I've enjoyed State Line spirits many times in the past but a group of friends and I recently booked a tasting for ten at the distillery for my belated birthday. It was an outrageously awesome evening! We were able to use the back room just for our group which was so comfortable (and unexpected) and it provided a really enjoyable ambiance for our evening together.Highlights of our night:1) Being able to bring in your own food (which they allow per the website) or buying food there adds to the experience and makes it more enjoyable to stay. They offer a solid range of snacks.2) The staff were all genuinely friendly and helpful - exceptional service from them.3) The list of cocktails is thoughtfully produced. These are lovely and interesting cocktails and fit a variety of tastes and the prices are absolutely reasonable for what you're getting. I had some that are definitely in my wheelhouse and one that I would not have normally ordered but *loved*. They'll also mix up a cocktail for you with their bartender's choice menu option either with your input (such as a spirit you like or an ingredient you don't enjoy) or a true bartender's choice where they pick it all, if you want to shake things up.4) The owner clearly has a lot of love and integrity in what he creates. It's refreshing to see this authenticity (and the spirits back it up). Everyone in our group loved being able to chat with him during the tour and ask all sorts of questions.5) Trying the base spirits at the end of the tour is a perfect way to really get to know the spirit for its own merits and not just blended into a drink.6) You can order drinks at the bar or use the QR code, which is unique to your table, and then the staff will bring your drinks to you. It might seem simple, but the QR code was super convenient (though some friends also ordered at the bar anyway!).Could not recommend going here *more*, whether for an afternoon/evening on the patio on a nice warm day or anytime in their indoor space!
Rebecca Wheeler (beckycaret)
Busy for a good reason! Delicious and awesome!
Doug Johnson
A spirit enthusiasts happy place.
Kristi Schoenherr
We had such a good time at State Line. The tour was interesting and the tasting was fun. I think we all learned something! The drinks in the lounge were delicious and so many to choose from. We will definitely be back.
Mara Patterson
My friends and I had a great time on a tour and tasting with John of State Line Distillery. John was very informative and friendly. The samples were great and we enjoyed hanging around for a drink and snack afterward in the gallery area. My company also had a holiday party at State Line and that was a great experience as well. I really like the inventive cocktails, friendly staff, and general vibe of State Line.
Zach Van Camp
Fantastic place, the inside is cozy and inviting! Its covered in thriving plants and has an excellent staff. They drinks were very tasty, but a bit pricy. Also got to meet the owners dog, he was very friendly!
Shelby Nadolny
Did a tour and tasting with some friends, John was awesome to work with , super knowledgeable and fun. Definitely worth checking this place out, the peanut butter & jelly cocktail is a favorite of mine! Not to mention they make some pretty fantastic gin.They also have nice sized picnic bench style tables great for playing board games (which they also have their own library of) and shuffle board in the back!
Katy Williams Pruitt
I first went to the State Line for the incredible Halloween event a couple of years ago, and have been coming back ever since! When my partner and I decided to hold our wedding reception at the State Line Distillery, Shelby was incredible. She made sure I was able to see the space and visualize the layout for our guests, she helped decide on a caterer who knew the space well, and she even let me use some of the wedding items that the State Line offers for events. We rented out the back room, the bartenders were *amazing* all evening, and Shelby made sure the space looked phenomenal and flowed well from the indoor space to the outdoor back patio. Most memorable of all, when it turned out our caterer was expecting us to pick up the food instead of delivering it, Shelby WENT AND PICKED UP OUR FOOD HERSELF, just to make sure the night went off without a hitch. She really went above and beyond for us, and I’ve heard so many people who have said the same about her help at their events — from book launches to college graduations to birthdays. Shelby is an incredible resource and phenomenal event planner, and she is the absolute star of an already great space with amazing drinks. Thanks, Shelby (and thanks, too, to the amazing bartenders for keeping up with our demand all night with your kickass drink menu, too)!!
