Havisham House Bourbon Bar:
A Blend of History and Luxury
PUBLIC HOURS: Thursdays & Fridays 3 - 10 p.m. Saturdays 12 - 11 p.m. & Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Located at 260 Main Street, the Havisham House occupies Alto Pass's oldest commercial building, originally built in the 1800s as the Alto Pride Flour Mill. Over the years, it has been everything from a lumber yard to a bed & breakfast. In 2021, we breathed new life into this historic gem, turning it into southern Illinois' first upscale bourbon bar, which opened its doors in September 2022.
Preserving the Past
Our goal was to keep the building's vintage charm alive. We transformed the third floor into inviting overnight rentals and meticulously restored the main level into a cozy, speakeasy-style bourbon bar, complete with original woodwork.
The Underground Experience
We've also renovated the basement into a private tasting room, showcasing 150-year-old rock walls and new concrete flooring. It’s an intimate setting for special occasions and private events.
What's Next?
There’s more to come, including a deck, a cigar lounge, and our very own bourbon distillery.
A Nod to Former Times
You might remember this building as the Old Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast when it was painted blue, or perhaps you've seen the black & white photo from its 1960s hardware store days. We celebrate its rich history as we look to an exciting future.
Come sip, stay, and celebrate history with us at Havisham House Bourbon Bar. Cheers!
Private Tasting Events: Make Your Celebration Unforgettable
Tailored Whiskey Tastings Starting at Just $25 Per Person
Celebrate life's milestones with a flair of sophistication at Havisham House Bourbon Bar. We're delighted to offer private whiskey tasting events designed to elevate any occasion—be it a birthday, a bachelor/bachelorette party, or simply a night out with friends. Our tastings require a minimum of 8 attendees and promise to make your event both memorable and refined.
What You Can Expect:
A 1-Hour Guided Experience: Our expert staff will lead you through a curated tasting of four distinct whiskies. You'll explore the nuances of each, from the nose to the finish.
Mini Bourbon 101 Class: A quick yet insightful session to deepen your understanding of bourbon's rich history and characteristics.
Extra Perks:
We offer additional tasting package options to customize your experience further. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, we can tailor the event to meet your specific needs.
Make your celebration one for the ages with a private tasting event at Havisham House Bourbon Bar. Contact us to learn more and to reserve your experience today. Cheers!
KEEPERS’ SOCIETY LOCKER PROGRAM Elevate Your Bourbon Bar Experience…
Welcome to the Keepers' Society, the most prestigious locker program in southern Illinois. With a focus on elevating your experience, our annual program opens doors to a range of unique offerings only available to members. For an annual fee, you'll enjoy unparalleled benefits and personalized service at Havisham House Bourbon Bar.
What's Included in Your Membership:
Your Own Private Locker: Forget about carrying bottles home; your private locker comes with an engraved nameplate, ready to house your favorite spirits.
Members-Only Access: Enjoy exclusivity with special tastings, events, and bottles curated just for our society members.
Special Savings: Receive discounts on bottle purchases that can be conveniently stored in your locker. Please note, bottles must remain on the premises.
Event Discounts: Get special pricing on public and society-exclusive events, making your nights at Havisham even more memorable.
VIP Service: Receive VIP table service when you visit, because we believe that our Keepers' Society members deserve nothing but the best.
Collector's Glassware: Choose between a Havisham Bourbon Bar collector's Glencairn or Old Fashioned glass to make your sipping experience special.
Society Polo: Sport your Havisham Bourbon Bar Keepers' Society Polo as a proud member of our exclusive club.
Annual Keeper's Dinner: Receive two tickets to our Annual Keeper’s Society Dinner, an event not to be missed, filled with fine food, spirits, and company.
Barrel Pick Raffle: Enter a raffle for the unique opportunity to travel with our staff to select a custom Havisham Barrel Pick.
Annual Fee: $1,500
This is more than a membership; it’s a key to unlocking a truly unique and luxurious experience at Havisham House Bourbon Bar. For an annual fee of $1,500, you'll be part of an elite society of like-minded aficionados. Become a member of the Keepers' Society today. Cheers!
Meet the Team
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General ManagerCrystal was born and raised in Florida and has been in the service industry for over 20 years, specializing in fine dining and craft beer and cocktails. The best part about bartending was the opportunity to serve several famous personalities while working at Disney World in Orlando. She recently moved to southern Illinois with her husband and family. In her free time she enjoys playing with her 3 little boys, cooking and ultra running. Her favorite Havisham cocktail is our Old Fashioned!
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OwnerJerri grew up in Thebes, Illinois and is married to Nick. They have three children... Shelby, Amanda, and Breckstin, two grandchildren...Jude and Margaret, and are members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Anna.
Jerri has a degree in Mass Communication (Public Relations) from Southeast Missouri State University and has years of professional experience in hotel management, marketing and bookkeeping.
Her hobbies are reading, walking, watching old movies, and spending time in southern destinations such as Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA and New Orleans, LA because of their beautiful architectural home designs, history, and delicious food options.
Her favorite books are Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and her favorite movies are To Kill a Mockingbird and The Secret Garden. Jerri's favorite drinks/cocktails at the bourbon bar are the Rendleman's Peach Sour (seasonal) and a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Her roles at Havisham include marketing, weddings, overnight rentals, property design/decorating, bookkeeping, and administrative items. She loves watching weddings at Havisham House and meeting rental guests and bourbon bar customers.
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Director of DistillingEric is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois. He was raised on a grain farm in Nashville, IL and later immersed in the sales and customer service industry. Eric got his start in spirits while attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and since that time has dabbled into the rectifying and distilling end of the bourbon industry.
Eric and his wife reside in Anna. They have three children who keep them busy running from one event to another. When not running with the kids, they enjoy spending time at their farm exploring the creek, walking in the woods, hunting, and fishing in their ponds. Golfing has always been another passion as it is similar to Bourbon and Whiskey, a simple concept “put the ball in the hole”, however the results are usually much more difficult.
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OwnerNick grew up in Wolf Lake, Illinois and farmed from a very young age. His love for farming and heavy equipment steered him toward self-employment right out of high school. In his 20s, he and Jerri started Schaefer Excavating, LLC. After decades in the industry, other opportunities began to catch Nick's eye... renovating/flipping homes and a marina on a lake. He sold Schaefer Excavating in 2021 and now focuses on Havisham House and his other business love, Pyramid Acres Marina on Lake of Egypt. Nick's roles in his businesses can best be described as "Project/Logistics Manager." Jerri tells him what she wants, and he makes it happen. He hires the best trade specialists in the area and turns his projects into popular tourist spots.
Nick loves his family and truly appreciates his friendships. He enjoys learning about the bourbon industry and growing his businesses to contribute to the local economy. His hobbies are grilling and spending time on his farm. His favorite drink at the bourbon bar is our Old Fashioned.