Grand Traverse Distillery was one of the first craft distilleries in Michigan when it opened in 2005, and its location in the heart of downtown has made it a fixture of the local drinking scene. The distillery produces vodka and whiskey using locally grown grain — the cherry vodka, made with Michigan tart cherries, is their signature product and sells well beyond the region. The tasting room is small but welcoming, with flights of spirits and cocktails featuring the house products.
For visitors who have done the wine trail and want to explore a different side of the local agriculture, the distillery is a useful stop. The staff are knowledgeable about the production process and happy to explain the grain-to-glass sourcing that distinguishes the place from larger producers.