat that we hand-harvest from the banks of the Mississippi River.
When the Tribe Gathers…Bubbe Kvells
Thornton Distilling Company isn’t just about producing top-quality spirits; it’s a tale of passion, tradition, and innovation. Be sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and visit their website for the latest updates and offerings. The journey from brewing beer in college to crafting world-class spirits in Illinois’ oldest standing brewery illustrates a dedication not only to the craft but also to keeping cultural and familial traditions alive. Their unique approach, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation and a touch of Jewish heritage, makes Thornton Distilling Company a true gem in our community. Whether you’re savoring their spirits at home or experiencing the ambiance of their distillery, each sip is a taste of history, culture, and the unyielding spirit of creativity. Remember, when the Tribe Gathers, Thornton Distilling is there to add a special touch to your celebrations.
