DETROIT – The founders of Two James Spirits are preparing to make history.
Dave Landrum is one of the founders.
"We want to be known as the first distillers in Detroit since Prohibition," Landrum said.
Landrum has teamed up with Peter Bailey to create the distillery, which was given the Two James name to honor their respective fathers.
They are setting up shop in what was once an abandoned building in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood.
Dave Landrum said it is the right time at the right location.
"Amazing architecture, amazing potential and the price is right. And the people are awesome here," Landrum said.
Windows in the distillery will take in a view of the looming vacant Michigan Central train station.
The operation has a 500 gallon copper still, shipped from Louisville.
The distillery will feature a special tasting room with flooring taken from an old Detroit house. Just as microbreweries have flourished in recent years, Dave Landrum believes a small distillery like Two James can offer unique spirits.
"Your hands are more on the product, you can hand select the grains, use local grains, use your own char levels in the barrels,: Landrum said.
Two James Spirits will produce vodka, gin, and a variety of whiskeys.
The distillery should be open by June.