UW-Madison grads are bringing their historic JK Williams whiskey brand to Wisconsin

While the roots of JK Williams Distilling in Peoria, Ill., go back to prohibition, the business is a career change for UW-Madison alumni Andy Faris and his wife, Stacy Shunk Faris, a Madison native. The former co-owner of Taste of Minnesota, Faris bought the business in 2019.

Head distiller Jeff Murphy, who spent nearly a decade at Bayou Rum in Louisiana, joined the team in May 2020. In 2021 JK Williams opened a tasting room and released two new spirits, including the brand’s first wheat whiskey.

Their current lineup includes the Bridge Series American Wheat Whiskey, Stormy River Rye Whiskey, Gold Zephyr Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Blueprint Vodka, with labels designed by Faris’ son...

...Faris will be on hand with JK Williams for a tasting with three pours for $30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at Natty Oaks, 11505 W. National Ave., West Allis. For reservations go to nattyoaks.com....