April Chaney
We did a tour and tasting with John and it was wonderful. Getting to hear about the process that goes into creating their Gin as well as some of their other items was fascinating. Then at the end we were able to taste a few different things and all of them were terrific. The vibe in the place is chill and relaxed, and the drinks are delicious.
Robert Snow
Great place to spend a chilly evening. Liquor was good...bartenders were awesome.Some pretty creative efforts. Thanks!
We went on a group distillery tour, it was a great time! John was very personable and knowledgable, it was interesting to see the process, and we loved the samples we tried. I would highly recommend a tour, or just stopping by to anyone!
Maggie Virnich
I had a wonderful experience at State Line Distillery, Madison’s first grain-to-glass distillery. The owner, John, was very friendly and knowledgeable, and he gave us a fun and informative tour of the distillery. He explained how he uses local grains, botanicals, and water to craft high-quality spirits that are uniquely Wisconsin. He also showed us the eco-friendly practices that he follows to reduce waste and carbon footprint. He was very passionate about his craft and his community.The best part of the tour was the tasting session, where we got to sample different kinds of spirits, such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueur. They were all smooth, flavorful, and distinctive. John also gave us some tips on how to mix and enjoy them. The cocktail lounge was cozy and inviting, and the staff was attentive and courteous. They had a great selection of original cocktails, as well as snacks and appetizers.I highly recommend State Line Distillery to anyone who loves spirits and wants to learn more about the art and science of distillation. It was a fun and educational experience, and I can’t wait to go back and try more of their products. State Line Distillery is a gem in Madison, and I’m proud to support a local business that values quality, sustainability, and culture.
Ian Irvine
Fantastic environment, friendly people, and mostly good drinks (my friends quite liked theirs) mine I thought very mediocre. This led to quite a shock when I found out it cost $21 as it was listed next to the others with no indication that it would come at such a premium. I may come back but I will probably not get anything other than beer next time.
Dustin Kunkel
We went here for my birthday, did the distillery tour and hung out for a bit afterwards. The tour was excellent. John explained a lot about how the process and equipment worked and answered our numerous questions. They also have a nice space to hang out and a bunch of interesting drinks. We had a great time!
Elsa Gumm
Delicious drinks and friendly staff, plus the tiny mushroom garnish in the Divine Dancer is edible!
I've enjoyed State Line spirits many times in the past but a group of friends and I recently booked a tasting for ten at the distillery for my belated birthday. It was an outrageously awesome evening! We were able to use the back room just for our group which was so comfortable (and unexpected) and it provided a really enjoyable ambiance for our evening together.Highlights of our night:1) Being able to bring in your own food (which they allow per the website) or buying food there adds to the experience and makes it more enjoyable to stay. They offer a solid range of snacks.2) The staff were all genuinely friendly and helpful - exceptional service from them.3) The list of cocktails is thoughtfully produced. These are lovely and interesting cocktails and fit a variety of tastes and the prices are absolutely reasonable for what you're getting. I had some that are definitely in my wheelhouse and one that I would not have normally ordered but *loved*. They'll also mix up a cocktail for you with their bartender's choice menu option either with your input (such as a spirit you like or an ingredient you don't enjoy) or a true bartender's choice where they pick it all, if you want to shake things up.4) The owner clearly has a lot of love and integrity in what he creates. It's refreshing to see this authenticity (and the spirits back it up). Everyone in our group loved being able to chat with him during the tour and ask all sorts of questions.5) Trying the base spirits at the end of the tour is a perfect way to really get to know the spirit for its own merits and not just blended into a drink.6) You can order drinks at the bar or use the QR code, which is unique to your table, and then the staff will bring your drinks to you. It might seem simple, but the QR code was super convenient (though some friends also ordered at the bar anyway!).Could not recommend going here *more*, whether for an afternoon/evening on the patio on a nice warm day or anytime in their indoor space!
Busy for a good reason! Delicious and awesome!
A spirit enthusiasts happy place.
We had such a good time at State Line. The tour was interesting and the tasting was fun. I think we all learned something! The drinks in the lounge were delicious and so many to choose from. We will definitely be back.
