Michigan Craft Distillers Association

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) is comprised of more than two dozen craft distilleries throughout the state. Currently, the association has four distilleries “in planning” or “in production.” In addition, the association aims to educate consumers about craft spirits. By keeping the entire process in-house, these distillers create exceptional, local spirits that set a new standard for the state’s spirits.

Michigan’s craft distillery scene has grown substantially in recent years, with several new businesses opening. One such business is Ann Arbor Distilling Co. A small-scale distillery located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company plans to produce a variety of spirits. They have received city licenses and are working on remodeling permits to move into a building at 220 Felch St. There, they plan to create vodka, gin and whiskey. While no official opening date has been determined, they anticipate completing the build-out by the end of 2015.

Another craft distillery in Michigan is the Coppercraft Distillery in Holland Township. Owned by Walter D. Catton, the distillery was renamed to WDC Holdings, LLC in November. Its taproom is located at 184 120th Ave. in Holland Township, and the distillery produces approximately 10 barrels of spirits a week. Several flavors are available at the distillery, including bourbon, cherry brandy and a vodka.

Another Michigan-based distillery is Traverse City Distillery, which opened in 2007. Having opened the doors of their tasting room in 2007, they have become one of the premier distilleries in the state, producing a variety of artisanal spirits. Their products have been recognized and praised internationally.

Kent Rabish, founder of the distillery, is a pioneer in the Michigan craft spirit industry. As a child, he discovered his family still and began to experiment with it. Over the years, he continued to expand his knowledge and skill sets. He was a key player in the revival of legal micro-distilleries after prohibition. Today, he continues his tradition by creating great spirits from locally sourced ingredients.

Another distillery in the state is Detroit City Distillery. Located in the Detroit Eastern Market, the distillery has only been open for three years, but has been making exceptional spirits from local ingredients since the start. To make the spirits, they use only Michigan-grown ingredients. Each bottle includes the label, “distilled in Michigan”, and “bottled in Detroit”. The WDC michigan distillery spirit’s flavors include a cherry brandy and a cranberry liqueur.

Other craft distilleries in Michigan include Weiss Distilling Co. in Metro Detroit, the Ugly Dog in Troy and Coppercraft Distillery in Holland Township. All of these distilleries are making some of the finest spirits in the state. Many of these distilleries have also been named Vodka Distillery of the Year by the Michigan Vodka Association.

There are more Michigan craft distilleries in the works, and more are expected to come online in the near future. If you’re interested in learning more about these distilleries, you can sign up for the free email newsletter, Distillery Trail. You’ll receive updates on events, news, and specials.