wisconsin bourbon tour

Wisconsin's Bourbon Trail

Wisconsin is home to a growing community that’s embracing and producing local hand-crafted spirits, several of which are made directly from grains grown right here in America’s Dairyland. Newly-thriving Wisconsin-born Bourbon is providing spirit enthusiasts a distinct flavor and bucket-list destinations across the state. Use the map below to help plan a getaway you won’t forget.

Timekeeper Distillery

720 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403

Copper Crow Distillery

37395 ST Highway 13, Bayfield, WI 54814

45th Parallel Spirits

1570 Madison Ave, New Richmond, WI 54017

Northern Waters Distillery

8136 US Highway 51, South Minocqua, WI 54548

Great Northern Distilling

1011 Second Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481

Denmark Distilling

5046 County Road R, Denmark, WI, 54208

Door County Distillery

5806 Hwy 42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Hatch Distilling Company

7740 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209

Paradise North Distillery

101 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302

Ledgerock Distillery

N5287 Grandview Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937

Central Standard

2330 W Clybourn Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Great Lakes Distilling

616 W. Virginia St., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Dog & Shrub Distillery

145 Industrial Drive, Lake Mills, WI 53551

Geneva Lake Distilling

401 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Handen Distillery

W62N590 Washington Ave Suite B, Cedarburg, WI 53012

Altered Spirits Distillery

111 A Kettle Moraine Dr. North, Slinger, WI 53086

Eagle Park Brewing & Distilling Company

S64 W15640 Commerce Center Parkway, Muskego, WI 53150

Waterford Stillhouse

228 E. Main Street, Waterford, WI 53185

Dancing Goat

909 Vineyard Drive, Cambridge, WI 53523

Old Sugar Distillery

931 E Main St., #8, Madison, WI 53703

Yahara Bay Distillers

6250 Nesbitt Rd #200, Madison, WI 53719

J. Henry & Sons

7794 Patton Road, Dane, WI 53529

Wollersheim

7876 Highway 188, POB 87, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578

Driftless Glen Distillery

300 Water Street, Baraboo, WI 53913

La Crosse Distilling

129 Vine St., La Crosse, WI 54601

New Richmond

North Central

Stevens Point

La Crosse Distillery

Prairie du Sac

Sturgeon Bay

Fond du Lac

Lake Geneva

: A featured distillery in our episode

See the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail live in action on this episode of Discover Wisconsin:

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J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon Tour

• Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Location: J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon
• Phone: (608) 846-4116
• Time: Thursday 4pm; Fri-Sat 12pm, 2pm & 4pm; Sun 12pm & 2pm
• Price: $15 +tax/person

Our farm tours last 75-90 minutes and include a tour, nosing and tasting. Tours are $15 +tax/person.

Please note:

We I.D. all our guests and only guests 21+ will be served.

Our rick house is not heated and does not have lights—we do not visit the rick house after 4:00pm in the winter or in dangerous weather conditions.

Thursdays: 4-6:30 pm with tours at 4pm and cocktails and taste only from 5:30 until close.

Fridays & Saturdays: 12-5:30pm with tours at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Sundays: 12-5pm with tours at 12pm and 2pm and taste only from 3:30 until close.

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22 e. mifflin street, suite 200

madison, wi 53703

(608) 255-2537 • (800) 373-6376

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J. Henry & Sons Bourbon Tasting Room & Farm

Down a rustic country road about 30 minutes north of Madison sits J. Henry & Sons, home to a uniquely Wisconsin straight bourbon and the farm where the magic happens. A trip to J. Henry & Sons is steeped in history, family values, hard work and determination one soon won’t forget.  

J. Henry & Sons’ tasting room is located in the former Henry farmhouse and has all the feels of a relative’s living room and for good reason – generations of Henrys grew up there since 1946. The quaint seating area, gift shop and adjacent tasting rooms were once living spaces and highlighted by the beautiful warming fireplace – especially when a rural Wisconsin snowscape provides the perfect backdrop. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor patio area overlooking the farm operations in warmer months.

