J. Henry & Sons: Dane, Wisconsin
Updated: 6 days ago
J. Henry and Sons is a bourbon distillery on a working family farm in Dane, Wisconsin, about 20 miles north of Madison.
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J. Henry & Sons at a glance
Quick fact | J. Henry & Sons |
|---|---|
Location | Dane, Wisconsin, United States |
Setting | Working family farm north of Madison |
Whisky | Bourbon whiskey |
Grains | Estate-grown red corn, wheat and rye |
Visitor information | Tours promoted by producer; confirm current availability |
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The farm
The distillery's own story says the farm has raised seed corn since 1946 across three generations. Joe Henry's father Jerry grew corn, wheat and rye there from the 1940s to the 1960s. During the 1980s farm crisis Joe Henry chose to save the farm rather than walk away, and with his wife Liz spent several years turning it around.
The bourbon
The company says it chose an heirloom red corn developed at the University of Wisconsin in 1939, re-propagated the heirloom grains, and has grown the red corn, wheat and rye for its bourbon on the farm since 2008. It says it is the only producer using them in its mash bill. Sources give different start dates for bourbon production: a Vistage profile says the family added bourbon production in 2006, and Visit Madison says production of J. Henry and Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon began in 2009. Joe Henry Jr. joined the business in 2018, per a Wisconsin School of Business piece.
Visiting
The website offers tour bookings. Check it for current times.
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Sources
J. Henry and Sons, Our Story (jhenryandsons.com)
Visit Madison, Meet the Maker: Liz and Joe Henry, search summary
Vistage Perspectives, winter 2025, search summary
Wisconsin School of Business Update magazine, search summary
Gaps
The bourbon start date conflicts between sources. We have not confirmed stills, annual output or the current range. If you have more information about this distillery, or spot something we have got wrong, contact Whisky Clan and we will update this profile.
Frequently asked questions
Where is J. Henry & Sons?
The family farm and bourbon business is in Dane, Wisconsin, north of Madison.
What makes its bourbon distinctive?
Its distillery story focuses on farm-grown heirloom red corn, alongside wheat and rye.
Can you visit?
The producer advertises tour bookings. Check the official website for current schedules.
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Cover photograph: J. Henry & Sons family farm and bourbon maturation building in Dane, Wisconsin. Source: Visit Madison. Reuse rights have not been independently confirmed.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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