A relatively new artisan distillery celebrating Michigan’s grain industry is the home of hand-crafted cocktails and impeccable moonshine tasting experiences. Michigan Moonshine Distillery uses high-quality ingredients sourced exclusively from Michigan for making their range of spirits.

A visit to the Michigan Moonshine Distillery makes an easy escape for those looking for a tantalizing cocktail tour and a culinary experience featuring food and wine pairings. There are also moonshine masterclasses and entertaining anecdotes about the state’s illicit distilling heritage. 

A Bit of Michigan Moonshine Distillery History

Perched on a corner between Chicago Drive and Wilson Avenue in downtown Grandville, Michigan, Moonshine Distillery is a labor of love of two friends. A conversation on the back deck on one sunny Saturday afternoon in 2012 led to the establishment of the artisan distillery. As aficionados of spirits and proud Michigan natives, the two owners wanted to showcase the best of Michigan’s agriculture while also supporting local businesses. Michigan Moonshine Distillery prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to produce small-batch, uniquely crafted distilled spirits, from grain to glass. The result is a collection of products that are as rich and diverse as the state, both agriculturally and culturally.   

The community-oriented distillery is committed to forging sustainable relationships with local farmers and customers. 

A Look at Michigan Moonshine Distillery Intimate Food and ‘Shine Tasting Experience

The moonshine and food-paired tasting experience begins with a tour of the Michigan Moonshine Distillery property, highlighting the artisan’s delicate and minimalist spirits. The tour is followed by a guided tasting of various crafted moonshine flavors paired with local artisan dishes such as BBQ Macaroni, Tortilla Chips, and Smoke Pulled Pork.

Michigan Moonshine Distillery is open daily, and you can taste whatever is on offer and buy a bottle to take home. Tours of the distillery are generally available on weekdays and Saturdays. Michigan Moonshine’s intimate ‘shine tastings offer a sneak peek of its top-range offerings, such as:

Coin Grain Moonshine: Made from 100% corn, bottled at 80 proof.

Wheat Grain Moonshine: Made from 80% corn and 20% wheat. Bottled at 80 proof.

Rye Grain Moonshine: Made from 80% corn and 20% rye. Bottled at 80 proof.

101 Coin Grain Moonshine: Made from 100% corn, bottled at 101 proof.

Apple Pie Moonshine: Distilled from 80/20 wheat. Bottled at 60 proof.

Blueberry Moonshine: Distilled from 80/20 wheat and bottled at 60 proof.

Cinnamon Moonshine: Distilled from 80/20 wheat, bottled at 60 proof.

Great Lakes Pirate Rum: Bottled at 80 proof.

Guests can look forward to a multi-sensory experience where you get to see, hear and smell the experience of a grain-to-glass artisanal distillery. The tasting tour lets you get up close and personal with each drink. The experience enables you to sit or stand beside the master distillers as they transform raw ingredients such as corn, rye, and wheat into delicious cocktails and craft moonshine. You can sip exquisite drinks specially prepared with attention to detail. Overall, Michigan Moonshine Distillery offers something extra to enjoy while sipping their spirits. A delightful experience for those who love food and craft ‘shine. Happy munching and sipping!

Fun Things to Do in Grandville Michigan

Grandville is a small-town city southwest of Grand Rapids and the Grand River. Grandville packs a punch of activities that will delight visitors, from parks to miles of hiking and biking trails.

After wetting your whistle at Michigan Moonshine Distillery, embark on a kayaking adventure in the breathtaking Grand River. Downtown Grand Rapids boasts many serene and secluded spots where you can relax, unwind, and listen to the sounds of the flowing river. 

You can also traverse the paved hiking/biking trail that starts from Johnson Park and leads to the beach and picnic pavilions at Millennium Park. Take a picnic cruise aboard the Grand Lady Riverboat featuring live music, sightseeing, and private charters.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is also a great attraction in Grand Rapids. Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore the permanent Sculpture Garden showcasing a world-renowned outdoor art collection. 

Local Grandville favorites include:

• Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery (for freshly baked pastries).
• Peters Gourmet Market (for traditional Dutch food).
• Maple Hill Golf Course (a fun course for all ages).
• The Chop House Grand Rapids is known for its refined ambiance and delectable menu. Indulge in the restaurant’s chilled oysters, specialty prime steak entrees, and luscious desserts.

FAQs about Michigan Moonshine Distillery

Who owns Michigan Moonshine?

Jason Smith is the co-owner of Michigan Moonshine Distillery.

What kind of alcohol is in moonshine?

Moonshine is a high-proof liquor distilled in un-aged stills, usually in remote mountains or hills. Moonshine originated during Prohibition. Distillers would produce moonshine illicitly at night, under the moon’s light, to evade law enforcement. While moonshine is illegal in many countries, it has a long history in American folklore and has recently gained popularity as a trendy artisanal spirit. 

Moonshine is made from corn mash, fruit, or other grains and is typically clear, unaged, and highly potent. However, flavored moonshine usually takes on the color of the flavored ingredients. The most popular moonshine flavors include blackberry, cinnamon, apple, vanilla, and peppermint.

Moonshine is similar to whiskey except that whiskey is distilled in aged barrels while moonshine is crafted using un-aged stills.

Can you legally make moonshine in Michigan?

It is illegal to make spirits (or moonshine) at home. Only distillers with approved permits are allowed to make moonshine legally in Michigan. In recent years, hundreds of such distilleries have emerged across the country. Always ensure you are buying liquor from a licensed distiller.

How much alcohol is in a moonshine?

Craft moonshine has a high alcohol content of up to 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), though some moonshine exceeds even higher levels, ranging from 60% to 80%. The distillation process plays a crucial role in determining the alcohol content in a spirit. Some of the best distilleries produce very high-proof moonshine (sometimes reaching as high as 190 proof). Consuming alcohol with a high ABV can significantly harm the human body, so drinking 100% moonshine is dangerous.

Explore the Best Distilleries Nearby

If you hope to experience the best distilleries where you are, visit DistilleryNearby for curated distillery tasting tours and  tastings.