Journeyman: Distillery Profile
Updated: 6 days ago
Journeyman Distillery is a craft distillery at 109 Generations Drive in Three Oaks, Michigan, in the south west of the state. It is best known for organic whiskey and is housed in a former factory building from the 1890s.
In this guide
Summarise this guide with AI
Journeyman at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Journeyman |
Country and region | Michigan, United States |
Ownership / operator | Journeyman Distillery |
History | See the original researched history below. |
Whisky identity | Michigan organic whiskey producer. |
Visiting | Check the producer's latest official tour and opening information before travelling. |
Join the Journeyman whisky community poll
Which whiskies have you tried? What should Whisky Clan review next? Open the highlighted poll below, answer four quick questions and share your preferences with the community.
TAKE THE JOURNEYMAN COMMUNITY POLL · 4 QUICK QUESTIONS
Answer four quick questions to see real reader percentages. No account or email is required.
Where it is and how it started
Journeyman sits in Three Oaks, Michigan. Sources give slightly different start dates. The International Beverage Wine and Spirits Show exhibitor page says it was founded in 2010 by husband and wife Bill and Johanna Welter, while a 2015 profile in The Whiskey Wash says it opened in the fall of 2011.
The Whiskey Wash reports that founder Bill Welter moved to Scotland after college, met a Tasmanian entrepreneur with some distilling knowledge, and later travelled to Tasmania to study distilling before looking for a building in Michigan.
The Featherbone Factory
The distillery occupies a historic building in Three Oaks. The Whiskey Wash describes it as a near 130 year old factory that once made turkey feather corsets and buggy whips. Journeyman itself calls the site the Featherbone Factory and dates it to the 1890s.
How the spirits are made
According to the 2015 Whiskey Wash profile, Journeyman uses only certified organic ingredients, mills its grain on site and puts the whole mash, grain included, into the still. Spent grain goes to local farmers as animal feed. At the time of writing, new spirit was aged in 15 gallon casks, and used barrels were largely sold on to local breweries.
The same article says Journeyman marketed six whiskeys at that point, alongside other spirits including brandy and a coffee liqueur. Range details may have changed since 2015, so check the distillery for its current line up.
Visiting and further reading
Official website: journeyman.com
Sources: The Whiskey Wash (14 December 2015), the IBWSS exhibitor page for Journeyman Distillery and the distillery's Featherbone Factory page.
What makes Journeyman distinctive?
Michigan organic whiskey producer.
Journeyman whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon | NAS / varies | Check label | Michigan organic whiskey producer. |
Journeyman Last Feather Rye | NAS / varies | Check label | Michigan organic whiskey producer. |
This table describes documented expressions. It does not guarantee current stock, age statements or strengths. Check producer labels for details.
Explore USA distilleries
Discover other distilleries around USA.
Explore more Whisky Clan distilleries
Detroit City Distillery — Michigan
Traverse City Whiskey Co. — Michigan
Frequently asked questions about Journeyman
Where is Journeyman based?
Michigan, United States.
Who operates Journeyman?
Journeyman Distillery.
What distinguishes Journeyman?
Michigan organic whiskey producer.
Which bottlings are documented?
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon, Journeyman Last Feather Rye. Some editions may be historical.
Can you visit Journeyman?
Please check whether tours are currently operating and book through the producer before travelling.
Sources and editorial checks
Original research and historical notes have been retained. Visitor details, owners and bottle ranges may change.
Help us improve this distillery guide
Know something we should add or correct about Journeyman? Share verified facts, bottle releases, awards or useful sources using the form below. Newsletter subscription is optional.
If the embedded form does not display, Open the contribution form in a new tab.
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. |
Comments