Spirited Away

Michigan’s distilling scene has come into its own in recent years, with a wave of craft producers transforming everything from old factories to small-town storefronts into destinations for serious spirits.

Each stop along the way offers more than just a pour—it’s a taste of Michigan’s terroir, its ingenuity, and its sense of place.

In Holland, Coppercraft Distillery specializes in premium small-batch spirits including straight bourbons, rye, vodka, gin, and rum. Visitors can tour the production floor and cozy tasting room or join a 30–45-minute guided tour ($15) to learn about the distillation process. With sleek branding and a partnership with the Detroit Lions, they’ve brought mainstream visibility to Michigan craft spirits—without losing the small-batch soul. Their aged bourbon and ready-to-drink cocktails are built for both purists and partygoers.

Farther south, in the town of Niles, Iron Shoe Distillery may be smaller, but its impact is no less felt. Known for its handcrafted approach and eclectic bottlings, Iron Shoe leans into the community ethos of Michigan’s distillery culture: local grains, bold experimentation, and a warm welcome at the bar.

Heading north, just outside Petoskey, Gypsy Distillery has transformed the former Bay Harbor Equestrian Center into Michigan’s largest single-roof distillery—a stunning 42,000-square-foot space with vaulted wood ceilings, sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay, and a one-of-a-kind still made by Detroit Still Works, one of the largest outside of Kentucky. Guests can tour the gravity-fed production facility, enjoy craft cocktails made with house vodka, gin, and rum, or relax in the spacious tasting room and cocktail garden. The distillery also hosts live music, weddings, and private events, while the exclusive Gypsy Bourbon Lounge opens monthly for special pours and raffles. It’s a bold, beautifully executed destination that blends Northern Michigan charm with serious distilling ambition.

Nearby, Mammoth Distilling has created a broader network of spirit-forward spaces, with tasting rooms not only in Traverse City, but also in Grand Rapids, Bellaire, Bay Harbor, and Adrian. Their flagship rye and bourbon are staples, but each location has its own flavor, offering cocktails and community events that reflect the spirit of its setting. It’s a distillery model rooted in both place and expansion—a homegrown brand with a statewide footprint.

In Traverse City, Grand Traverse Distillery has spent nearly two decades perfecting its craft. Using local rye, corn, and wheat, they produce award-winning vodkas and whiskeys that highlight Michigan-grown ingredients. Their cherry vodka—a nod to the region’s fruit belt roots—is as bold as it is smooth, while their True North Rye pays homage to the state’s hardy spirit.

A short drive down a quiet dirt road in Thompsonville brings you to Iron Fish Distillery, where the rye fields used in their spirits grow directly across the street. This rural gem embraces a true ground-to-glass philosophy, with spirits crafted from grains harvested just steps away. The tasting room is warm and unpretentious, a place where small-batch rye, bourbon, and craft cocktails meet wide-open fields and northern sky.

Together, these distilleries aren’t just making whiskey or vodka—they’re bottling Michigan, one batch at a time.

Make The Journey

Just 75 miles east of Chicago, Journeyman Distillery occupies a beautifully restored 1880s Featherbone corset factory in charming Three Oaks. This grain-to-glass standout crafts its spirits from organic Midwestern grains and aquifer-fed water, all distilled on-site in an industrial chic setting of exposed brick, maple floors, and vintage stills.

Visitors can choose from 60-to 90-minute guided tours ($15–$35), which offer a behind the scenes look at production—from milling and fermenting to distilling and barrel-aging. Tours culminate in a tasting of up to 13 spirits, including flagship offerings like Featherbone Bourbon, Last Feather Rye, and Bilberry Black Hearts Gin.

After the tour, guests are invited to stay awhile at the on-site Staymaker Restaurant, which serves classic American fare in a space fitting for both casual guests and private events. For a more immersive experience, travelers can overnight in “The Flat,” a five-bedroom loftstyle apartment within the old factory—a perfect base for those seeking to live the distiller’s life.

Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a curious traveler, Journeyman in Three Oaks promises a memorable blend of historic ambiance, award-winning spirits, and genuine hospitality.

Where to Sip Bourbon in Detroit

Detroit has no shortage of great bars, but if you’re after a deeper pour of local flavor, head to one of the city’s standout distilleries. These three bourbon-makers are crafting award-winning spirits—and offering cozy spots to sip them.

Detroit City Distillery

Located in the heart of Eastern Market, this small-batch distillery serves up handcrafted bourbon made with local ingredients. Their Butcher’s Cut Bourbon is a favorite, and limited releases—like honey bourbon from rooftop hives—keep things interesting. The tasting room is warm, rustic, and perfect for a flight.

Two James Spirits

The first distillery to open in Detroit since Prohibition, Two James is a Corktown staple. Their Grass Widow Bourbon, finished in Madeira casks, is smooth, complex, and unlike anything else in the city. The industrial-chic tasting room and inventive cocktail menu make it a great stop before dinner.

Valentine Distilling Co.

A few miles north in Ferndale, Valentine Distilling produces the acclaimed Mayor Pingree Bourbon. With bold, classic notes and a growing cult following, it’s worth the detour. The tasting room is sleek and inviting, and their bartenders know their stuff.