Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan has some craft spirits that will bring plenty of HO and no HUMBUG to your holiday celebrations. The Distillery is located in an 1800's era building that once housed a factory that made corsets and buggy whips. (Think about THAT for a moment and you will understand why corsets are no longer the fashion). That sense of time, history and local influence is reflected by owner and distiller Bill Welter who is originally from nearby Valparaiso, Indiana.

Bill uses organic grains from Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois to make his eclectic eco-friendly spirits.

I recently tasted a few and so should you if artisan spirits are on your Santa's Wish List this season:

* Roads End Rum-Made from black strap molasses; rich and oh so smooth.

* Bilberry Black Hearts Gin-Bilberry is a crossbred fruit from blueberry and huckleberry. Great floral notes and subtle hints of juniper.

* Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey-Notes of butterscotch, caramel, and warmth. Delish!

* Jalapeno-White rye whiskey distilled with jalapeno peppers grown in Welter's own garden

The local cocktail culture continues to grow both downtown and in Broad Ripple. In case you want to make your own, or give some of these tasty "components" for the holidays, here are some other craft spirits that you can find on bar menus and local wine/liquor shoppes: Backbone Bourbon, Johnny Drum Kentucky Bourbon, Concannon Irish Whiskey, Dolin Vermouth, Hum Liqueur, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Sortilege Maple Whiskey, Square ONE Cucumber Vodka, Koval Ginger Liquor.