Two James Spirits Johnny Smoking Gun Whiskey
Two James Spirits Johnny Smoking Gun Whiskey is a 750mL American whiskey at 43.5% ABV (87 proof), made in Detroit, Michigan and crafted — in the producer's "East Meets West" framing — to complement the umami flavours of Japanese cuisine. The producer describes blended whiskies proofed down with Japanese tea, with smoke character from a two-stage tea maceration; retailer-reproduced producer copy gives the blend as 70% seven-year corn whiskey and 30% young rye. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 43.5% (87 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: American whiskey, tea-proofed and tea-macerated for smoke character (official)
- Blend: 70% 7-year corn whiskey, 30% young rye (producer copy via retailers)
- Origin: Two James Spirits, Corktown, Detroit, Michigan, USA
East Meets West in a Detroit Glass
Despite the name's Japanese accent, nothing in this bottle is Japanese whisky: it is a Detroit whiskey built for Japanese food — proofed with tea instead of plain water and given its smoke through tea maceration, aimed squarely at rich pork and fish broths and grilled, umami-heavy dishes. Explore the distillery on the Two James Spirits vendor page or browse more American whiskey and whiskey.
Tasting Notes
From the producer: rosemary, smoke, lemon, dashi and creamed corn on the nose; tea, caramel, hickory smoke, grilled meat and squash blossom on the palate; a finish of oregano, browned butter, thyme and smoked paprika.
How to Enjoy
Neat alongside ramen, grilled meats or mushroom-heavy dishes — the pairing it was made for — or in a highball, where the tea and smoke stay in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Japanese whisky? No. It is an American whiskey made in Detroit, Michigan; Japanese tea is an ingredient and the inspiration, not the origin.
Where does the smoke come from? From a two-stage maceration with tea, per the producer — not from peated grain.
What food does it suit? The producer built it for umami: rich pork and fish broths and Japanese dishes generally.
Tea, smoke and Detroit whiskey in one pour — order Johnny Smoking Gun online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.