The complex, which is located near Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, represented the transformation of whiskey distilling from an agricultural enterprise into a large-scale industry.

[2][3][4] In 1753, John and Michael Shenk, Swiss Mennonite farmers, began distilling rye whiskey at the site.

In 1951 Forman distilled the first batch of Michter's, but by the time it had aged the required six years[clarification needed] a recession prevented him from selling it.

[4] Today the distillery is severely deteriorated from lack of maintenance[2] and the former owner, a woodworker named Dwight Hostetter,[5] sold it in 2011 to John Barry of JJC Investments.

[11][9] People involved in the new venture include Dick Stoll, the 1974 master distiller of the Michter's and A. H. Hirsch brands, and local residents Erik and Avianna Wolfe.