After searching for years for a larger facility in Chicago, Koval Distillery will be staying put in the southeast Ravenswood neighborhood for the foreseeable future, albeit with a larger footprint and grander ambitions. (Chicago Tribune)

At the Portland International Airport, local food and beverage companies are becoming increasingly prevalent over traditional airport quick-service offerings, bringing local flavors and flair to the airport. The latest offering, House Spirits Distillery Tasting Room, adds to the unique array of food and beverage options, and has become the first airport distillery tasting room in the world. (BevNet)

Washington State recently endorsed the South Puget Sound Community College’s request to offer a for-credit Craft Brewing and Distilling Program. (The News Tribune)

Tom Burkleaux got his license to distill in 2004 and has been making his New Deal vodka ever since. His company, New Deal Distillery, has grown steadily since then, adding products such as an award-winning spicy vodka, called Hot Monkey, a sweetly spicy ginger liqueur and a well-regarded gin to their liquor line-up. Over the last decade, the company has grown to include more than two dozen employees. This year, Burkleaux expects the company to ship 7,000-10,000 cases of hand crafted liquor to five states and three foreign countries. (Fortune)

Distiller and blogger Laura Johnson is readying to open California’s “first urban distillery”, You & Yours Distilling Co., with plans to produce gin, vodka, eaux-de- vie and “eventually” whiskey. You & Yours Distilling Co. is set to open this month. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, “destination distillery” You & Yours is the brainchild of Texas-born Johnson. (The Spirits Business)

Soon, makers of craft spirits in Illinois might be able to produce significantly more booze with a single state license, but not all craft distillers are raising a glass to honor the occasion. (Chicago Tribune)