Two James Spirits

Quick overview of the distillery

Two James Spirits is a Corktown-based distillery in Detroit, known as the city's first licensed distillery since Prohibition. The company makes small-batch, hand-crafted spirits with locally grown grain and a clear environmental focus. Tasting experiences are offered in tasting rooms in both Detroit and Grand Rapids, and production is closely tied to local farmers and a rickhouse for storage.

History

The story begins with founder David Landrum, who after many years as a sommelier and mixologist decided to make his own small-batch spirits. The name Two James honors two men in his family, and the vision has been to create a grain-to-bottle process using local ingredients. Two James positions itself as Detroit's first licensed distillery since Prohibition and has focused on engaging the Corktown community. Raw materials such as rye and corn are sourced from Wing Farms in Dexter, and the company’s barrels are stored in a rickhouse, which tightly links production and aging regionally.

Raw materials and production

The production starts with grain: rye and corn from Wing Farms in Dexter, Michigan, supplied as the basis for the spirits. Two James operates small-batch and describes its setup as grain-to-bottle, which means control over the supply chain from local fields to the finished bottle. The publicly stated focus is on locally sourced ingredients, handmade production, and a testing- and production-space that visitors can see during the tour. Details such as the type and number of stills, fermentation times, and the exact distillation method are not specified in the available information.

Maturation and barrel types

Barrels are stored in a rickhouse associated with Wing Farms in Dexter, which connects raw material deliveries and aging. There are no details about specific barrel types, prior contents, use of new oak, or special finishes in the available material. Guests do get insight into the storage facilities during the tours.

Whiskeys

The range includes several handmade spirits produced on-site, including Catcher's Rye Whiskey, gin, rum, absinthe, and liqueurs. Catcher's Rye is highlighted as the distillery's signature whiskey and has earned a medal. The products are sold and can be sampled in tasting rooms in Detroit and Grand Rapids, where the small-batch approach and use of local ingredients are consistent features.

Visiting the distillery

Two James offers guided tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Tours cost $35 per person, are limited to 20 participants, and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a spot. Guests meet at 2445 Michigan Ave in Detroit, proceed to the tour area in the SuperGeil restaurant's space, taste a selection of spirits, can pull from a barrel, and view the production's testing and production facilities, before the tour ends in the marketplace. Private tours can be arranged by appointment.

The stated opening hours are tours offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons; tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Philosophy and craftsmanship

Two James places emphasis on environmental consciousness, the use of locally grown ingredients, and handmade small-batch production. The company's grain-to-bottle approach and collaboration with local farmers reflect a desire to combine quality with support for the local community.

Sustainability

Environmentally conscious production noted as a goal.

Awards and recognitions

• Catcher's Rye Whiskey — Gold (2022, Gold, Catcher's Rye Whiskey)

• Doctor Bird Jamaica Rum — Double Gold (2022, Double Gold)

• Two James Coffee Liqueur — Bronze (2022, Bronze)