Visitors can stop in for just a tasting, but we recommend both the tasting and tour. The 30-minute tour is a wonderful way to learn about bourbon in general and the history of how a Wisconsin bourbon came to be. Tour-goers will learn about the family-run business and how each member contributes to its success whether farming, distilling or marketing. The Henry family uses an heirloom red corn developed at the University of Wisconsin in 1939 and had to re-propagate these grains over time. They are the only ones in the world growing, harvesting and using these grains, making this small-batch bourbon truly special. The family also grows other contributing grains on their 900-acre farm.

The friendly and informative tour ambassadors give an up-close look at the process of aging and charring of American white oak barrels that are the keepers of J. Henry & Sons product during the slow five-plus-year aging process. (J. Henry started distilling in 2009, with the first bottles available in 2015.) The wild swings of hot and cold Wisconsin weather work to extract complex flavors in those barrels that are housed in the rickhouse, a historic former dairy barn. Tour-goers will also learn about grain percentages, alcohol proof, distilling and how there is really an art to making bourbon. We also loved learning how the used barrels get a second life by local breweries, maple syrup makers or cheese companies around the state.

After the tour, lean into the J. Henry & Sons mantra and “reward yourself” by enjoying the farmhouse tasting and lounge area. Delight in an Old Fashioned, Bourbon Sour, a specialty drink like the caramel pumpkin cocktail or enjoy a glass of bourbon neat. As closing time draws near, this cozy space makes one want to linger just a little longer.

Hot tip: The perfect pairing! Check out Sheboygan’s Deer Creek Cheese “The Night Walker” bathed in J. Henry & Sons bourbon.

J. Henry & Sons is open Thursday to Sunday with various seasonal hours for tastings and tours. Guests can also stop in and purchase cocktails in the tasting area without a tour or tasting. For more information, visit jhenryandsons.com .

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J. Henry & Sons Whiskey Stands Out Among Craft Distilleries

Whiskey distilleries are as ubiquitous as breweries these days, with every region having their own craft distillery. So what does it take for one to stand out against the crowd? Is it a heartwarming backstory? A unique twist on production? Or simply whiskey that speaks — ahem, tastes — for itself? J. Henry & Sons whiskey has all these things and, yes, they stand out against the crowds of craft distilleries — for those reasons and more, which I found out while touring the J. Henry & Sons farm in Wisconsin.

If you haven’t heard of J. Henry & Sons whiskey yet, don’t worry; you will. Right now the Wisconsin Straight Bourbon is only available in its home state plus Illinois and Minnesota, but it’s already winning numerous awards around the country.

Last week some friends and I ventured up to Dane, Wisconsin, for the day to tour J. Henry & Sons farm and taste some of their award-winning Wisconsin Straight Bourbon. The 2.5 hour drive from Chicago is a fun excuse to venture through the farmland and get out of the city. And being just outside of Madison, you can explore the capital’s restaurants and cheese shops too.

J. Henry & Sons Whiskey Stands Out Among Craft Distilleries

The History of J. Henry & Sons

J. Henry & Sons whiskey first hit stores in 2015 but the decision to make whiskey was made back in 2008 after Joe and his wife Liz visited the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. With 90% of their 440-acre farm already growing corn, it seemed like a good idea.

And it was. But, like all things worth doing, it took time. After a hurdle with using heirloom red corn (more on that below), distilling started in 2009. J. Henry & Sons whiskey is distilled at 45th Parallel Distillery , a contract distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin, that distills to Joe’s very specific instructions. (45th Parallel also distills and sells its own vodka, gin, and whiskey.)

The new make spirit is then sent back to J. Henry & Sons farm to be aged in the former dairy barn, where it experiences the intense temperature swings of Wisconsin. This year saw a 165 degree temperature swing in just a few months, which is even more drastic than Kentucky’s wild weather. (Here in the Midwest we hit -50° Fahrenheit in January, making all of us question our will to live — at least in the Midwest! — and just a few weeks ago hit 110° Fahrenheit. Fun times.)

After at least 5 years of aging, Joe’s son Joe Jr. blends the whiskey. It’s then sent off site for bottling, then distributed throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

Heirloom Red Corn, the Heart of J. Henry & Sons

Driving to J. Henry & Sons farm through northern Illinois and Wisconsin is a visual glimpse of the importance of corn. If you haven’t made the drive yourself, here’s a spoiler: there’s lots and lots of corn. But at J. Henry & Sons, the corn is a bit different. Some of the corn they grow is heirloom red corn. And it’s the only place in the world where it’s grown .

