The City of Rochelle is thrilled to welcome Kennay Farms Distilling to Downtown Rochelle. Following a two-year renovation of the historical Hub Theater, Illinois’ largest craft distillery is now located in the heart of our community thanks to Rick and Doris Kennay, founders of Kennay Farms Distilling.
Located just outside of Rochelle in Ashton, Illinois, the Kennay family farm is in its fifth-generation of operation. Corn is completely grown, harvested, milled, transported and distilled by a member of the Kennay Family. Adam Kennay, Head Distiller, designed a twin still system capable of producing many types of clear and dark spirits along with house-made vodka from the farm’s corn. Located just behind the distillery, the Rickhouse will hold bourbon and whiskey while they age over the next three to five years. Don Klatt, head brewer, brings a decade of brewing experience to the production floor creating recipes for standard ales, lagers, and IPAs as well as premium and seasonal beers.
Visitors to Kennay Farms Distilling will enjoy the opportunity to tour the distillery, brewery and Rickhouse taking in a history of the Kennay Farm and learning the process from start to finish. The Distillery also offers multiple spaces for private events and meetings with several options for catering.
“The Kennay family’s transformation of the Hub Theater has been incredible to watch,” said City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh. “Visitors to the Distillery will see the architecture and history of the theater maintained while enjoying the space in a new way.”