Round Barn Debuts Lighthouse Series Watchman Bourbon

What happens when a Michigan distillery channels 50+ years of blending expertise into an unfiltered, barrel-strength bourbon inspired by Lake Michigan lighthouses?
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Round Barn Debuts Lighthouse Series Watchman Bourbon
Credit: Round Barn Distillery

Round Barn Distillery has debuted the Lighthouse Series, a limited-edition bourbon collection beginning with the release of Watchman Barrel-Strength Bourbon. The Baroda, Michigan-based distillery launched the series in April, with three additional distinct blends set to follow.

The Lighthouse Series draws inspiration from the lighthouses along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Each release in the four-expression collection will showcase a distinct, limited blend crafted to reflect both tradition and innovation.

Watchman Barrel-Strength Bourbon leads the lineup as the series’ inaugural release. The bourbon is unfiltered and bottled at barrel strength, a format designed to showcase the spirit’s full character and complexity.

Round Barn says the expression is backed by more than 50 years of collective blending and distilling experience across its team.

“For us, taking the distillery to the next level isn’t just about growth; it’s about innovation, creativity, and elevating the entire experience,” said Matthew Moersch, CEO and owner of Round Barn Distillery. “Watchman represents that shift. It’s a powerful first release, and we’re only scratching the surface of what’s to come.”

The distillery will The Barrel Drop, an exclusive launch event at the Bourbon Barn at Round Barn on Saturday, April 18. Guests will be among the first to experience and purchase Watchman Barrel-Strength Bourbon in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis.

Following the initial release, Watchman is available at Round Barn locations while supplies last. Limited allocations will also be distributed to select wholesale and retail partners.

Round Barn Distillery operates as part of the Moersch Hospitality Group portfolio in Southwest Michigan. The distillery has built a reputation for handcrafted spirits and has increasingly positioned itself within the state’s growing craft distilling scene.

Michigan’s craft spirits sector has expanded significantly over the past decade, with the state now home to more than 50 licensed distilleries. Southwest Michigan, in particular, has emerged as a destination for spirits tourism, supported by the region’s established wine trail and agricultural heritage.

Hannah Thompson

Hannah Thompson is a whiskey educator who helps consumers understand everything they need to know to make an informed decision about whiskey investment. She has been working in the secondary whiskey market since 2019 and joined The Whiskey Wash team when Mark Littler took over as Editor in Chief. Working with Mark Littler Hannah has amassed a broad range of whiskey knowledge and specializes in helping consumers make education driven cask investments. Hannah has authored two published works of fiction and her background in research and creative writing lets her create interesting and informative articles to give people a solid understanding of the world of whiskey.

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