Bay View's Lincoln Warehouse will be the place to be starting Jan. 7 when Twisted Path, Milwaukee’s newest grain-to-glass micro-distillery, will launch regular hours at its tasting room, the Dock18 Cocktail Lab.

Dock18, as it is aptly named, is located at 2018 S. 1st St. just past loading dock 17 on the first floor of the warehouse.

The tasting room is made possible through a partnership with Bittercube, the nationally renowned, Milwaukee-based cocktail consulting and bitters company which also took up residence in the Lincoln Warehouse in January of 2015.

"The partnership was a natural choice,"  says Twisted Path owner Brian Sammons, whose certified organic spirits (including vodka, rum and gin) have been gradually making it out into the market for the past year.  "Their passion for cocktails leads them to constantly experiment, so they'll be rolling out some new and fantastic recipes that really showcase the character of my spirits. The fact that they are friends, and neighbors in the building, just makes the decision that much easier."

Bittercube will oversee the Dock18 cocktail program, which will feature a weekly menu of both classic and experimental cocktails using Twisted Path spirits, Bittercube bitters and a variety of housemade syrups and liqueurs.

Examples of tentative menu items include the Dock18 Old Fashioned, which will showcase Twisted Path dark rum with vanilla-turbinado syrup and orange oil; The Tropical Void #18 featuring vodka with lime, pineapple, allspice dram and seltzer; and the Cyclopia Sour with gin, lemon, Biered orange liqueur and Bittercube Bolivar bitters.

A Seasonal Tonic will showcase Twisted Path’s overproof vodka or gin with a tonic of lemongrass, yuzu, bergamot, sassafras and jasmine. And "Punch in the Heart" will be comprised of white rum with fresh citrus, cocoa-chili liqueur and Bittercube Corazon bitters. Cocktails will be priced at $7-9 each.

"Of course I hope its good for business," says Sammons, "But the exciting part is that I think its going to be a great spot, and I'll have an excuse to hang out there a lot and try all the drinks."

Ira Koplowitz, co-owner of Bittercube shares in his enthusiasm.

"We're excited to start making drinks come true at the Lincoln Warehouse and to be experimenting and tinkering along the way," he says, noting that plans for the Dock18 moving forward will include a series of cocktail classes led by Bittercube staff.

Get a sneak peek

Get a sneak peek of the new Dock18 digs during their grand opening celebration on Jan. 2 from 5 p.m. to midnight. The evening will feature a special appearance by Bittercube co-founder Nick Kosevich, who oversees Bittercube consulting operations in Minneapolis, MN. Music will be provided by guest DJs Chris Rosneau (Volcano Choir, Collections of Colonies of Bees) Jon Mueller (Volcano Choir, Rhythmplex) and musician Hal Rammel.

This event is open to the public, but RSVP’s are requested. Visit Dock18MKEgrandopening.eventbrite.com for all the details.

Beginning Jan. 7, Dock18 will be open to the public Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 1 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Tours are also available by appointment during tasting room hours.