Bourbon Revival
Peoria Illinois formerly the whiskey capital of the world. With it’s easy access to abundant grain, rail transportation, river transportation, and an incredible underground reservoir of clean fresh water, Peoria had all of the necessary ingredients for the distilling industry. The revenues from the whiskey industry were a major source of money for financing the American Civil War during the 1860’s. Great fortunes were made here by the Whiskey Barons who monopolized the trade during the late Victorian era. Their mansions still stand on the bluff above the city. Today the only bourbon made here is in the form of small craft distillers. ADM still uses the old Hiram Walker facility for making commercial ethanol.
Bourbon Revival
Peoria Illinois formerly the whiskey capital of the world. With it’s easy access to abundant grain, rail transportation, river transportation, and an incredible underground reservoir of clean fresh water, Peoria had all of the necessary ingredients for the distilling industry. The revenues from the whiskey industry were a major source of money for financing the American Civil War during the 1860’s. Great fortunes were made here by the Whiskey Barons who monopolized the trade during the late Victorian era. Their mansions still stand on the bluff above the city. Today the only bourbon made here is in the form of small craft distillers. ADM still uses the old Hiram Walker facility for making commercial ethanol.