JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY

CORSETS, WHIPS, AND WHISKEY

Journeyman is an intriguing visit for the architecture alone, housed in the landmark E.K. Warren Featherbone Factory, a 19th-century corset and buggy whip maker. But as one of few certified organic and kosher distilleries in the country, consistently recognized by critics and judges worldwide, you’ll want to go for the spirits. Using grain exclusively from local farms and methods culled from extensive travel and training, production here is truly grain-to-glass. We promise the difference won’t be lost on you.

Among Journeyman’s 24 spirits, including an impressive collection of whiskey, rye, and bourbon, some limited release, it might be hard to know where to begin. We highly recommend the tour—60-90 minutes of history, process, and a fantastic guided tasting. There’s a lot of fun backstory, too, from the founder’s journey to distilling to a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with the Field Museum. As you sip, you can’t help but feel the spirit of craft and invention within the old factory walls.

Of course, you don’t have to tour to taste. Journeyman serves signature cocktails and flights throughout the day and evening at two bars—one expansive and lively, the other small and intimate. Since 2011, the campus has grown to include a restaurant, event space, guest flat, and remarkable 18-hole putting green. Programming features festivals, artisan markets, competitions, and comedy. So whether your intent is deep dive or casual sip, there’s an experience for you.

Local Tip: Hooked? Check out the distillery’s Barrel Reserve program, a unique opportunity to commemorate and celebrate special life events with a barrel of your favorite Journeyman spirit.