Valparaiso University

Old Gold Whiskey

Valparaiso University

Old Gold Whiskey

On April 28, 2026, we launched the Inaugural Valparaiso University Old Gold Whiskey.

It is currently available to purchase at Journeyman Distillery – 258 S Campbell Street, Valparaiso, Indiana, or you can purchase your bottle online at the link below.

A portion of every purchase will go back to Valparaiso University to help support future student led projects like this one; providing students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities that connect the classroom with real-world business experience.

⚠️ Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 21+.

Purchase old gold whiskey

The Old Gold Story

At the beginning of 2026, Valparaiso University’s capstone marketing and entrepreneurship classes were given the unique opportunity to launch a new Valparaiso University tradition! Under the guidance of Professor Nikolovski’s leadership, students collaborated with the team at Journeyman Distillery and developed a whiskey brand that reflects the essence, spirit and story of Valparaiso University. The goal was to celebrate the University’s rich history while showcasing the distinctive values and character that define the Valparaiso community.

A group of people pose and sit in front of a College of Business sign in a brick-walled hallway, with a bottle of VU Old Gold Whiskey subtly placed beside them.

Front Row (left to right): Erica Emmerick ’26, Cora Hall ’27, Fiona Connolly ’26, Matthew Luth, Ph.D. (Dean, College of Business), Juliana Ferrara ’26, Owen Cullinan ’26, and Caden Gliva ’26

Back Row (left to right): Dushan Nikolovski, M.S. (Director, iHub, and clinical associate professor, entrepreneurship), Tyler Johnson ’26, Colby Kachurik ’28, Harrison Smith ’26, Jam McClellon ’26 MBA, Jensen Harms ’26, Justin Jurmu ’26, and Rowan Keefe ’26

The goal was to honor the University’s rich history, while highlighting the unique qualities that define the Valparaiso University community, such as Valpo’s most prominent building, the Chapel of Resurrection.

In order to bring this vision to life, the students collaborated with different local businesses to create something special. After meeting with Bill Welter and his team at Journeyman’s Distillery, it was apparent to the team to launch the first Valparaiso University branded whiskey.

Inspired by this partnership, the class embarked on a hands-on journey to transform their idea into a market-ready product. To begin the process, the class conducted market research with students and staff to gauge interests and identify what aspects the people of Valparaiso University envisioned on the bottle. Respondents helped the team pinpoint crucial details like the brand name, labeling concepts, and price point. These interviews were integral to the project’s development and ensured it reflected the authentic voice of Valparaiso.

The students, with the help of faculty and peers, settled on the name Old Gold. It was simple, giving the nostalgic feel that they felt represented the history of Valparaiso University. Ultimately, this bottle is designed to evoke memories of the college experience, allowing individuals to reflect on their time at Valpo while celebrating and expressing their school spirit.

Aside from the help from their fellow students and staff, the students also learned directly from accomplished entrepreneurs like Bill Welter and Professor Dushan Nikolovski, M.S., bolstering their understanding of what it takes to successfully bring a product to market.

Despite working within tight time, budget constraints, and having multiple setbacks, the students still managed to turn their idea into a tangible and meaningful final product.

That is exactly why this bottle is so special: It was not just about the end product, but the process behind it. What started as a hypothetical project idea turned into a hands-on learning experience that allowed students to develop problem-solving skills and problem-solving abilities that can be used in the real world and added to their resumes.

This bottle is more than just a product; the hope is that it serves as a reminder that with faith and character, anything is possible.

Keep the dream alive.

Blending Education, Community, and Craft

From Concept to Creation

A man with glasses and a beard smiles, leaning on a metal tank in a distillery during an exclusive Whiskey Event.

Old Gold Whiskey

“As Founder and CEO of Journeyman Distillery, this partnership with Valparaiso University is incredibly meaningful to us. It represents the perfect blend of education, community, and craft — allowing us to share our passion for whiskey while helping students gain real-world experience in branding, storytelling, and marketing. We’re proud to support the next generation of talent right here in our backyard.”

— Bill Welter

Rowan Keefe, a young man with light brown hair, wearing a dark sports jersey, poses confidently in front of a plain light background.

