Hidden Inside A 140-Year-Old building in Michigan, This Craft Distillery Makes The Best Cocktails In Michigan
By Jack Springgate|Published August 14, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
Southwest Michigan is filled with hidden gems you can only find off the beaten path. One of those can be found in Three Oaks, Michigan inside a 140-year-old building that used to have a much different purpose than what you’ll find there today. Expect the unexpected when you visit Journeyman Distillery, as they’ve transformed this former corset factory into an adult playground complete with an 18-hole putting green, handcrafted cocktail recipes, and a mouthwatering menu. You’ll want to make sure to check these boxes if you’re planning a visit to the makers of some of Michigan’s best spirits.
Journeyman’s first opened their doors in 2011 with development and renovation of this 140-year-old featherbone corset manufacturing building really ramping up in 2015. That’s what led to their iconic Staymaker Restaurant and the 30,000-square foot putting green named Welter’s Folly.
Experience a variety of their hand-crafted spirits.
Since 2011, Journeyman perfected their recipe and method for making some of the state’s best gin and rye whiskeys. They’ve expanded their offerings to roughly two dozen award-winning blends and flavors. All of their spirits can be crafted into a well-balanced cocktail, but I also suggest ordering a flight to experience their award winning products in their purest forms. I’d also recommend ordering a side chaser to cleanse your pallet after each sip.
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Check out how they make their spirits with a behind-the-scenes tour.
These intimate group tours not only show you the process of making their award-winning spirits, but they also tell the story behind this historic building. My personal favorite part about the tour is the 12-glass spirit tasting at the end. What better way to wrap up an hour of learning about grains, stills, and proofs, than by tasting the end product? You also get to try some of their lower-alcohol spirits like their Old Country Goodness Apple Cider Liquor, Holiday Bourbon Cream, or Snaggle Tooth Coffee Liquor. Try to book in advance for the best experience.
Well at Journeyman Distillery, you’re sure to receive a high quality creation due to the spirit alone. They offer everything from a barrel aged old fashion, to their take on a moscow mule, to my personal favorite, the bourbon-vanilla adult malted milkshake.
There's a 30,000-square-foot, 18-hole putting green at Welter’s Folly.
The vision for this distillery came from a D-1 golfer, so it’s only fitting that he put his own twist on the property. Opening in 2018, the owner designed Welter’s Folly to pay homage to the Himalayas Putting Green in St. Andrews, Scotland. If that sounds familiar, it’s because St. Andrews lays it’s claim as the birthplace of golf. It’s also where owner, Bill Welter, lived for part of his life.
Dig into one of their delicious Detroit-style pizzas.
Once you’ve burned off a few calories after playing 18, make sure you order one of their Detroit-style pizzas. Nothing compares to the fluffy crust, robust sauce, quality toppings, and crispy-crunchy caramelized edges. They also have great burgers and a warm, homemade pretzel on the menu to pair with your drink.
Take home your favorite spirit, or at least the barrel it was aged in.
Journeyman Distillery expanded its sales to most parts of the country, but you can also get it straight from the source. Grab a bottle of Featherbone Rye before you leave. They’ll even sell you parts of the aging barrels for souvenirs or crafts, as they never use a barrel more than once.
There are few distilleries out there that offer the quality of spirit and quality experience you’ll have at Journeyman Distillery. Tucked away in Three Oaks, Michigan, this place stands out for its unique history and unique flavors. While you’re in the area, check out some of the other ways you can explore Harbor Country.
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