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  • Home
  • CAVU SPIRITS
  • CAVU REFINED SPIRITS
  • Barnstormer Distillery
  • The Brasserie
  • BLOG

Craft Spirits: Barnstormer Distillery

Craft Spirits: Barnstormer DistilleryCraft Spirits: Barnstormer DistilleryCraft Spirits: Barnstormer Distillery

Craft Spirits: Barnstormer Distillery

Craft Spirits: Barnstormer DistilleryCraft Spirits: Barnstormer DistilleryCraft Spirits: Barnstormer Distillery

Lab-Grade Vacuum Distilled Spirits

CAVU Spirits™ embodies the essence of aged spirits and showcases the clarity of premium distilled beverages. With the versatility you've been searching for, it's like the crafting spirits from Barnstormer Distillery, offering a unique experience.

About CAVU

Sunlit coastal city with mountains and shimmering sea under a clear blue sky.

What Is CAVU?

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail conditions)

Aviation heritage (ATP pilot credentials)

Precision process (Lab-grade vacuum distillation)


A name only we can use authentically. Because our Master Distiller is an ATP-rated pilot with 40 years of aviation experience, dedicated to crafting spirits that elevate your experience with every sip of our distilled beverages.

The Innovation Behind CAVU

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, complexity)

- Character from barrel aging

- Smooth mouthfeel

- Distinctive flavor profile


We remove:


- Color (for crystal clarity)

- Heavy barrel compounds

- Harsh elements


The result: The soul of aged whiskey with unlimited cocktail versatility, making it a unique addition to the realm of distilled beverages.

Why Vacuum Distillation?

Man operating industrial distillation equipment in a factory setting.

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail co

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail conditions)

Aviation heritage (ATP pilot credentials)

Precision process (Lab-grade vacuum distillation)


A name only we can use authentically. Because our Master Distiller is an ATP-rated pilot with 40 years of aviation experience, dedicated to crafting spirits that elevate your experience with every sip of our distilled beverages.

Rotary evaporator setup with boiling flask and condenser in Barnstormer Distillery.

CAVU APPROACH

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, c

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, complexity)

- Character from barrel aging

- Smooth mouthfeel

- Distinctive flavor profile


We remove:


- Color (for crystal clarity)

- Heavy barrel compounds

- Harsh elements


The result: The soul of aged whiskey with unlimited cocktail versatility, making it a unique addition to the realm of distilled beverages.

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail conditions)

Aviation heritage (ATP pilot credentials)

Precision process (Lab-grade vacuum distillation)


A name only we can use authentically. Because our Master Distiller is an ATP-rated pilot with 40 years of aviation experience, dedicated to crafting spirits that elevate your experience with every sip of our distilled beverages.

The Aviation Connection

Tim Ford, Master Distiller and co-owner of Barnstormer Distillery, is an ATP-rated pilot with 40 years in aviation. CAVU isn't just a clever name—it's authentic aviation terminology that resonates with someone who has spent decades in the cockpit. This precision mindset extends to the crafting of spirits at Barnstormer Distillery. Aviation-grade standards are upheld in every batch of our distilled beverages. No shortcuts. No compromises. The same discipline that keeps planes in the air ensures our spirits are exceptional.

Pilot adjusting switches on an airplane's overhead control panel.

Experience CAVU

Cozy cafe seating with vibrant plants and aviation-themed decor.

Visit the Tasting Room

Visit the Tasting Room

Visit the Tasting Room

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail co

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail conditions)

Aviation heritage (ATP pilot credentials)

Precision process (Lab-grade vacuum distillation)


A name only we can use authentically. Because our Master Distiller is an ATP-rated pilot with 40 years of aviation experience, dedicated to crafting spirits that elevate your experience with every sip of our distilled beverages.

First Speakeasy Murder Mustery in Barnstormer Distillery.

Upcoming Events

Visit the Tasting Room

Visit the Tasting Room

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, c

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, complexity)

- Character from barrel aging

- Smooth mouthfeel

- Distinctive flavor profile


We remove:


- Color (for crystal clarity)

- Heavy barrel compounds

- Harsh elements


The result: The soul of aged whiskey with unlimited cocktail versatility, making it a unique addition to the realm of distilled beverages.

CAVU isn't just one product—it's a new approach to spirits.

CAVU Old Fashioned

CAVU SPIRITS

CAVU REFINED SPIRITS

CAVU REFINED SPIRITS

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail co

Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited


CAVU is pilot terminology for perfect flying conditions. When the sky is crystal clear. When visibility extends forever. When every instrument shows green. For us at Barnstormer Distillery, it means premium spirits crafted with:


Clear spirit (unlimited visibility)

Unlimited potential (perfect cocktail conditions)

Aviation heritage (ATP pilot credentials)

Precision process (Lab-grade vacuum distillation)


A name only we can use authentically. Because our Master Distiller is an ATP-rated pilot with 40 years of aviation experience, dedicated to crafting spirits that elevate your experience with every sip of our distilled beverages.

CAVU CLEAR WHISKEY with a single ice cube inside.

CAVU REFINED SPIRITS

CAVU REFINED SPIRITS

CAVU REFINED SPIRITS

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, c

At Barnstormer Distillery, we utilize precision rotary evaporation under vacuum at low temperature (30°C instead of 85°C) to transform aged whiskeys into crystal-clear premium spirits. This isn't vodka or white dog; this is something entirely new in the world of crafting spirits.


We preserve:


- Volatile aromatics (fruit, floral notes, complexity)

- Character from barrel aging

- Smooth mouthfeel

- Distinctive flavor profile


We remove:


- Color (for crystal clarity)

- Heavy barrel compounds

- Harsh elements


The result: The soul of aged whiskey with unlimited cocktail versatility, making it a unique addition to the realm of distilled beverages.

CAVU Spirits™

Product of Barnstormer Distillery, known for crafting spirits and high-quality distilled beverages. Visit us at Grant View Heights Farm, 6969 South Main Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102. Phone: (815) 269-4069. Email: marketing@barnstormerdistillery.com


Explore Barnstormer Distillery and enjoy our offerings at The Brasserie Restaurant.


Check out our Event Calendar.

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CAVU Spirits™  is a trademark of Barnstormer Distillery. You must be 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages. 

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