Enjoyed: Friday, June 21, 2024

Listed on the menu: Yes, as Cherry Old Fashioned

Ingredients: Journeyman Pit-Spitter Cherry rye whiskey, orange simple syrup, bitters.

The occasion: Husband and I drove out to Indiana for the funeral of his one and only aunt, who left her beloved family at the age of 94. Aunt E. never missed our birthdays–we would get sweet cards filled with good wishes. Our trip coincided with Husband’s birthday, so his thoughtful sister arranged for meals, drinks, and cake (so much cake!). The next day, our party of three (Husband, his sister, and I) met up with my sister and her husband at Journeyman, and we kept the birthday celebration going.

My rating: ***** out of 5. My brother-in-law ordered the same drink, and we both loved it. Although I am not a fan of sugary drinks, this one was balanced just right, with the crisp rye hitting my palate immediately but followed by a pleasing fruity essence. This whiskey is flavored with Michigan Montmorency cherries, probably as a nod to Journeyman’s Michigan roots. Michigan knows how to grow remarkable cherries.

Final thoughts: Husband and I visited the original Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan, just about three weeks earlier (see my post about stop #72) and enjoyed it. The vibe at American Factory is less intimate and more industrial, but fun nonetheless. Our dinner companions made it an even more memorable evening, and we are eager to return.