Journeyman Bilberry Gin 750ML

Journeyman Bilberry Gin 750ML is a berry-forward American gin distilled from 100% organic Michigan wheat, bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof). It earned 91 points at the 2022 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and stands apart for its use of bilberry — a wild European relative of the blueberry and huckleberry once nicknamed "Black Heart" in 19th-century England for its dark, inky color.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Three Oaks, Michigan, USA  |  Style: New World Botanical Gin  |  Distillery: Journeyman Distillery

Production & Heritage

Journeyman Distillery operates out of Three Oaks, a small town in southwestern Michigan, where it sources unfiltered, untreated water from an underground aquifer. The Bilberry Gin is double-distilled from a base of 100% organic Michigan wheat and infused with nine botanicals: juniper, bilberry, lemon, bitter orange, cinnamon, coriander, anise, angelica, and orris root. The bilberry takes center stage as the signature botanical, pushing this gin firmly into the fruit-driven, contemporary category while maintaining a juniper backbone that keeps it recognizably gin.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a somewhat dusty, spiced character driven by coriander seed and juniper, giving way to deeper notes of huckleberry custard tart and a faint peppery warmth. Subtle anise and citrus peel emerge as the spirit opens up in the glass.

Taste: The palate is rich and jammy, with bilberry and dark berry fruit quickly moving to the forefront. Mid-palate, a dry cinnamon spice laces through the blueberry-like sweetness, while cranberry-like tartness and hints of black raspberry add complexity. Bitter orange and lemon keep things grounded and bright.

Finish: The finish is warm and somewhat dry, with lingering berry and spice notes that trail off gradually. A touch of black licorice from the anise hangs at the edges, adding length without heaviness.

How to Drink Bilberry Gin

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the bilberry character and the interplay of fruit and spice. A splash of tonic water opens up the berry notes further without drowning them.

• Bramble: The natural berry intensity makes Bilberry Gin a near-perfect match for this classic crème de mûre cocktail — the bilberry reinforces the blackberry liqueur rather than competing with it.
• Aviation: The fruit-forward profile complements crème de violette's floral sweetness, creating a richer, more layered version of this pre-Prohibition classic.
• Gin & Tonic with fresh blueberries: A straightforward serve that amplifies the gin's defining character — garnish with a few fresh blueberries and a twist of lemon peel.

Best For

• Gin drinkers exploring fruit-forward, contemporary styles beyond London Dry
• Gifting to someone who values small-batch, organic American spirits
• Building a home bar with distinctive cocktail gins
• Hosting a summer gin tasting with a range of botanical profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bilberry Gin taste like? Journeyman Bilberry Gin leads with rich, jammy berry fruit — think blueberry and dark berry compote — layered with dry cinnamon spice, cranberry tartness, and a subtle hint of black licorice. It finishes warm and moderately dry with lingering fruit and pepper.

How does Bilberry Gin compare to Brockman's Gin? Both gins sit in the berry-forward, contemporary category, but Journeyman Bilberry Gin runs hotter at 45% ABV versus Brockman's 40% and uses a 100% organic wheat base rather than a neutral grain spirit. Brockman's blends blueberry and blackberry for a smoother, sweeter profile, while the Journeyman expression has more spice backbone from coriander, cinnamon, and anise.

Is Bilberry Gin good for cocktails? Its bold berry character and higher proof make it an excellent cocktail gin, particularly in fruit-driven drinks like the Bramble or Aviation where it holds its own against other ingredients. It also stands up well in a Gin & Tonic without getting lost behind the quinine.

Where is Bilberry Gin made? Journeyman Bilberry Gin is produced at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan, a small town in the state's southwestern corner. The distillery uses water drawn from an underground aquifer beneath the town.

What foods pair well with Bilberry Gin? Dark berry desserts like blueberry tart or blackberry crumble echo the gin's fruit profile. Smoked salmon benefits from the citrus and juniper backbone. Soft-ripened cheeses like brie complement the jammy richness. Grilled lamb chops work well against the cinnamon and coriander spice. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors the bilberry's earthy depth.

What sizes does Bilberry Gin come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 45% ABV (90 proof).

Is Bilberry Gin worth the price? Journeyman Bilberry Gin positions as a craft-premium American gin, priced above mass-market London Dry labels but in line with other small-batch, organic-grain gins. The 91-point score at the 2022 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and the distinctive bilberry botanical profile give it a strong value argument within its tier.

Why Bilberry Gin?

What separates this expression from the growing crowd of fruit-inflected gins is the bilberry itself — an uncommon botanical choice that delivers genuine berry complexity rather than surface-level sweetness. The organic Michigan wheat base and double-distillation produce a clean, well-structured spirit that lets the nine-botanical recipe come through with clarity. A 91-point score at the 2022 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and an 89 from Tastings.com confirm that the gin delivers on its ambitions. For drinkers looking beyond conventional juniper-heavy profiles, Journeyman's Bilberry Gin is one of the more distinctive American-made options in the contemporary gin space.