Heirloom red corn was the farmers’ corn of choice in the 1930s and 40s, back when Joe’s dad grew it on his farm. But in the 1960s most farmers stopped growing it for higher yield corn. Luckily the University of Wisconsin loaned the Henry family a few seeds (just 1200, to be exact) and it took four years to grow enough corn to have enough seeds to actually grow an entire crop.

It’s now grown on the J. Henry & Sons farm specifically for whiskey, along with the wheat and rye used in the bourbon. (The malted barley is from Briess Malt in Waterloo, Wisconsin, a world-renowned barley farm.) The J. Henry & Sons whiskey is the only bourbon in the world made with heirloom red corn . So it’s truly a unique whiskey!

Wisconsin Straight Bourbon

J. Henry & Sons makes three types of bourbon — for now. (They are experimenting with others and currently maturing rye.) All of them are aged for at least five years in Wisconsin white oak with a mash bill of 60% heirloom red corn, 14% wheat, 14% rye, and 12% malted barley.

Thanks to the intense temperature swings in Wisconsin, our tour guide Aaron explained Wisconsin sees the same age characteristics at 5 years that Kentucky sees at 8 . Aaron also explained that water and alcohol evaporate at the same rate in Wisconsin. (In Kentucky, water evaporates faster than alcohol, making the ABV rise during maturation.) The angels share is a bit high — 20% in 5 years — but the concentration of water to whiskey is maintained.

J. Henry & Sons Small Batch

The flagship whiskey is J. Henry & Sons Small Batch, a five year Wisconsin Straight Bourbon bottled at 92 proof. The “small batch” designation is no exaggeration; it’s a blend of just 15 barrels, all based on a mother batch. (And done by Joe’s son, Joe Jr.)

This one is my favorite. The nose is biscuity, with brioche, figs, vanilla, and cherry notes. The palate is beautifully chewy and delicious heavy on the vanilla notes, with cherry and cinnamon. I admit that I’m not the biggest bourbon fan, but this one had me smitten.

J. Henry Patton Road Reserve

The Patton Road Reserve, named after the road leading to the farm, is a single barrel bourbon. Bottled at cask strength (59.4% for the barrel no. 334), it’s an intense version of the flagship with heavier rye notes. Vanilla custard, maple, and butterscotch dominated the nose, while the palate was intensely cinnamon, ripe nectarine, rye spice, vanilla, maple, and pepper.

J. Henry & Sons Bellafontaine Reserve

The Bellafontaine is the special expression of J. Henry & Sons whiskey, finished in Cognac casks. Named after Joe’s grandfather’s farm, the bourbon is aged for 5 years, then finished in French Limousin oak soaked in Cognac brandy. It’s bottled at 51.2% ABV, done by “slow-proofing” — gradually adding water over the course of 3 months to prevent harsh alcohol notes.

The result is a red wine-influence on the nose, combined with vanilla, oak, honey, and hints of coconut. On the palate are heavy vanilla notes, with more coconut, rye spice, and fruit notes. Water encouraged more vanilla and oak flavors.

Touring J. Henry & Sons Farm

J. Henry & Sons Farm offers tours Thursday through Monday several times a day. The tasting room is located in the house Joe actually grew up in, surrounded by the farm. Since distilling takes place offsite, the tasting starts with a slideshow to explain how it’s done. Then guests are taken through the rickhouses to admire the sleeping whiskey.

Many distillery tours show the stills and skip the rickhouses, but I think there’s so much beauty in the rickhouses. The uniform rows and stacks of barrels, the smell of wood and whiskey, quietness of the large rooms, the sheer amount of whiskey. It’s always mind-blowing to me.

The tour was fun and informative and a peaceful break from the city. Tours are $15/person and advanced reservations are recommended. Bottles of J. Henry & Sons whiskey can be purchased at the distillery and are actually cheaper than in stores. (But they weren’t selling any Bellafontaine on site the day we were there.)