My friends and I had a great time on a tour and tasting with John of State Line Distillery. John was very informative and friendly. The samples were great and we enjoyed hanging around for a drink and snack afterward in the gallery area. My company also had a holiday party at State Line and that was a great experience as well. I really like the inventive cocktails, friendly staff, and general vibe of State Line.
Fantastic place, the inside is cozy and inviting! Its covered in thriving plants and has an excellent staff. They drinks were very tasty, but a bit pricy. Also got to meet the owners dog, he was very friendly!
Did a tour and tasting with some friends, John was awesome to work with , super knowledgeable and fun. Definitely worth checking this place out, the peanut butter & jelly cocktail is a favorite of mine! Not to mention they make some pretty fantastic gin.They also have nice sized picnic bench style tables great for playing board games (which they also have their own library of) and shuffle board in the back!
I first went to the State Line for the incredible Halloween event a couple of years ago, and have been coming back ever since! When my partner and I decided to hold our wedding reception at the State Line Distillery, Shelby was incredible. She made sure I was able to see the space and visualize the layout for our guests, she helped decide on a caterer who knew the space well, and she even let me use some of the wedding items that the State Line offers for events. We rented out the back room, the bartenders were *amazing* all evening, and Shelby made sure the space looked phenomenal and flowed well from the indoor space to the outdoor back patio. Most memorable of all, when it turned out our caterer was expecting us to pick up the food instead of delivering it, Shelby WENT AND PICKED UP OUR FOOD HERSELF, just to make sure the night went off without a hitch. She really went above and beyond for us, and I’ve heard so many people who have said the same about her help at their events — from book launches to college graduations to birthdays. Shelby is an incredible resource and phenomenal event planner, and she is the absolute star of an already great space with amazing drinks. Thanks, Shelby (and thanks, too, to the amazing bartenders for keeping up with our demand all night with your kickass drink menu, too)!!
We did a tour and tasting with John and it was wonderful. Getting to hear about the process that goes into creating their Gin as well as some of their other items was fascinating. Then at the end we were able to taste a few different things and all of them were terrific. The vibe in the place is chill and relaxed, and the drinks are delicious.
Great place to spend a chilly evening. Liquor was good...bartenders were awesome.Some pretty creative efforts. Thanks!
Restaurantji Recommends
We went on a group distillery tour, it was a great time! John was very personable and knowledgable, it was interesting to see the process, and we loved the samples we tried. I would highly recommend a tour, or just stopping by to anyone!
I had a wonderful experience at State Line Distillery, Madison’s first grain-to-glass distillery. The owner, John, was very friendly and knowledgeable, and he gave us a fun and informative tour of the distillery. He explained how he uses local grains, botanicals, and water to craft high-quality spirits that are uniquely Wisconsin. He also showed us the eco-friendly practices that he follows to reduce waste and carbon footprint. He was very passionate about his craft and his community.The best part of the tour was the tasting session, where we got to sample different kinds of spirits, such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueur. They were all smooth, flavorful, and distinctive. John also gave us some tips on how to mix and enjoy them. The cocktail lounge was cozy and inviting, and the staff was attentive and courteous. They had a great selection of original cocktails, as well as snacks and appetizers.I highly recommend State Line Distillery to anyone who loves spirits and wants to learn more about the art and science of distillation. It was a fun and educational experience, and I can’t wait to go back and try more of their products. State Line Distillery is a gem in Madison, and I’m proud to support a local business that values quality, sustainability, and culture.
Fantastic environment, friendly people, and mostly good drinks (my friends quite liked theirs) mine I thought very mediocre. This led to quite a shock when I found out it cost $21 as it was listed next to the others with no indication that it would come at such a premium. I may come back but I will probably not get anything other than beer next time.
We went here for my birthday, did the distillery tour and hung out for a bit afterwards. The tour was excellent. John explained a lot about how the process and equipment worked and answered our numerous questions. They also have a nice space to hang out and a bunch of interesting drinks. We had a great time!
Delicious drinks and friendly staff, plus the tiny mushroom garnish in the Divine Dancer is edible!