18th Street Distillery holds a distinction worth knowing: it's the first artisan distillery to operate in Hammond since Prohibition. Founded in 2018 by Drew Fox, who already had the craft credentials of running 18th Street Brewery, the distillery takes its time with every bottle. No shortcuts, no rushing aged spirits to market before they're ready. You'll find bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, and moonshine on the shelf, with the rye drawing on the same grain bill that made the brewery's beers a regional staple. The 1920s-inspired tasting lounge was designed to feel warm and lived-in rather than clinical, with period-appropriate artwork setting the mood. Hammond sits just across the Indiana state line from the South Side of Chicago and is a quick ride on the South Shore commuter rail, so this is a real option if you're looking to get out of the city. Multiple ADI Craft Spirits Awards medals across rye, bourbon, rum, and gin confirm that the quality here isn't just local pride - these spirits compete and win nationally.