It’d be easy to assume J. Henry & Sons is just another craft distillery. But after tasting their bourbon, which truly has a unique flavor to it, and visiting the farm with the family feel to it, it’s obvious J. Henry is more than that. We spoke with Joe’s wife, Liz, at the farm and I routinely run into Joe Jr. at tastings throughout Chicago. It’s so rare to meet the people who make your whiskey out in the wild, but with J. Henry, that’s not the case.

J. Henry & Sons is onto something great and I’m excited to see where they’ll take their whiskey from here. (Especially curious about that future release of rye!)

Related :: Touring High West Distillery in Utah, Whiskey Acres Distillery in Illinois, and Glengoyne Distillery in Scotland. 

The Flatiron Room Whiskey Bar in New York City

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J. Henry & Sons - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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map marker pin 616 West Virginia Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Our spirits, award-winning.

As the first distillery to open in the state since Prohibition, we have been trailblazers for the Wisconsin Craft Spirits industry of today.

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Great Lakes Distillery is Wisconsin's original distillery, calling Milwaukee home since our founding by Guy Rehorst in 2004. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Milwaukee, our distillery stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, handcrafted spirits that capture the essence of the Midwest. 

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This a really great space within walking distance of tons of food options and some breweries(what a surprise in MKE 🙄) Overall the service was great. The cocktail recommendations were on point on the menu and the booze was crafted....

Excellent cocktails and a very comfortable space. The staff is helpful and friendly. Great selection of merch. The tour was really fun, too!

Great distillery tour! It's not a large distillery but worth the time. It has a number of items for purchase, a bar with a delicious looking food menu.

Great experience for the low price! Tour guide was great and very knowledgeable.

Had a great time on their patio over the weekend. good vibes inside and out. Love the space and friendly service. Prices were on par and even a lil cheap for the quality so that's a win in my book.

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Discover the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail This Fall

Wisconsin is an unbeatably beautiful fall destination, but there are also plenty of fantastic things to do in Wisconsin in the fall. Have you heard of the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail yet? Wisconsin may not (yet) be on your radar as an excellent bourbon destination, but we assure you, it should be!

This fall, treat your senses to something delightful and plan to spend a few days exploring this beautiful state and sipping your way down the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail. We can’t think of a better way to keep warm, have fun, and maybe even learn something! While you’re enjoying all the best things to do in Wisconsin this fall, there’s no better place to rest your head than one of our collection’s  Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts .

Choosing a great place to stay is crucial in crafting a memorable getaway. It is, after all, where you’ll begin and end your day. Our Innkeepers will start your day off on the right food with a delicious, hearty, and freshly made breakfast for you. You can expect plenty of friendly hospitality throughout your stay, many amenities to keep you comfortable, and all the creature comforts you crave from home. In short, you’ll find anything but an ordinary hotel stay here.

Join us for the best of fall on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail this fall.  Book your room  at one of the best places to stay in Wisconsin today!

Discover the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail

Wisconsin has a long history when it comes to  craft breweries  and has even seen dramatic growth in the popularity of  Wisconsin wineries . Bourbon, though, is a relative newcomer to the craft beverage scene in Wisconsin, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it. This fall is a great time to get out and explore the fantastic (and delicious)  Wisconsin Bourbon Trail .

When you start to understand Wisconsin’s deeply rooted agricultural history and its long dedication to locally grown and produced artisanal products, it’s easy to see how something like the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail has taken root. The bourbons produced here offer bourbon lovers a distinct flavor and plenty of excellent craft beverage destinations worth visiting around the state.

You’ll find locations on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail in just about every region of the state – right along with some of the top-rated Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts! Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top stops on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail near our collection of Inns- and we look forward to adding even more in the coming years!

