{"title":"Black Band Distillery","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe name “Black Band” evokes individuality and rebellion, and that spirit carries through their gin lineup: bold without being brash, expressive without losing discipline. For gin lovers seeking character, clarity, and thoughtful construction, Black Band Distillery delivers spirits that feel both classic and distinctly modern, gins designed not just to mix, but to elevate every pour.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"madame-backlash-blood-orange-orange-blossom-gin-illinois-usa","title":"Black Band Distillery 'Madame Backlash' Blood Orange \u0026 Orange Blossom Gin, Illinois","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"870\"\u003eJuicy blood orange zest and lifted orange blossom aromatics immediately define Black Band Distillery Madame Backlash Blood Orange \u0026amp; Orange Blossom Gin, Illinois, offering a bright and expressive take on contemporary craft gin. This citrus-driven expression builds on a classic gin foundation while leaning confidently into fresh, aromatic fruit and floral character, creating a spirit that feels vibrant, modern, and purposefully styled for mixability. It reflects Black Band Distillery’s philosophy of balancing bold flavor with technical precision, honoring tradition while embracing creative expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"892\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"892\"\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"942\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"936\"\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1008\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"995\"\u003eOwner \u0026amp; Distiller:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chris Ober\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1109\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1082\"\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Citrus and botanical gin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1111\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1111\" data-end=\"1135\"\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1894\"\u003eThe nose opens with an immediate burst of ripe blood orange, carrying both sweet and tangy tones, followed by a soft wave of orange blossom that adds lift and elegance. On the palate, vibrant citrus leads with juicy intensity before giving way to delicate floral notes that feel perfumed but restrained. A traditional juniper backbone remains present throughout, providing structure and grounding the brighter elements, while subtle spice and citrus peel add depth. The finish is clean, aromatic, and refreshing, striking a balance between expressive fruit and classic gin dryness. This profile places the gin firmly within the modern craft movement, offering more nuance and integration than typical flavored gins while remaining unmistakably approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1896\" data-end=\"1922\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1896\" data-end=\"1922\"\u003eDistiller's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"2595\"\u003eBlack Band Distillery was founded in Peoria, Illinois, by owner and distiller Chris Ober as part of a broader effort to revive the city’s historic distilling heritage. With formal training and years of hands-on experience, Ober established the distillery with a commitment to grain-to-glass production, technical rigor, and thoughtful spirit design. Black Band Distillery is known for blending classical distilling principles with contemporary creativity, producing spirits that are precise, expressive, and built for both sipping and cocktail use. The Madame Backlash line reflects this philosophy, showcasing bold botanical concepts executed with balance and restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2621\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2621\"\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2623\" data-end=\"3092\"\u003eServe well chilled in a copa or highball glass with premium tonic to highlight the gin’s citrus and floral aromatics, garnished with a twist of blood orange or expressed citrus peel. This gin also performs beautifully in cocktails such as a citrus-forward gin fizz, a floral martini variation, or a bright, modern negroni-style build. Pair alongside light seafood dishes, citrus salads, fresh cheeses, or herb-driven appetizers to echo and elevate its aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Distributors of CO","offers":[{"title":"750mL","offer_id":42092642402359,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Black_Band_Distillery_Madame_Backlash_Blood_Orange_Orange_Blossom_Gin_Illinois.png?v=1770258303"},{"product_id":"madame-backlash-rhubarb-ginger-flavored-gin-illinois-usa","title":"Black Band Distillery 'Madame Backlash' Rhubarb \u0026 Ginger Flavored Gin, Illinois","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"771\"\u003eBright tart rhubarb and warming fresh ginger immediately set the tone for Black Band Distillery Madame Backlash Rhubarb \u0026amp; Ginger Flavored Gin, Illinois, delivering a bold yet finely tuned expression that balances vibrancy with depth. This contemporary gin layers vivid fruit acidity and gentle spice over a classic botanical foundation, creating a profile that feels energetic, expressive, and confidently modern. It reflects Black Band Distillery’s approach to flavor-driven spirits, where clarity, balance, and intention guide every decision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"773\" data-end=\"793\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"773\" data-end=\"793\"\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"843\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"837\"\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"909\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"896\"\u003eOwner \u0026amp; Distiller:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chris Ober\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1034\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1034\"\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003eThe aromatics open with a fresh snap of rhubarb, offering both tangy brightness and subtle