Join the Corktown 500
We hope you’ll join us in bringing Two James Spirits to Detroit, Michigan and the world, by joining The Corktown 500 ™. Membership is $2,000 ($1,750 for 5 year membership enrollment dues, plus a $250 refundable barrel-reservation deposit). Only 500 members will be welcomed to this opportunity and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis until the membership quota is met. Upon receipt of the application and payment, we will mail a membership card and fulfillment kit, which will include a few thank-you gifts from the distillery.
The Corktown 500 membership privileges
Your membership dues will admit you to an extraordinary association of individuals who will help us write Detroit spirit making history. You will be part of an exclusive club, the first licensed distillery in Detroit since Prohibition! Members of The Corktown 500 will become our ambassadors, helping us spread the word about our liquors and liqueurs to thirsty Michiganders and beyond. By participating, you will be supporting the advancement of homegrown grain-to-bottle craft distilling and have ownership and pride in our great company and city. Membership privileges include:
Invitation to “Camp James”
You will receive an invitation to join us for a complimentary weekend at Two James Distillery for an insider’s look at the product, marketing, and enjoyment of fine craft spirits. You will learn everything about making craft spirits, including a tasting of other fine products from our brethren in Michigan. Even if you’re a gin and whiskey novice today, you’ll be a connoisseur when we’re done with you. “Camp James” will be held twice a year. Reservations are first come, first serve and members will have priority.
The opportunity to make your own whiskey
During your visit, you will handcraft Two James whiskey with assistance from the proprietors along with master whiskey maker David Pickerell. You’ll sample premium grain, cook mash, distill “white dog,” and hone your sensory skills nosing distillates and making “cuts”. You’ll even barrel the whiskey, hammer the bung into place and personally sign the barrel.
Your own Two James Spirits American oak barrel
You will hand-select a barrel during your visit, and years later—after your barrel is emptied and the sweet amber bourbon or rye is bottled—we’ll let you know when and where the whiskey can be purchased. We will then stain the barrel and affix a plaque with your name and Corktown 500 number. We will then ship the finished barrel to you, and you will be the owner of a keepsake unlike any other. Accompanying your barrel will be a special thank you. Members will have the option of either receiving back a check for $250 (your original barrel deposit) or $500 worth of goods from our tasting room (this includes shirts, hats, glasses, flasks, and of course any of our cocktails and our proprietary spirits). This is our thanks and gratitude for supporting us over the years as a founding member. We’re hopeful you’ll be proud enough of what you’ve accomplished to stock up on The Two James Whiskey that you have personally crafted.
Other benefits
- A custom, one-of-a-kind framed plaque recognizing your membership in The Corktown 500.
- Invitations to attend Two James Spirits Tastings and Spirit Dinners with acclaimed local chef’s and restaurants at discounted prices.
- Family and guest distillery visitation privileges (by appointment, when accompanied by membership holder).
- Advance opportunity to purchase tickets to special events held at the distillery.
- Advance information about special bottling release dates and special vintages.
- Your name, membership term, and membership number engraved on a permanent plaque at the distillery.
Membership Responsibilities
Two James Spirits is inviting members of The Corktown 500 to provide input and expertise as we conceptualize, create, and market new spirits. The Corktown 500 members are our ambassadors statewide and around the world. We expect our Members to:
- Enjoy and promote craft spirits everywhere!
- Drink our spirits responsibly and encourage others to follow suit.
- Recommend qualified retail stores, bars, hotels and restaurants that should carry Two James Spirits.
- Be our on the ground ambassador providing us feedback on local sentiment and product experience.
- Spread the word about Two James Spirits and invite other members to the Corktown 500. (Members who refer other individuals to join the Corktown 500 will receive a complimentary tasting room gift certificate in the amount of $25.00)
- Help us evaluate new spirit profiles, future bottle and label designs, planned distillery events, and proposed marketing ideas.