• Central Standard Craft Distillery  and the  Great Lakes Distillery , both in  Milwaukee
• Dancing Goat Distillery  in  Cambridge
• Dog & Shrub Distillery  in  Lake Mills
• Driftless Glen Distillery  in  Baraboo
• Handen Distillery  in  Cedarburg
• Door County Distillery  in  Sturgeon Bay
• Old Sugar Distillery  and  Yahara Bay Distillers  in  Madison
• Paradise North Distillery  in  Green Bay
• Time Keeper Distillery  in  Wausau
• Wollersheim Distillery  in Prairie du Sac

7 More Great Things to do in Wisconsin This Fall

The Wisconsin Bourbon Trail, with stops in many of the most popular cities and destinations around the state, is a fantastic way to get out and explore this fall. Of course, you can’t spend your entire vacation drinking at stops on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail as much as you may want to. Luckily, while traveling around and tasting these delightful experiences, there are plenty more things to do in Wisconsin this fall.

From getting outside for scenic hikes, bike rides, and drives to apple picking and relaxing with a delicious glass of Wisconsin wine, you’ll never run out of fun and exciting things to do this fall. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in Wisconsin, along with a few recommendations on where to do them.

• Few things beat the natural beauty of  hiking in Wisconsin , especially when choosing destinations like the  Kettle Moraine State Forest .
• Like hiking, biking is one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin – and there’s certainly no shortage of great Wisconsin bike trails to explore this fall. Popular choices each fall include the  Elroy-Sparta Trail , the  Badger State Trail , the  Fox River State Trail , the  Gandy Dancer Trail , and so many more.
• Enjoy one of the many incredible scenic drives around the state for a more laid-back way to explore  fall colors in Wisconsin . There are hundreds to choose from, but a few favorites include  Wisconsin Rustic Roads , the  Marinette County Waterfall tour , the  Great River Road , the  Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive , and the  Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive .
• Another great place to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Wisconsin in the fall is by visiting Wisconsin State Parks. We’ve listed some of the  best Wisconsin state parks to see  in the fall.
• Apple picking is a time-honored fall tradition in Wisconsin, and there are plenty of orchards to choose from. We created a roundup of some of our favorite places to go  apple picking in Wisconsin  earlier this year.
• While the primary focus of your trip may be the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail, don’t skip a chance to visit the  best wineries in Wisconsin  this fall, either!
• Head to one of Wisconsin’s many natural areas this fall for some bird or wildlife watching.  Horicon Marsh Wildlife Preserve  is a popular choice!

With exceptional service, a dedication to excellence in everything they do, and a fantastic range of amenities and accommodations, is it any wonder why our Inns are rated as the  best places to stay in Wisconsin ? Seek the unique this fall, and  book a room  at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today.

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• 7 Wisconsin Distilleries You Need...

7 Wisconsin Distilleries You Need to Visit

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While Wisconsin is commonly associated with beer, the state has experienced a recent rise in the number of distilleries. Prohibition wiped out the industry in the area over 80 years ago, but Wisconsinites are developing a taste once more for high-quality, locally produced spirits. The uptick in craft breweries and small wineries has paved the way for the resurgence of local distilleries around the state, and you’ll want to be sure to check out these seven!

1. infinity beverages winery and distillery.

Distillery, Winery

What started as a dream for a high school student has now become one of Wisconsin’s best places for locally produced wine and spirits. Infinity Beverages is both a winery and distillery that prides itself on its innovation. All of their beverages are truly unique and made from materials sourced from American suppliers and growers. Stop by for one of their Tour & Tasting events to learn more about the distillery’s operation or enjoy some samples at the Tasting Lounge.

2. Great Lakes Distillery

Milwaukee may be a beer city, but Great Lakes Distillery has made a name for itself with its award-winning spirits. Opened in 2004, it became the first distillery in the state since Prohibition. Traditional old-world methods are used to make their high-quality, small-batch spirits, and local ingredients are used whenever possible to ensure that each product has a bit of Wisconsin in it. Their distillery tour was voted the best wine and spirits tour in the city, so be sure to check it out.

3. Northern Waters Distillery

The natural beauty of Wisconsin’s Northwoods is what inspires the craft distilling of Northern Waters Distillery . What makes this distillery unique is that it aims to produce spirits as traditionally as possible, doing as much as they can by hand and producing batches of fewer than 100 bottles. Visitors can learn more about this process by touring the distillery on weekends or stopping by the Tasting Room for samples. For those who are very interested in distilling, Northern Waters offers the opportunity to spend an entire day observing the production process.

