Check out the motorcycle references on all of the Wohlfert Spirits Labels which led to a dynamic partnership with Janus Classic Motorcycles
Snohomish, Washington, April 18, 2025—Distiller John Wohlfert always appreciated a well-made distilled spirit, but imagine his surprise when the “spirits” who moved him to found his craft distillery were his ancestors, passing down the tradition and thrill of the moonshine trade they plied during Prohibition when John’s grandfather convinced his dad to move their family into a home and install a 3 story tall still transforming their small family bakery into a thriving business.
Moonshine mash is simply the fermentation of yeast with sugar and corn, and the bakery had access to plenty of both. By 1925, the family had gone from one struggling bakery to three thriving “bakeries” that became the center of a prosperous operation. Keeping the family fed, and the neighbors well sauced.
Something of that spirit was passed down to great-grandson John Wohlfert, a Microsoft engineer by day, that he couldn’t ignore. In 2022, he “reverse-engineered” the family recipe and opened his distillery, and new traditions were started from there. “Crafted in the Tradition of Adventurous Spirits” runs deep at Wohlfert Craft Distilling, where John’s wife, Karen, herself a master baker, has the influence to make sure each batch has its own characteristics and the same recipe creates a unique profile while retaining the artisan nature of craft products.
Wohlfert has a Language of its Own – Outriders
Wohlfert celebrates the history and lore handed down over the years. From daring great-grandparents to theOutriders, brave men who planned delivery runs and scouted for safe routes on their motorcycles during prohibition, giving Wohlfert Spirits their names after coded catchphrases and speakeasy passwords of simple motorcycle parts that kept the riders safe during prohibition. Such as Starter “The Product,” a moonshine, or High Beam “Be On The Look Out,” A High-Octane Vodka, and Clutch” Speed Up Delivery,” Our Notorious Coffee Liqueur, among others, and are used as an inside invitation to the Outrider Clubhouse Members and customers to “Be In The Know” today. In many ways, both cleared the path for John and Karen to carry on that legacy.
Appreciating the classic heritage and obvious connection to the 1920’s, John took the opportunity to partner with Janus Motorcycles. Both companies share a benchmark of technical craftsmanship and methods that promise engaging products and experiences. This is a testament to the numerous awards Wohlfert has received for its crafted products, which are recognized as some of the best, including – the best coffee liqueur made in America, the highest-rated apple liqueur in the world, the best liqueur made in the northwest, and many more…
A Family Tradition Since 1920
A classic 1920’s replica Janus Halcyon 45 motorcycle is being created for the Wohlfert spirits brand to celebrate Great Grandma “Kat” and to promote the award-winning Coffee Liqueur and Vodkas that make up the Wohlfert “Black Kat” Martini. John will bring that bike from the factory in Indiana to his tasting room in Snohomish. Be on the lookout for news of the journey and how you can meet John, pouring (sharing) Wohlfert (Craft Spirits) along the way.
Wohlfert has the good fortune to have a tasting room in the charming Clearview area of Snohomish, which is open to the public every weekend or by appointment. Fun fact: A distillery on personal property is very rare in the U.S., but Wohlfert’s’ sits 70 feet off the back porch of our house. We never leave work!
Visit www.WohlfertCraftDistilling.com for information and to place an order.