earthiness, followed closely by the warm, lifted spice of ginger. On the palate, the rhubarb provides a lively, mouthwatering acidity that feels crisp rather than sharp, while ginger builds gradually, adding warmth and texture without overt heat. Classic juniper remains present throughout, anchoring the profile and lending structure beneath the fruit and spice. The finish is clean and gently spiced, with lingering freshness that keeps the gin balanced and highly versatile. This expression sits comfortably within modern flavored gin styles, offering more nuance and integration than overtly sweet interpretations while maintaining a clear sense of botanical identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1827\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1827\"\u003eDistiller's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"2521\"\u003eBlack Band Distillery was founded in Peoria, Illinois, by owner and distiller Chris Ober as part of a revival of the city’s historic distilling legacy. With formal training and extensive hands-on experience, Ober established the distillery with a focus on grain-to-glass production, technical precision, and expressive yet balanced spirit design. Black Band Distillery is known for blending classical distilling principles with contemporary creativity, producing spirits that are intentional, versatile, and built to perform across a wide range of cocktail applications. The Madame Backlash line exemplifies this philosophy through bold botanical concepts executed with restraint and clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2523\" data-end=\"2547\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2523\" data-end=\"2547\"\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"3009\"\u003eServe well chilled in a copa or highball glass with premium tonic to highlight the gin’s bright acidity and warming spice, garnished with a thin slice of fresh ginger or a citrus peel. This gin shines in cocktails such as a ginger-forward gin mule, a tart rhubarb spritz, or a modern martini variation with a savory edge. Pair alongside charcuterie, soft cheeses, roasted vegetables, or dishes featuring ginger or citrus to echo and elevate its flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Distributors of CO","offers":[{"title":"750mL","offer_id":42092644728887,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Black_Band_Distillery_Madame_Backlash_Rhubarb_Ginger_Flavored_Gin_Illinois.png?v=1770259283"},{"product_id":"black-band-distillery-madame-backlash-dry-gin-illinois","title":"Black Band Distillery 'Madame Backlash' Dry Gin, Illinois","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"484\"\u003eBright citrus oils and classic juniper lift define Black Band Distillery Madame Backlash Dry Gin, a structured, martini-ready spirit crafted with clarity and precision. Distilled in Peoria, a city once known as the Whiskey Capital of the World, this gin balances bold botanical expression with a smooth, creamy texture that elevates both classic and contemporary cocktails. It reflects Black Band’s commitment to honoring distilling heritage while producing distinctly modern spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"506\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"506\"\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"547\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"550\" data-end=\"560\"\u003eOwner:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chris Ober\u003cstrong data-start=\"576\" data-end=\"590\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"642\" data-end=\"656\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"642\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"642\" data-end=\"656\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"676\"\u003eWater Source:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sankoty Aquifer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"720\"\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"722\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003eThe nose opens with vibrant citrus zest layered over clean juniper and subtle herbal botanicals. On the palate, bright lemon and orange notes lead, supported by a refined, creamy mouthfeel that gives the spirit both weight and polish. Juniper remains present but balanced, allowing citrus and botanical complexity to shine without sharpness. The finish is crisp, structured, and refreshing, with lingering citrus oils and a clean botanical snap. Compared to more traditional London Dry styles, this expression leans slightly more citrus-forward while maintaining classic structure and dryness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003eDistiller’s Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1345\" data-end=\"1898\"\u003eFounded by Chris Ober, Black Band Distillery is the first craft distillery to return production to Peoria in decades, reviving a legacy that once made the city a global spirits powerhouse. Built on a foundation of education, apprenticeship, and historical research, the distillery emphasizes grain-to-glass production using Midwest-sourced grains and mineral-balanced water from the Sankoty Aquifer. Black Band blends historical respect with modern craftsmanship, producing spirits that honor Peoria’s pre-Prohibition legacy while forging a new chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"1924\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"1924\"\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"2181\"\u003eServe chilled in a classic martini or with premium tonic and a citrus twist to highlight its bright botanical character. Madame Backlash Dry Gin also performs beautifully in spirit-forward cocktails where clarity, structure, and citrus lift are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Distributors of CO","offers":[{"title":"750mL","offer_id":42103567581239,"sku":null,"price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Black_Band_Distillery_Madame_Backlash_Dry_Gin_Illinois.png?v=1770928855"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/collections\/CHRIS_OBER.jpg?v=1770824808","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/collections\/black-band-distillery.oembed","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}