5. Wollersheim Distillery

Crafting high-quality spirits at Wollersheim dates back to the 1800s. For a time, regulations prohibited wineries in Wisconsin from distilling, but once that was lifted, Wollersheim Distillery was back in the brandy-making game. Now in addition to several brandies, they also produce gin, absinthe, and whiskey. Visitors are invited to stop by for a distillery tour, spirit tasting, or to enjoy one of their expertly made cocktails .

6. Yahara Bay Distillers

Madison’s first post-Prohibition distillery, Yahara Bay Distillers started with only three products but has expanded to over 40. While sold in 20 different states now, they haven’t forgotten their Wisconsin roots, and each batch of spirits is still made using local ingredients. If you take their distillery tour, not only will you learn about the ins and outs of producing spirits, but you’ll also get to visit their art gallery, which showcases artwork from regional and local artists. With a number of live music events, grabbing a drink at the Public House is also a must.

7. Minhas Micro Distillery

The Minhas Micro Distillery is part of the Minhas Brewery and produces some of the best artisan liqueurs and spirits in the state. Age-old distilling and blending methods are used to create liquors so smooth that they can be enjoyed straight. Whether you have a taste for vodka, whiskey, gin, or rum, take part in the distillery tour to learn more about how they are crafted. The distillery even offers additional services to those who are interested in starting their own distilling business.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Discover the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail This Fall

Posted: thu-oct-2022.

Wisconsin is an unbeatably beautiful fall destination, but there are also plenty of fantastic things to do in Wisconsin in the fall. Have you heard of the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail yet? Wisconsin may not (yet) be on your radar as an excellent bourbon destination, but we assure you, it should be! 

This fall, treat your senses to something delightful and plan to spend a few days exploring this beautiful state and sipping your way down the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail. We can't think of a better way to keep warm, have fun, and maybe even learn something! While you're enjoying all the best things to do in Wisconsin this fall, there's no better place to rest your head than one of our collection's Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts . 

Choosing a great place to stay is crucial in crafting a memorable getaway. It is, after all, where you'll begin and end your day. Our Innkeepers will start your day off on the right food with a delicious, hearty, and freshly made breakfast for you. You can expect plenty of friendly hospitality throughout your stay, many amenities to keep you comfortable, and all the creature comforts you crave from home. In short, you'll find anything but an ordinary hotel stay here. 

Join us for the best of fall on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail this fall.  Book your room at one of the best places to stay in Wisconsin today!

Discover the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail

Wisconsin has a long history when it comes to craft breweries  and has even seen dramatic growth in the popularity of Wisconsin wineries . Bourbon, though, is a relative newcomer to the craft beverage scene in Wisconsin, and we couldn't be more thrilled about it. This fall is a great time to get out and explore the fantastic (and delicious) Wisconsin Bourbon Trail . 

When you start to understand Wisconsin's deeply rooted agricultural history and its long dedication to locally grown and produced artisanal products, it's easy to see how something like the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail has taken root. The bourbons produced here offer bourbon lovers a distinct flavor and plenty of excellent craft beverage destinations worth visiting around the state. 

You'll find locations on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail in just about every region of the state - right along with some of the top-rated Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts! Below, we've compiled a list of some of the top stops on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail near our collection of Inns- and we look forward to adding even more in the coming years! 

• Central Standard Craft Distillery  and the  Great Lakes Distillery , both in Milwaukee
• Dancing Goat Distillery in Cambridge
• Dog & Shrub Distillery in Lake Mills
• Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo
• Handen Distillery in Cedarburg
• Door County Distillery in Sturgeon Bay
• Old Sugar Distillery and Yahara Bay Distillers in Madison
• Paradise North Distillery in Green Bay
• Time Keeper Distillery in Wausau
• Wollersheim Distillery in Prairie du Sac

7 More Great Things to do in Wisconsin This Fall 

The Wisconsin Bourbon Trail, with stops in many of the most popular cities and destinations around the state, is a fantastic way to get out and explore this fall. Of course, you can't spend your entire vacation drinking at stops on the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail as much as you may want to. Luckily, while traveling around and tasting these delightful experiences, there are plenty more things to do in Wisconsin this fall. 

