From Three Oaks to Norway, and everywhere in between, September is a huge month for celebration in the Michigan Craft Distillers Association realm as they mark Michigan Craft Spirits Month.
From Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks on this end of the state, all the way north to North Winds Distillery in the Upper Peninsula community of Norway, Michigan, the month is set aside by the association in honor of its passionate and dedicated member distilleries throughout the state and the world-class, award-winning craft spirits and cocktails that they produce.
To celebrate, the association and its members kicked things off with a Virtual Happy Hour last evening, Thursday, September 3rd via Zoom and Facebook Live. Industry leaders chatted about what’s new, shared recipes and cocktail demonstrations, and just enjoyed an hour of casual conversation.
As the celebration continues throughout the month, you and I are also encouraged to support the craft spirits industry by safely visiting tasting rooms and newly-established social districts, picking up to-go-orders and cocktail kits, shopping at local retail outlets for Michigan distilled spirits and ordering cocktails made with Michigan spirits at bars and restaurants.
So, just how do you recognize a true Michigan distilled spirit? It is as simple as reading the label. You’re looking for “Distilled in” or “Distilled by” specifically (not made, bottled, manufactured, produced, aged or any combination of those).
MCDA President and Long Road Distillers owner Jon O’Connor says, “Michigan’s Craft Distillers are producing some of the finest and most interesting spirits distilled anywhere in the world’” and adds, “Now more than ever we encourage you to join us in celebrating and supporting one or more of these amazing Michigan small businesses.”
Since its founding in 2014, the Michigan Craft Distillers Association has defined a “Craft Distiller” as “a distilling organization or brand that produces a distilled product at a facility in Michigan. The Michigan distillery must hold Federal Distilled Spirits Plant and Michigan Small Distillers Licenses. And at least 51-percent of the products produced are fermented and distilled on the licensed premises.” For the list of member distilleries in the association, click this link: http://MiCraftSpirits.com
The association currently represents 34 craft, merchant and in-planning distilleries with nearly 50 unique tasting room locations around the state, as well as more than 20 allied members providing goods and services. Michigan’s craft distilling industry is growing at a rapid pace – ranking #7 in the nation in terms of overall number of distilleries according to 2019 data compiled by the American Craft Spirits Association.
Here in Southwest Michigan the following are members of the association:
- Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery
- Journeyman Distillery
- Iron Shoe Distillery
- Tabor Hill Winery
- St. Julian Winery & Distillery
