A visit to Michigan should be on everybody’s wish list. The state has some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see along with bustling cities and industries. Did you know that Michigan is also pretty famous for it’s distilleries.

In fact, the locals absolutely pride themselves on the amazing quality and taste of their amazing beer, wine, and spirits. And the state only seems to be gaining more traction for its amazing alcohol on offer to the public. It may even soon become the best state in the country for some delicious booze.

So, if you are taking a trip to Michigan any time soon, visiting a distillery is an absolute must. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the very best options that Michigan has to offer.

 Top 10 Distilleries In Michigan 

1. Two James Spirits

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

If rustic yet oh-so-classy is your vibe, then you’re going to feel right at home at Two James Spirits. It has that very country manor house feel to it and the overall atmosphere is just perfect.

Two James Spirits was actually the very first licensed distillery in the Detroit area so you can be sure that you are in safe hands while you’re there. Though this you’ll know for sure after your first sip of their delicious spirits that are of the highest quality and use only local agricultural products.

You’ll find plenty of locals and tourists alike flocking to this popular spot. The tours and tasting sessions are so much fun, so be sure to book in advance before you go because those slots fill up quick!

2. Iron Fish Distillery 

14234 Dzuinanek Rd, Thompsonville, MI 49683

I adore the Iron Fish Distillery, it is the very first farm distillery and it’s a very scenic and stunning experience to visit. It is known for utilizing the natural resources that surround it in abundance and creating only top-shelf spirits.

Opting for the farm tour is an absolute must. You’ll see all the beautiful landscapes along with the processes of how these wonderful spirits come to be. There are several group tours throughout the day but pretty much everyone who visits wants to be part of them, so you’ll want to make sure that you’ve booked your spot in advance.

The whole experience is so much fun while also being educational and you can even bring minors along provided that they are accompanied by an adult!

3. Detroit City Distillery

2462 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207

If you’re looking for a distillery that really cares about the quality of the products that they are producing, then you’ll definitely appreciate Detroit City Distillery. For their whisky, gin, and vodka, they use only fresh ingredients that they receive from local farms close by. They even grow their very own wheat for their whisky and gin to ensure only the absolute best for their customers.

And you can sure taste all that tender loving care when you take your first sip. And you’ll get the chance to taste these amazingly crafted spirits during their tasting sessions. Of course, you can also take a tour of the distillery where you’ll learn how they take their grains and transform them into the drinks you enjoy so much.

Again, like the other distilleries, these tours are pretty popular so you’ll want to bag your spot in advance before they all sell out.

4. Northern Latitudes Distillery

112 E Philip St, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

This distillery is so much fun to visit because there’s absolutely tons to do. First and foremost, let me mention this; free tasting sessions. Free alcohol? Um, yes, please. Along with a cost-free tipple, you’ll also be able to enjoy custom cocktails that taste unbelievable. There’s also a super cute gift area and a lovely lounge to sip away at spirits with friends.

You’ll also be able to experience some really unique artisan spirits that you can’t really get anywhere else. Only the very best ingredients are used to ensure only the very best taste. And you can certainly tell. I’d live here happily if I could. 

5. Shipwreck Distillery

Port Elizabeth, MI 48725

This distillery is a little newer to the scene than some of the others mentioned on the list, but by no means does that mean that it is of a lesser standard. In fact, this distillery is renowned for its exquisite alcohol on offer.

And my favorite part? They sell the most scrumptious baked goods too! This is pretty unique because it’s not very often that you’ll be offered things to eat alongside your drink in distilleries, and especially not to this standard. And don’t worry if you’re gluten-free because they have pastry options for you too!

Now, on to the alcohol. You’ll be able to choose from a large selection of delicious rum, gin, and vodka. They even offer the most adorable gift baskets to take home as a souvenir. If you are a spirit lover, you’re really going to enjoy Shipwreck Distillery.

6. Les Cheneaux Distillers 

172 S Meridian St, Cedarville, MI 49719

If you’re looking for an experience then this is the place to be. It is perfect for birthday parties, showers, and pretty much any special occasion you have coming up since you can book to host them here.

The industrial-style distillery has loads on offer for you to do too. There’s this amazing bar where you can go to sip away at the amazing alcohol selection. Or if you prefer you can step away to their cozy lounge. There is also a dining and tasting area. So there’s plenty of activities to choose from.

You’ll definitely need to try one of their hand-crafted beers. They taste amazing. But if you’re not a massive beer fan then you’ll have to opt for one of their delicious cocktails.

7. Michigrain Distillery

523 E Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48912

One of the only downsides to some distilleries is that they really only produce small batches of those great-tasting spirits. Well, not Michigrain Distillery. Oh no. This distillery prides itself on showing that they are different from the rest by producing large quantities of spirits in high volumes.

There is a wide variety of these different spirits on offer for tasting, so make sure to make the most of that. Sample a few and decide on your favorite to take a bottle home. They also have a cocktail lounge that is available for large groups or private parties and they do serve some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had the privilege of tasting.

They also have a snack menu available so that you can have a little munch once you start getting a little peckish.

8. Ugly Dog Distillery

218 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118

Looking for something a little more fun and quirky? Then Ugly Dog Distillery is the distillery for you. I adore this place, it’s so much fun to visit. Some of the alcohol on offer is just so different and it’s great to try some unusual flavors. For example, you’ll have to neck back a shot of their bacon-flavored vodka (!!) 

The alcohol is of great quality too. It is all triple distilled and taste-tested before it’s bottled. So be sure to take advantage and taste as many crazy flavored vodka shots as possible including Michigan cherry peanut butter, and salted caramel. Yum! 

9. Old Town Distillery

124 S Michigan Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602

Located in Mid-Michigan, Old Town Distillery is popular for its hand-crafted spirits that taste out of this world. You’ll be able to choose from vodka, rum, and whisky, all of which are amazing.

And to commemorate this super fun trip, you can even pick up several souvenirs from their shop brimming with their branded merchandise. From backpacks to shirts, to hats, and much more, you’ll have tons to choose from.

10. Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery

325 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Calling all whisky lovers, this one is for you. This modern-looking distillery offers some of the best whisky in the state, and dare I say, the entire country. If you appreciate a glass of whisky this will be like your literal heaven – you’ll never want to leave.

You can sample a constantly changing batch of grain and malt whiskeys along with bourbons and moonshine on offer too. There is also an amazing cocktail room that you’ll have to check out where you can enjoy your liquor of choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Michigan anytime soon, you have to take the time to visit one of these distilleries. You literally can’t come here without experiencing a tour and taste of the best-produced alcohol you’ll ever taste.

The trip to a distillery will be pretty educational, but it’ll also be super fun, and you’ll get the chance to try some of the most delicious and uniquely flavored spirits on the market!