What do popcorn, organic grains, and an old windshield wiper factory all have in common? Journeyman Distillery has turned them all into something new and unique to the Indiana Dunes region. Located in downtown Valparaiso, Journeyman Distillery’s “American Factory” has rejuvenated and repurposed a factory campus that was vacant for over thirty years and once served the area with a variety of manufacturing companies.
The site the “American Factory” occupies first opened its doors in the 1860s with the Woolen Mill Company. Since its beginning, the property has been home to several companies making everything from blankets, jeans, sleds, and wiper blades, to its current purpose of distilling whiskey and brewing beer.
Journeyman Distillery invites visitors to become a part of the “American Factory’s” story and to learn more about their property’s rich history and the process of turning organic grains into spirits. Tasting tours offer the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery process, brush up on local history, and taste some of their top-selling spirits.
Tasting tour stops include the outdoor patio area for a historical overview of the campus, the distilling room, and the newly opened Sea of Monsters brewery. Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about how organic grains are delivered, processed, distilled and finally aged in beautiful American White Oak wooden barrels.
Unique to the “American Factory” are the Popcorn Bourbon Whiskey and Popcorn Bourbon Cream Liqueur, inspired by local Valparaiso businessman and popcorn icon, Orville Redenbacher. For over 40 years, the city of Valparaiso has hosted its annual Popcorn Festival each September as a way to celebrate all things popcorn. Available year-round, Journeyman’s specialty popcorn spirits honor Orville Redenbacher’s mark on the region with a taste you might not expect.
Once you’ve learned about the work that goes into creating Journeyman’s spirits, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of their labor by tasting a variety of their award-winning products. Guests will get comfy in a private tasting room where you’ll sip on everything from their best seller “Last Feather Rye” whiskey (which tastes like banana bread), to Snaggle Tooth Coffee Liqueur. You can take notes and keep track of your favorites on the information sheet provided which has photos, ingredients, and details listed for each product you’ll be tasting. All of the spirits you’ll try are available for purchase in the gift shop. Tasting tours last about an hour and are a fun idea for a date night, friends outing, vacation activity, or celebrating a special occasion.
After your tour, you can get a bite to eat at Union Hall Restaurant which serves lunch and dinner throughout the week. Whether you’re wanting to share drinks and appetizers with friends or stay a while for a full meal, you’ll find plenty of tasty menu options. Their signature drinks include the Cherry Old-Fashioned and Studebaker Model X. Union Hall is also open for brunch on the weekends.
GOOD TO KNOW: Throughout the year, Journeyman hosts tasting tours, seasonal events, and concerts. They also offer venue rental for weddings and private events. They have plans to expand the Valparaiso location with a pizza place and karaoke bar where you can since along with animatronic U.S. Presidents. Be sure to check their website for current information.
