Journeyman Distillery: True Grain to Glass Whiskey
Journeyman Distillery is redefining craft whiskey with its grain-to-glass approach, putting Three Oaks, Michigan, on the map for whiskey enthusiasts. From humble beginnings to award-winning bottles, their story is one of passion and innovation. We sat down with founder Bill Welter to explore Journeyman's journey, inspirations, and what makes their whiskeys a must-try, and to find out why whiskey lovers are raving about Journeyman on NEAT: Whiskey Finder.
The Distillery’s Origin Story
Journeyman Distillery began crafting its famous grain-to-glass whiskey in 2010, rooted in the small town of Three Oaks, Michigan; however, founder Bill Welter's journey started across the Atlantic in Scotland, where, in 2000, he became interested in Scottish culture and lived there briefly. While in Scotland, he forged a friendship with Greg Ramsay—a Tasmanian with a passion for whiskey who went on to open his distillery in Tasmania. Inspired by Ramsay's 2005 distillery venture, Welter and his wife/co-founder Johanna brought his vision home, establishing an authentic grain-to-glass operation right in Three Oaks. Welter's passion is not only evident in his dedicated grain-to-glass operation, though; Journeyman is also one of the only certified Organic and Kosher Distilleries in the country, proving that he will stop at nothing to give the whiskey community a standout pour every chance he gets. But where does this passion come from? According to Welter, it stems from a multigenerational family legacy of creators in the American manufacturing industry. From unique releases like Orville's Popcorn whiskey to standout traditional pours like their Corsets, Whips & Whiskey release, Journeyman has become a beacon for whiskey enthusiasts.
Journeyman Distillery should serve as a testament to every distillery out there that when you go the extra mile, enthusiasts recognize it. Passion and attention to detail sit at the heart of every release from Joureyman, ensuring that quality is present at every step of the process. Even going so far as to slow down production to provide a high-quality product, "It's not pump it out as fast as we can, it's make it the best we can," Welter proudly boasts on his website. They proudly use the best ingredients available, ensuring the end product is always exceptional.
Signature Whiskey and Achievements
When we asked Welter what he was most proud of when it came to his distillery, he answered quickly. He said, "Happy accidents". When asked to elaborate on what he meant, he stated, "I was our first distiller and was certainly not 'formally trained'. I think many of the things we did came out of not knowing. Some of the techniques and recipes we created surprisingly worked". He then went on to state that some of those very same happy accidents helped make a name for Journeyman in the Whiskey scene, "Some of those happy accidents ended up being pretty great whiskey. Resulting in a couple of whiskey of the year awards and a craft distiller of the year award" said Welter. This innovative spirit stems from Welter's unwavering passion for creating exceptional products. He entered the world of whiskey as a fan first, and as a businessman second. His passion, curiosity, and most importantly impeccable taste is what has not only lead to Journeyman's historic rise in popularity, but has also given lead to this Michigan Distillery winning numerous awards, such as the "Whiskey of the Year" award in 2022, which they received for their famous Corsets, Whips, & Whiskey release. A single-grain whiskey, made 100% from Michigan wheat, known for its bold yet approachable profile. Welter's willingness to "push the envelope" and question the status quo is driving Journeyman's popularity, leading to an unforgettable experience for the consumer, which makes them yearn for something more in other pours.
Memorable First Whiskey Moment
In 2010, when Journeyman's first drops of whiskey came off the still, Bill Welter remembers feeling a sense of relief but also an undeniable sense of excitement for the future. He remembers the distinct smell of those first few drops of distillate flowing through Three Oaks, Michigan, and to this day, when he smells a new batch coming off the still, it takes him back to those first moments. "They say smell is the strongest tie to memories and often times I'll get a whiff of white dog coming off the still and it will take me back to 2010…both one of the hardest times of our lives but also some of the greatest as there was a sense that anything was possible," said Welter. Even today, though, that sense of anything being possible remains alive and well at the distillery, as they continue to innovate and release new offerings, such as their Corsets, Whips, & Honey Whiskey, scheduled for release this month. The Corsets, Whips & Honey Whiskey release is a unique spin on a Journeyman classic, infusing their award-winning wheat whiskey with locally sourced honey. This release will blend that home-grown Michigan wheat with locally sourced honey for a bold, sweet profile. Releases like this prove why whiskey enthusiasts are gravitating towards craft distillers like Journeyman; they share the same sense of excitement for the brand that Welter and his great team feel with every release. Welter and his team put passion into their product, and the end consumer can quite literally taste it!
What Whiskey Enthusiasts Say
The community of whiskey enthusiasts on NEAT have been raving about Journeyman for a while now. Journeyman proudly holds a high average rating of 4/5 stars, with no one- or two-star reviews. One user has said, "So far I haven't had a bad bottle of Journeyman!" Other users praise their Corsets, Whips & Whiskey release for its bold yet approachable flavor. Mentioning that for a wheat-based whiskey, they are surprised by how rich and deep the flavor profile is. Many users also rave about the beauty of their distillery, making it a must-visit destination the next time you're near Three Oaks, Michigan, or Valparaiso, Indiana. Journeyman is also growing in popularity recently, as last week there were so many reviews of Journeyman posted on the NEAT app that they were on the trending brands list, alongside some heavy hitters like Eagle Rare, Maker's Mark, and Penelope.
Why Visit or Try Journeyman Distillery
Journeyman Distillery is a must-stop destination next time you are near Three Oaks, Michigan, or Valparaiso, Indiana. My wife was lucky enough to visit their Three Oaks distillery last year and was raving about the experience. She described the food options as delicious, the whiskey as smooth, the atmosphere as relaxing, and, perhaps most importantly, the people as welcoming. Journeyman Distillery has also grown to become a staple of its community, giving back through its 30,000 sq ft real grass putting green, which enables families in Three Oaks, Michigan, to connect and bond. This facility is not only very affordable for adults but also completely free for children ages 6-12. Journeyman Distillery is also putting its money where its mouth is by donating a portion of its proceeds to specific causes, such as funding Summer camp activities for children and enabling golf charities to teach the next generation of golfers in an affordable manner.
If you're looking for a great pour at an exceptional price, I highly recommend trying some of Journeyman's award-winning craft whiskey. Every drop has a little bit of that beautiful Michigan scenery in it. They always go the extra mile, which is evident in them being one of the only distilleries in the country, if not the only one, that is both certified Organic and certified Kosher. Don't know what release to get started with? Check out NEAT: Whiskey Finder to see their highest-rated offerings and what whiskey enthusiasts are enjoying the most!