From getting outside for scenic hikes, bike rides, and drives to apple picking and relaxing with a delicious glass of Wisconsin wine, you'll never run out of fun and exciting things to do this fall. Below, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in Wisconsin, along with a few recommendations on where to do them. 

• Few things beat the natural beauty of  hiking in Wisconsin , especially when choosing destinations like the  Kettle Moraine State Forest . 
• Like hiking, biking is one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin - and there's certainly no shortage of great Wisconsin bike trails to explore this fall. Popular choices each fall include the  Elroy-Sparta Trail , the  Badger State Trail , the  Fox River State Trail , the Gandy Dancer Trail , and so many more.  
• Enjoy one of the many incredible scenic drives around the state for a more laid-back way to explore fall colors in Wisconsin . There are hundreds to choose from, but a few favorites include  Wisconsin Rustic Roads , the  Marinette County Waterfall tour , the  Great River Road , the  Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive , and the  Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive .
• Another great place to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Wisconsin in the fall is by visiting Wisconsin State Parks. We've listed some of the  best Wisconsin state parks to see  in the fall. 
• Apple picking is a time-honored fall tradition in Wisconsin, and there are plenty of orchards to choose from. We created a roundup of some of our favorite places to go  apple picking in Wisconsin  earlier this year. 
• While the primary focus of your trip may be the Wisconsin Bourbon Trail, don't skip a chance to visit the  best wineries in Wisconsin this fall, either!
• Head to one of Wisconsin's many natural areas this fall for some bird or wildlife watching.  Horicon Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a popular choice!

With exceptional service, a dedication to excellence in everything they do, and a fantastic range of amenities and accommodations, is it any wonder why our Inns are rated as the  best places to stay in Wisconsin ? Seek the unique this fall, and  book a room  at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today. 

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Get a Taste at a Wisconsin Dells Brewery, Winery, or Distillery

The Wisconsin Dells area boasts several places to taste handcrafted beverages. Join us for a tour or tasting.

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• AL. Ringling Brewing Co.

Our brewery is adjoined to the home of founder AL. Ringling of the Ringling Bros. Circus. Built in 1906. Family-friendly, food & live entertainment.

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Balanced Rock Winery is a modern boutique winery. We specialize in producing wines from cold climate grape varietals.

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One of the best family owned wineries near Wisconsin Dells. Baraboo Bluff Winery is a small family owned winery located on the northeast corner of the Baraboo Bluff Range.

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Bevy Brewery & Winery continues the brewing tradition alongside wine-making. They’re serving familiar favorites and many new brews!

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The family who brought you Baraboo Bluff Winery has opened a sister winery. Same great service, all new and different wines with a spacious tasting room with a rustic county vibe.

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Dells Distillery offers a unique menu featuring our signature firebraised meats, extraordinary salads, specialty tator tot creations & a youngin's menu the kids will love!

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We offer city & history tours, haunted tours, winery lunch & brewery tours, bloody mary brunch & margarita tours, dive bar tours, holiday tours, big group & airport transportation, conventions, party buses, taxi service and more. We exceed all of your needs for groups 1-300.

• Fawn Creek Winery

Fawn Creek Winery features wine tastings, gift shop, a micro menu, and live entertainment.

Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co.

Locally owned, Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. seats 600+ customers within the 3 levels of our full-service restaurant which specializes in fresh, piping hot pizzas (dough made fresh daily)!

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Coming soon! A small tasting room, a large outdoor space, maximizing the views of the Baraboo Bluffs. Serving tapas and apps.

Wollersheim Winery & Distillery

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J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon Review

Is J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon is the best bourbon you’ve never heard of? Most bourbon fans have noticed an explosion in the craft distillery market these last few years with an influx of pricey bourbons with tall tales as backstories.

Jeffrey Schwartz

Update: Jeffrey has updated this post as of 2/6/16 with some additional details regarding where this bourbon is distilled, barreled, aged and bottled. Thanks to everyone that asked great questions and wanted to more about the source of the juice.

Is J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon is the best bourbon you’ve never heard of?

