You may not frequently find yourself in the far North Shore burg of Lake Bluff on Friday evenings, but perhaps you just haven’t had a reason. Now you do: On Friday, North Shore Distillery led its inaugural facility tour and opened its tasting room to the public for the very first time. Our photographer was there to get the behind-the-scenes lowdown on the art of spirit making and to meet Ethel—nope, not the dog; the copper still—in person. Tours run Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 4 p.m., and cost $10, which includes five samples—or just belly up to the bar in the tasting room (open Fridays 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays 1 to 6 p.m.) and drink your education. But first, browse our photos below.

Photography: Jeff Schear