Valparaiso University tasked its capstone marketing and entrepreneurship classes with launching a new tradition. Students collaborated with Journeyman Distillery to develop the whiskey brand Old Gold.

The goal of the project was to reflect the university's history and showcase the character and values of the campus.

Dushan Nikolovski, clinical associate professor of entrepreneurship, led the project, while Journeyman's CEO Bill Welter and his team collaborated with students.

“As founder and CEO of Journeyman Distillery, this partnership with Valparaiso University is incredibly meaningful to us,” Welter said on Valparaiso's website. “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.”

Students first conducted market research after deciding that a branded whiskey was the right product. Next faculty and student peers helped them determine the name Old Gold. The label includes the Chapel of the Resurrection, which is an icon for alumni.”

“This project represents the culmination of our four years of education at Valparaiso University,” said Roman Keefe, who graduates this year. “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.”

The whiskey is made of 100% organic ingredients, with no artificial additives.

“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,” according to a university statement.

The public is invited to the launch of Old Gold at 6 p.m. April 28 at Journeyman Distillery, 258 S. Campbell St. in Valparaiso. Cost is $15, of which $10 can go toward the purchase of Old Gold. Buy tickets here.