Few
FEW Spirits is a craft distillery based in Evanston, Illinois, producing a range of grain-to-glass whiskeys and other spirits. Founded in 2011 by attorney-turned-distiller Paul Hletko, the distillery operates in a town historically tied to the temperance movement, a heritage the brand nods to with a knowing sense of irony.
The FEW collection centers on small-batch bourbon and rye whiskeys, along with gin and occasional limited releases. Known for using its own house yeast and locally sourced Midwestern grain, FEW has built a reputation among craft whiskey enthusiasts for expressive, characterful spirits.
FEW Spirits is a craft distillery based in Evanston, Illinois, producing a range of grain-to-glass whiskeys and other spirits.
Read more about Few
FEW Spirits is a craft distillery based in Evanston, Illinois, producing a range of grain-to-glass whiskeys and other spirits. Founded in 2011 by attorney-turned-distiller Paul Hletko, the distillery operates in a town historically tied to the temperance movement, a heritage the brand nods to with a knowing sense of irony.
The FEW collection centers on small-batch bourbon and rye whiskeys, along with gin and occasional limited releases. Known for using its own house yeast and locally sourced Midwestern grain, FEW has built a reputation among craft whiskey enthusiasts for expressive, characterful spirits.
History and Distillery Background
FEW Spirits was established in Evanston, Illinois, by Paul Hletko, who reportedly helped work to overturn local ordinances that had kept the community dry — a legacy connected to Evanston's history as an early hub of the temperance movement and headquarters of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The distillery's name is often associated with the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, a prominent temperance leader from the area, adding a layer of local historical irony to the brand.
As a grain-to-glass operation, FEW mills, mashes, ferments, distills, and bottles on-site. The distillery emphasizes hands-on craft production and the use of Midwestern grain, positioning itself within the wave of American craft distilleries that emerged in the years following changes to state and local distilling laws.
House Style and Range
FEW is best known for its bourbon and rye whiskeys. The bourbon is built on a corn-forward mash bill with rye and malted barley, while the rye whiskey leans into the spicier, more peppery character rye grain provides. Both are made in small batches and reflect the distillery's focus on flavor-driven, craft-scale production.
Beyond whiskey, FEW produces gin, including expressions that draw on the distillery's whiskey-making foundation. The lineup has also included limited and specialty releases over the years, giving enthusiasts additional options to explore beyond the core bottlings.
Because FEW operates at a craft scale, expressions and availability can vary. Shoppers can generally expect to find the flagship bourbon, rye, and gin, with periodic limited releases appearing depending on production and distribution.
Buying and Serving
FEW whiskeys are versatile in the glass. The bourbon works well neat, over a large ice cube, or as the backbone of classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan-adjacent build. The rye's spice-forward profile makes it a natural choice for cocktails that benefit from added structure.
FEW gin can be enjoyed in a gin and tonic, a Martini, or other gin-based classics, where its distinctive botanical character comes through. As with any craft spirit, tasting neat first is a good way to appreciate the house style before mixing.
When buying, check the specific expression and proof, as craft releases can differ batch to batch. We ship nationwide where permitted, making it convenient to explore FEW's range wherever you are.