Tasting Devine Seeks To Offer Distilled Craft Spirits In Wheaton

WHEATON, IL — Tasting deVine is hoping to add distilled craft spirits to its selection of bottled items. The wine shop and tasting room got a unanimous positive recommendation from Wheaton's Liquor Commission during a public hearing July 10.

According to city documents, Tasting deVine seeks an amendment to the city's Class M liquor license. The Class M-Plus license would "authorize the retail sale of specialty spirits not readily available in mass-market retail stores in its original package or when sold in gift boxes or in gift baskets and for consumption on the premises of a retail establishment whose primary business is that of a bona fide wineshop that has an existing Class M license."

Bev Fishleigh, who manages Tasting deVine, told the liquor commission the store wants to keep with its practice of offering locally made products, but would like to "step it up a notch" by offering spirits.

"We will probably just do tastings, and they will be limited portions, probably an ounce, maybe two, maybe three. I don't know yet." Fishleigh said. "And then sell retail."

"We think we're going to bring in the product from Whiskey Acres in DeKalb to start because we like the local idea," Fishleigh explained. She added that they may consider bringing in products from other local distillers.

Commissioners asked Fishleigh if Tasting deVine has ever experienced problems with customers being over-served at tastings.

Fishleigh said the wine shop's staff are all BASSET-trained. "We have only once, maybe twice in 26 years had to cut someone off."

The Wheaton City Council will review the amendment request at its July 21 meeting.