BLACK BAND Wins Six Medals at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

“Our original intention was to bring a world class distillery back to Peoria, Illinois, where there is a rich history of spirit making.”

Founder and Principal Distiller, Chris Ober, who began this journey in 2006 to cultivate the vision of BLACK BAND Distillery: a vision to reclaim that lost history, rebuild a noble industry, and renew Peoria’s local heritage.

SIX spirits were recently entered into the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the oldest and largest competition of its kind. All spirits submitted placed in top honors.

BLACK BAND’s Vodka, Rye, and Whiskey winning “SILVER,” Gin winning “GOLD,” and Coffee Liqueur and Bourbon winning the highly coveted “DOUBLE GOLD.” 

“We are honored and humbled by the announcement,” says Ober. “To be recognized by San Francisco World Spirits Competition for such achievements is an incredible accolade. Thank you to our production and restaurant teams for being a part of this pursuit and working relentlessly every day to create an exceptional product and experience.” 

We must thank Illinois Organic Farm families for dedicating their lives to the noble pursuit of growing organic grains & corn. Without them we would be incapable of producing our products or pursuing our passion. A special thank you to Harold & Ross Wilken at Janie’s Mill in Ashkum, IL who provides our grains and corn. Their dedication to organic farming consistently inspires.  

We also need to thank ZION Coffee Co. whom we collaborated with on our Coffee Liqueur. This “Double Gold” is as much theirs as it is ours. ZION is our neighbor by proximity but whom have much more in common besides locality. We share a common belief that farmers & producers deserve the upmost respect.

Zion’s Peak Espresso blend features beans from both Guatemala and Nicaragua, from small coffee farms and farmer co-ops they’ve worked with for several years. They choose to work with these organizations because they are committed to quality, sustainability, and furthering their communities by educating future farmers and by paying farmers better prices for their coffee.

In addition, BLACK BAND would like to thank our community and guests who continue to support us. Without you, BLACK BAND would not be able to pay tribute to Peoria’s legacy in distilling. 

Cheers to you Peoria! The “Whiskey City” once again!