Ari Klafter

Ari is raising the "bar" on the quality of spirits available to kosher consumers.

As Head Distiller and Partner at Thornton Distilling Company, the maker of Dead Drop Spirits, he considers Judaism to be core to his identity. He's a firm believer that world-class distilled spirits can be kosher and enjoyed by everyone.

He crafted the world's first kosher-for-Passover certified rums under the Orthodox Union. He also launched kosher-for-Passover gin and vodka to provide more beverage choices at the Seder table.

Ari-president of the Illinois Craft Distillers Association-has used his position in the industry to help create a more inclusive and diverse distilling landscape.  "My aim," he explained, "is to harness investment in small craft distilleries and create the conditions for them to thrive in order to better create local jobs, develop local tourism, and help combat food deserts."

During the height of COVID, Ari and his Thornton Distilling Company partners shifted gears, shutting down their business to instead produce over 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, donating it to local first responders and to over 80 local hospitals, fire and police departments, military units, and to others in need.

AGE:
35

PRONOUNS:
he/him/his

PRIMARY GIG:
Head Distiller and Partner at Thornton Distilling Company

ON THE SIDE:
President of the Illinois Craft Distillers Association and Brewing & Distilling Working Group Volunteer Member at the Artisan Grain Collaborative

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Curious, appreciative, inquisitive, meticulous, enthusiastic, jovial, collaborative, perceptive

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Phil Rosenthal. He is a Jew who spends his personal and professional life bringing people together through love of exploring food and drink. He uses his spotlight to showcase different cultures’ proudest sides and what family and comfort food means to people around the world.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Never stop learning and trying to improve!

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Look for ways to lend help and opportunities to people less fortunate than myself, provide my family with everything I know they deserve, and start my own distillery with the aim of producing the wildest, most interesting and ambitious single malt whiskies in the world. And I’d absolutely spoil my dog Paco in ways he couldn't even begin to fathom or appreciate.