Old newspaper building becomes microbrewery/distillery

Old Herald Brewery and Distillery has opened inside the long-vacant Collinsville Herald newspaper building, after a multi-million renovation project begun two years ago.

Derik and Whitney Reiser launched the operation Jan. 3. It offers several styles of beers brewed in house as well as distilled spirits, such as gin, vodka and rum. Whiskey will be offered after it has been properly aged. A complete restaurant menu is offered for lunch and dinner.

The newspaper building at 115 E. Clay St. sat vacant close to 20 years, said Derik Reiser (shown). But the location was perfect for splitting up the brewing and distilling processes, which are highly regulated, he said.

The project relied on the professional services of Highland-based Korte & Luitjohan Contractors and the Collinsville office of Volkert engineering.

Read all about the operation and the work that made it possible in the February print edition of the Illinois Business Journal.