Tasting room opens in downtown Paxton

PAXTON, Ill. (WAND) - Silver Tree Beer & Spirits opened a tasting room in downtown Paxton.

The Glazik Brothers started Silver Tree Beer & Spirits as a hobby, but it's grown into a business that's expanded from store shelves to a new space downtown.

"We have our tasting room almost completed, as well as full production," said Dallas Glazik.

The story of Silver Tree Beer & Spirits began in 2017 on a farm outside of Paxton. Dallas, Will, and Clayton Glazik, fifth-generation farmers, graduated college and brainstormed ways they could continue the agriculture lifestyle.

That's when they decided to start Silver Tree Beer & Spirits. They started with beer, then moved to vodka and whiskey, using grains from the family farm.

"We have our Down East vodka, which we launched initially," Dallas explained. We also have our rye whiskey, which is 100% rye."

The company has prepared to launch a 100% wheat whiskey.

"This is the first 100% Illinois sourced whiskey since prohibition."

The success of Silver Tree Beer & Spirits has come from not just family, but also the community. Through loans and grants the Glazik's were able to expand to downtown Paxton.

Mike Wilson, V.P. of Member and Community Relations for Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative told WAND News that the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program is designed to support businesses like Silver Tree Beer & Spirits.

"As an electric co-op, we're dedicated to serving our members, and our members are in the rural parts of our state."

The company also used the Federal Home Loan of Chicago partnered with Fredrick Community Bank of Paxton.

The tasting room is open once a month. The next time people can check it out is Nov. 30 during the Christmas walk. To follow along the brother's journey, click here.