Enjoying Spirits More
By Nick Lico / Photography by Mike Ferdinande
In 2016, Michigan had 36 independent craft spirit makers. By 2020, that number had more than doubled, to 86. According to the American Craft Spirits Association 2023 Data Project, Michigan now has 114 active craft distillers and ranks 6th in nation for number of craft distilleries. Many factors are behind this increase.
“There are a number of reasons why the Michigan craft distilling industry is seeing an increase, including greater consumer appetite for whiskeys, bourbons, ready-to-drink cocktails and the launch of the Qualified Distiller program, which encourages distillers to use Michigan-grown grain,” said Jenelle Jagmin, director of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.
Ray Drzala, marketing director for Shankar Distillers in Troy, added yet another reason.
“Michigan is home to the largest source of fresh water in the world and we take full advantage of it to enhance the flavor of our whiskey. Also, the corn, rye and barley in our spirits are all locally grown.”
Shankar Distillers started its business journey in 2020 and earlier this year officially opened its doors to tours, a private event room for up to 25 guests and a tasting room with an impressive bar, cozy chairs and barrel tables.
Celebrating its first full year in business in December is Tashmoo Distilling Co. in New Baltimore. This cozy establishment with maritime paintings on its interior walls and a patio with a central fireplace, is the brainchild of Ellen and Chris Ross and Tom Maliskey.
When asked what prompted them to open a distillery, Chris Ross replied, “Ellen and I opened a brewery in Chesterfield in 1998. I had brewing in my background. As I got old- er, I drank less beer and enjoyed spirits more. The state didn’t need another brewery and I thought the people of New Baltimore would enjoy a distillery more.”
Tashmoo offers vodka, gin, aged Caribbean rum, tequila and a variety of bourbons, the distillery’s pride and joy.
“We won a Gold Medal from The American Distilling Institute for our bourbon,” Ellen Ross said. “It’s a blend of bourbons from Kentucky and Indiana that we bring in-house.”
Shankar boasts a double gold medal winner.
It was awarded to their Reserve 102 straight bourbon whiskey in 2024 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The distillery describes the Reserve 102 as a well-balanced, aged bourbon filled with sweet, spicy and smokey notes. A great finish with complex spices and a little sweetness.
Both establishments offer craft cocktails and opportunities to taste their spirits. Both are also available for private events. Some Shankar offerings are available at Meijer, small retailers and soon at Kroger. Tashmoo spirits are currently only available onsite. The New Baltimore distillery has partnered with Graze Queen Charcuterie to offer charcuterie boards and Shankar allows outside catering for its private events.
There’s also news from established distilleries in our area, including from Blake’s Beverage Company, formerly Blake’s Hard Cider. It introduced American Apple Whiskey. A collaboration with Petoskey-based Gypsy Spirits, this aged whiskey is infused with crisp and ripe apples and has robust notes of oak and spice, creating what the company calls “a harmonious blend that is both bold and smooth.” It’s available only at Blake’s properties while supplies last.
Also, St. Julian announced a brand-new flavored whiskey, Black & Blueberry Whiskey. This premium whiskey is made from 100 percent Michigan-sourced grains and is bursting with natural blackberry and blueberry flavors. It joins their portfolio of whiskey’s including Caramel Apple, Cinnamon, and Peach. As Michigan’s oldest craft distillery, as well as largest and longest operating winery, St. Julian also crafts vodka, rum, brandy, gin, and agave.
“With this new whiskey we aimed to push the boundaries while honoring the classic techniques that have shaped our spirits,” said Bob Bilton, head distiller.