Illinois is known for bold flavors, hardworking makers, and unforgettable collaborations. When two Illinois craft producers come together with a shared passion for quality ingredients and local pride, something special happens.
That’s exactly what happened when Gindo’s partnered with Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. to create the Gindo’s Maple Bourbon Whiskey Sauce — a one‑of‑a‑kind craft hot sauce now nominated in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Maker’s Madness contest for the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.'
Gindo’s x Whiskey Acres Maple Bourbon Whiskey Sauce — a bold Illinois collaboration nominated for Maker’s Madness: Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
Last year, we met up with Whiskey Acres at the Maker’s Madness luncheon celebrating Gindos Hot Sauces and Whiskey Acres’ Blue Popcorn Bourbon making the Elite 8. Thanks to everyone who voted!
That meeting sparked a simple idea: what if we collaborated on something delicious and uniquely Illinois? The result is Gindo’s Maple Bourbon Whiskey Sauce — a craft collaboration designed to celebrate flavor, community, and Illinois manufacturing.
This sauce blends sweet maple flavor with smooth Whiskey Acres bourbon notes and balanced chili heat. It delivers layers of caramel, oak, sweetness, and spice that make it perfect for wings, ribs, burgers, roasted vegetables, and barbecue.
First, it represents two Illinois makers working together. Whiskey Acres grows and distills its own grain on the family farm in DeKalb County, while Gindo’s is known for creating fresh, flavor‑forward craft hot sauces.
Second, it tells a story about collaboration, craft food, and local pride — the very spirit of Maker’s Madness.
The Gindo’s Maple Bourbon Whiskey Sauce collaboration has officially been nominated for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Maker’s Madness competition.
This statewide contest celebrates the coolest products made in Illinois — and winners are decided by public vote.
Think this collaboration is as cool as we do? Help us win!
👉 Click the link below and vote for Gindo’s Maple Bourbon Whiskey Sauce in the Maker’s Madness contest.
You can vote up to 5 times per day per device - so every vote truly helps. After you vote, share with your friends and family to help spread the word!
Vote. Share. Sip. Sauce.
Support Illinois makers and help us bring home the title of Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
#MakersMadnessIL #CoolestThingMadeInIllinois #ProudlyDeKalb #Bourbon #HotSauce
Amazing products ! The best hot sauce line
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Gindo’s is coming to the Batavia Boardwalk Shops for the first time—marking our first Batavia location and a major hometown milestone. Here’s what it means and what we’re bringing with us.
Hot sauce pairs best with foods that either need contrast or enhancement. Bright sauces (like verde) work well on tacos, eggs, and grilled meats. Sweet heat sauces pair with chicken, pork, and seafood. Extra spicy sauces should be used sparingly in dishes like chili or wings, while savory sauces complement burgers, steak, and roasted vegetables.
There are more hot sauces on the market today than ever before. And while that sounds like a good thing… it actually makes choosing the right one harder.
You’ve probably been there:
- You buy a sauce that sounds amazing… and it’s way too hot
- Or it has no flavor—just heat
- Or it sits in your fridge because you don’t know what to use it on
That’s exactly what we’re going to fix.
Donna Corona
April 07, 2026
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