Paul Hletko

Where does a rock and roll playing, former attorney and engineer decide to open a distillery? In a small building tucked away in an alley in the hometown of Francis E. Willard, one of the biggest prohibition supporters and founder of the World Woman’s Temperance movement. Can you see the connection to the name and the brand name? 

FEW Spirits was founded by Paul Hletko in Evanston, Illinois a suburb just north of Chicago in 2011. It was his way to honor his family's history after his grandfather lost his large brewery to the Nazi’s during WW II. Evanston wasn’t exactly the whiskey capital of the midwest. Matter of fact, no liquor had ever been distilled in the city and for 117 years—1855 to 1972—Evanston, was dry. He says, “I wanted to create something that would honor my family history but didn’t want to try and replicate it. With FEW, I am able to celebrate my roots while being able to create something new.”     

 A 100% grain to glass distillery all of the production of their spirits are done on sight. What also sets FEW apart is their use of unique yeasts. Using a yeast for Saison beer in their bourbon and a wine yeast from France’s Loire Valley for their rye, FEW Spirits is innovating their products to stand out in the whiskey industry. FEW Spirits was acquired in 2022 by Heaven Hill.