Inside Two James Distillery's (Now Open) Tasting Room

Two James, the long awaited Corktown distillery—the city's first since before Prohibition—soft opened their tasting room last week. The menu reads refashioned classic, with ample use of house made bitters and tonic, which co-owner David Landrum learned to make during a stint at Cafe Felix in Ann Arbor. The drinks will also feature produce procured from neighboring Eastern Market- think rye infused with medjool dates and raisins. You can get a cocktail from their circular, poured concrete bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M.

In the distillery itself Landrum and partner Peter Bailey use a 500 gallon copper still to make the variety of spirits they plan on offering. Right now booze hounds can buy the 28 Island Vodka, named for the 28 islands on the Detroit River used as hiding places during Prohibition. They can also get the Grass Widow Bourbon, another homage to Detroit's booze-y history, named after an historic producer of quality whiskey. Also in the works is Two James Rye Whiskey, made using rye sourced from a farm in Jasper, Michigan, Two James Bourbon and Old Cockney Gin. They also plan on eventually offering a single malt whiskey, calvados and absinthe. The attractive, old timey packaging that will be used on the bottles was designed by Stranger + Stranger and mimics the Prohibition vibe of the whole project.

An official opening will take place next month, leading to extended hours.
— Layla Khabiri
· Two James Distillery [Official Site]
· [EID Preview] Two James Distillery [EID]
· Two James Distillery Will Get Michigan Ave Liquored Up [Curbed Detroit]