History

Two James Spirits was founded in Corktown, Detroit, and is named in memory of the two James in the family. It was the first licensed distillery in Detroit since Prohibition. The company is built on the belief that family, friends, and community are fundamental parts of life. The distillery focuses on environmentally friendly handcrafted spirits and locally grown ingredients to revitalize the local community and support the craft tradition. The production process follows a grain-to-bottle approach with grain from Wing Farms in Dexter, Michigan, and the barrels are stored in the Rickhouse. Founder David Landrum has a background in art and wine, and he wanted to create grain-to-bottle spirits using local grain and a lot of love.

Production / Manufacturing

Two James follows a grain-to-bottle approach with local ingredients and small batches. The raw materials rye and corn come from Wing Farms in Dexter, MI, and the barrels are stored in the Rickhouse. The focus is on environmentally friendly and handcrafted production and on contributing to the community and the craft.

Products / Whiskey Series

• Catcher’s Rye Whiskey: 100% Michigan Rye, aged at least 4 years in new American oak barrels. 98.8 proof (49.4% ABV). Nose: cinnamon and lemon zest; palate: honey and dates.
• Catcher’s Rye 6 Year: Aged at least 6 years in new American oak barrels. 90 proof (45% ABV). Nose: cinnamon and lemon zest; palate: honey and dates.
• Catcher’s Rye Vermouth Finish: Vermouth finish in 6 months; 117.3 proof (59.6% ABV). Nose: Dr Pepper and raisins; palate: cherry and dark fruit.
• J. Riddle Peated Bourbon: 79% Michigan corn and 21% peated UK barley; 3-5 years in new American oak barrels. 91 proof (45.5% ABV). Nose: roasted nuts and lemon; palate: vanilla and smoke.
• Grass Widow Bourbon: High-rye mash; Madeira finish in 6 months. 91 proof (45.5% ABV). Nose: red apple and praline; palate: apple and walnut; finish: leather and tobacco.
• Blackthorn Bourbon: 5 years in new American oak; 90 proof (45% ABV). Nose: maple and vanilla; finish: leather and tobacco.
• The French Connection: Rye whiskey finished in French brandy casks; 120 proof (60% ABV). 6 months. Nose: cherry and orange zest; palate: orange zest and nutmeg; finish: tobacco and white pepper.
• Johnny Smoking Gun: Blended whiskies, 87 proof (43.5% ABV); two-stage maceration for smoke and umami; suitable for dishes with meat and fish.

Visits / Experiences

Two James has tasting rooms in Detroit and Grand Rapids. Distillery tours cost 35 USD per person and are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The tour includes tastings of a selected assortment of spirits and requires booking via PayPal. Private tours can be arranged; cocktail classes and on-site/off-site events are offered. Detroit: 2445 Michigan Ave; Grand Rapids: 740 Michigan St NE inside 7 Monks Taproom.

Philosophy

Two James aims to preserve and promote environmentally friendly, handcrafted spirits produced from locally grown ingredients to revitalize the community and support craftsmanship in Detroit and Michigan. The distillery is the first licensed distillery in Detroit since Prohibition and celebrates the city's Spirit of Detroit.