Description

Everything about Journeyman Distillery is handcrafted, and we like that our home reflects that attention to labor. The original maple factory floors are from the 1800’s. We have an original concrete bar made in Grand Rapids, with coordinates etched into the side-to mark this historic and unique location. We’re using wood from the family barn in central Indiana; wood that was once the flooring for an early 1900s schoolhouse. We feel that EK Warren, the original builder of the factory-while being a staunch prohibitionist-would be proud to see his building shining bright. Our bottles are like our building: steeped in family history that we’re thrilled to share with you. The decision to have a organic distillery was largely a personal one and a decision that came rather easily. Several years ago Bill decided to make a more conscious decision about what he was consuming and where was his food coming from. In an effort to support local organic farmers our Distillery will be buying organic grain that is grown by family farmers in the great Midwest. The concept is to support the idea of eating with a sense of place. Whether it’s local sprits produced by Journeyman, hand crafted cheeses, or local organic Michigan fruits, Journeyman believes organic demonstrates a respect for the land and its people. Please support your local farmers markets and locally produced products. When drinking Journeyman Distillery products your consuming an organic product that we believe tastes better because it is organic. Your assisting family farms of all sizes, you’re supporting a global organic economy and you’re helping to reduce the toxic load of chemicals in the air, water, soil, and bodies. Journeyman Distillery is certified organic by Midwest Organic Services Association. MOSA is a non-profit organic certification agency, rooted in the Midwest. Journeyman Distillery uses organic grain that is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, artificial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones, feed additives, or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s).

Journeyman Distillery Federalist 12 Rye Whiskey is a nod back to George Washington’s original rye whiskey recipe. Rye takes center stage with corn serving as the secondary grain in the mash bill. At first pour notes of honey explode from the glass and a creamy, buttery body coats the tongue. As the whiskey opens up on the palate, flavors of stone fruit, orange peel and apricot shine. The finish is long and sweet with a subtle smokiness.
In 1794 Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 12 that a tax on whiskey “should tend to diminish the consumption of it”, and that “such an effect would be equally favorable to the agriculture, to the economy, to the morals, and to the health of the society.” During the Whiskey Rebellion that followed, tax collectors would be tarred, whipped, and feathered.