Most bourbon fans have noticed an explosion in the craft distillery market these last few years with an influx of pricey bourbons with tall tales as backstories. Some of these craft bourbons offer something legitimately new, while others simply purchased bourbon from other sources with a new label slapped on it.

Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon is one of those legitimate, new craft bourbons and may, just perhaps, be the best Bourbon you’ve never heard of.

Yes, I said Wisconsin, and yes, I realize Wisconsin is known for cheese, not bourbon. Interestingly enough, dairy has something to do with this whiskey.

Always excited to try something new, I stumbled upon J. Henry & Sons at a local bar in June 2015. I recognized something incredible in that glass and was hooked. Noticing this was a locally-made Bourbon, my goal was to contact the owners, Joe and Liz Henry, to learn more. They invited me to tour family farm in Dane, WI, where the ingredients are grown and Bourbon is aged. There is also a gorgeous tasting room.

I discovered the corn, which makes up 60% of the mash, is very special. It is a red heirloom corn developed by the University of Wisconsin in the 1930s. The larger kernels have fatter germ that provides for more starch, giving J. Henry & Sons a sweet, delicious aroma and palate. The farm not only grows the corn, but also the rye and wheat.

After harvesting, the ingredients are sent to New Richmond, WI, where the distillation process takes place by Paul Werni of 45th Parallel using a dry, Belgian origin yeast. Once distilled, the whiskey makes the return trip to Dane. Using #3 char barrels sent directly to the farm by cooperages in Kentucky and Missouri, it is barreled on site for aging.

Remember when I clued dairy had something to do with this Bourbon? The old, uninsulated family dairy barn has been converted into a rickhouse, which currently contains over 500 barrels. The only climate control is what Mother Nature provides. Wisconsin’s hot summers and brutal winters translates to intense interaction with the whiskey and wood over a period of five years. After aging, the barrels take a short trip to Yahara Bay’s bottling facility in Madison for packaging. When Batch 1 released, it was completely J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon, not anyone else’s relabeled product.

Enough of the backstory… it is time for the review.

BOTTLE DETAILS

Bourbon Name: J. Henry & Sons Wisconsin Straight Bourbon

Age: 5 years

Year: 2015, which was the inaugural year. For the record, my bottle is from Batch 4.

JEFF'S NOTES

How I Drank It : Neat, in Glencairn whisky glass.

My Nose Noticed:* Crème Brulee | Vanilla | Sweet Corn | Oak | Nut | Milk Chocolate

First Sip: Creamy Custard | Brioche | Toffee | Soft Spice | Dried Fruit

The Burn:** After the first sip, that creamy custard races around for another hit and then lingers for a long time. The finish itself is smooth as silk. This bourbon is warm, but does not burn.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: To be perfectly honest, I am not a rocks drinker. I drink bourbon neat (even at cask strength), and will sometimes add a few drops of water to bring out hidden flavors. This bourbon is just beautiful enjoyed neat. In the case of J. Henry & Sons, water added additional creaminess to the texture and elongated the finish.

Share With: Anyone who wants to appreciate great bourbon. Those new to bourbon will find the lack of any harshness enticing, and bourbon aficionados will recognize the time, effort and patience that goes into a quality whiskey.

Worth The Price: J. Henry & Sons retails between $47 and $54 depending on where you shop. You may wonder why anyone would drop this kind of cash on a completely unknown bourbon, and the answer is because this bourbon is just that good. If you normally spend over $40 on bourbon, J. Henry & Sons should definitely be added to your collection.

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Oops! I gave it away in the previous statement. Buy the bottle, then enjoy this at home whenever you want. If the price still has you hesitant, this bourbon is showing up and more and more watering holes. Try a pour, and then on your way home swing by the liquor store and get the bottle.

Currently, J. Henry & Sons is widely available throughout Wisconsin. However, plans are underway to expand distribution across state lines and beyond.

*I like to let my whiskey sit in the glass for at least 5 minutes before I start to smell it or have a drink. I personally find that it’s better to let some of the alcohol waft off before diving in. If I’m drinking bourbon on the rocks I skip the waiting and dive in both feet first. In this case thought, the whiskey really required more like 20 minutes to balance out.

**Some of you refer to this as the “finish” but let’s be honest. Don’t we all just want to know if it burns good?

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