Old Gold Whiskey

“This project represents the culmination of our four years of education at Valparaiso University. Our partnership with Journeyman Distillery provided a valuable opportunity to apply our skills in a real-world setting while gaining hands-on experience that will help prepare us for our future professional careers.”

— Rowan Keefe ’26

Marketing

A bottle of Valparaiso University Old Gold Whiskey, featuring a gold label and brown illustrations.

The Whiskey

Crafted in partnership with Journeyman Distillery, one of the last certified organic distilleries in the United States, Old Gold is built on quality and authenticity. A product that was developed by Valparaiso University College of Business students in 2026.

The Old Gold History

The creation of Old Gold Whiskey was picked by Valparaiso University faculty and students through various surveys and interviews. The word “Gold” derives from the creation of Valparaiso University back in the 1800s and 1900s, specifically from Henry Baker Brown and O.P. Kinsey (who was known for his gold hair). Henry Baker Brown and O.P. Kinsey accomplished numerous things for the University, such as purchasing buildings to help bring more students to campus, donating large amounts of money to programs and initiatives, and offering much of their time to volunteering to better the student experience. Through these acts and more, they became well loved in the community and beyond, eventually leading to the spirit colors being named after them.

Another important landmark of Valparaiso University that included on the bottle label is the Chapel of the Resurrection. The image of the Chapel resonates with both past and present generations of Valpo alumni, as it serves as a meaningful symbol that evokes memories of their time as students here at Valpo. The back of the bottle also mentions O.P. Kretzmann, who was an iconic president of the university, and left a strong legacy. O.P. Kretzmann was known for a multitude of things, including his 28-year presidency, growing student enrollment from 400 to 4,000, and fostering national recognition for Valparaiso University.

The Ingredients

Small-batch crafted:

100% organic ingredients
No artificial additives or GMOs
Smooth, rich, and timeless flavor

Every sip reflects a commitment to doing things the right way.

Did You Know…

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is an independent Lutheran insitution, and one of the first independent Lutheran universities in the United States.
The Valparaiso University Chapel is the largest collegiate chapel in the United States, and the second largest collegiate Chapel in the world.
Valpo’s Christ College is the third-oldest honors college in the nation.
Back in the early 1900s, Valparaiso University was home to a beer vending machine for students, which is pretty unusual by today’s standards.
The Lutheran University Association, a group of clergy and church laity who saw a bright future for the University, purchased Valpo in 1925, ushering in the modern era of history.
In 1949, engineering students struck a deal with the University, promising to build the new engineering building themselves in return for the return of the four-year engineering program. The University agreed, and that was how the College of Engineering was formed.
Valparaiso University used to be considered the “Poor Man’s Harvard” due to its national recognition as a low-cost institution with top-tier learning.
Traditionally, Valpo has an alma mater fight song that is sung during celebrations to celebrate the Brown and Gold and community spirit.
Bryce Drew ’98 hit a game winning buzzer beater shot to upset the #4 Ole Miss Rebels and advanced Valpo Men’s Basketball to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament in 1998. He will return as Commencement speaker for the Class of 2026!

A Legacy That Builds Leaders

Valparaiso University College of Business

Rooted in a legacy dating back to 1873
Home to generations of impactful business leaders
Built on tradition, driven by innovation
Preparing students to lead in today’s global economy
Recognized among the top 6% of business schools worldwide through AACSB accreditation

Brick building entrance with “William E. Urschel Hall College of Business” sign, plants, and clear sky—where the spirit of innovation shines like Beacon’s Reflection. Looking ahead to 2027, students like Esai Hernandez will continue to shape the future within these inspiring walls.

Valparaiso University Chapel of the Resurrection: A Landmark of Faith, History, and Community

More than just a chapel, it’s the heart of the Valpo experience
A symbol of faith, tradition, and connection
Established in 1959 through community-driven support
One of the largest collegiate chapels in the world
A gathering place for worship, music, and major moments

A modern building with tall glass windows at sunset, glowing under a dramatic, colorful sky reminiscent of Old Gold Whiskey’s warm amber tones.