by Don Williams | Aug 29, 2025 | American History, Michigan Distilleries, Whiskey, Whisky history
Making moonshine may seem romantic, but the reality is a much harsher story, filled with crime and heartbreak. Detroit’s long love story with whiskey has both shaped and reflected the greater American relationship with whiskey. Detroit Vineyards? Before the...
by Don Williams | Jun 14, 2024 | American History, History, Whiskey, Whisky history
Moonshine, Murder, and Carbine Williams Occasionally, I run across a story related to American whiskey production that has an almost unbelievable backstory. Moonshine, Murder, and Carbine Williams Moonshine was the foundation for much of the whiskey industry we know...
by Don Williams | Mar 11, 2024 | American History, Distilleries, History, Whisky history
It is only fitting that the oldest whiskey brand in America has the word old in its title. With origins in Pennsylvania, it is a rye whiskey that has been available under the name Old Overholt for more than 214 years. First, brand recognition was by barrel and then,...
by Don Williams | Jan 5, 2024 | Bourbon basics, Bourbon history, Bourbon Personalities, Unique Bottles
Charles Mortimer Dedman created Kentucky Owl in 1879 and was designated DSP 16. DSP is short for distilled spirits producer. Kentucky Owl was a known and flourishing brand that was popular until prohibition. Prohibition was enacted nationally on January 17, 1920, but...
by Don Williams | Dec 8, 2023 | American History, Bourbon history, Michigan Distilleries
Since Repeal Day was this week I wanted to give all of you a little more information about the era. These Detroit facts about prohibition and repeal provide a glimpse of a very wet time in our history. The City on a Still In the 1930s, Detroit housed more than 20,000...