September Declared Michigan Craft Spirits Month

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) is proud to declare September as “Michigan Craft Spirits Month” in honor of its passionate and dedicated member distilleries throughout the state and the world-class, award-winning craft spirits and cocktails that they produce.

To celebrate, the association and its members are hosting a Virtual Happy Hour on Thursday, September 3 from 6-7pm via Zoom (and Facebook Live). Industry leaders will chat about what’s new, share recipes and cocktail demonstrations, and just enjoy an hour of casual conversation. Login information will be shared in the official Facebook event listing for MiSpirits Virtual Happy Hour v2 earlier that day.

Throughout the month, consumers are also encourage to support the craft spirits industry by safely visiting tasting rooms and newly-established social districts, picking up to-go-orders and cocktail kits, shopping at local retail outlets for Michigan distilled spirits and ordering cocktails made with Michigan spirits at bars and restaurants (see graphic below).

And just how do you recognize a true Michigan distilled spirit? It is as simple as reading the label. You’re looking for “Distilled in” or “Distilled by” specifically (not made, bottled, manufactured, produced, aged or any combination of those).

“Michigan’s Craft Distillers are producing some of the finest and most interesting spirits distilled anywhere in the world’” said MCDA President and Long Road Distillers owner Jon O’Connor, “Now more than ever we encourage you join us in celebrating and supporting one or more of these amazing Michigan small businesses!”

Since its founding in 2014, the MCDA has defined a “Craft Distiller” as “a distilling organization or brand that produces a distilled product at a facility in Michigan. The Michigan distillery must hold Federal Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) and Michigan Small Distillers Licenses. And at least 51% of the products produced are fermented and distilled on the licensed premises.” For the list of MCDA member distilleries, visit MiCraftSpirits.com.

MCDA currently represents 34 craft, merchant and in-planning distilleries with nearly 50 unique tasting room locations around the state, as well as more than 20 allied members providing goods and services. Michigan’s craft distilling industry is growing at a rapid pace – ranking #7 in the nation in terms of overall number of distilleries according to 2019 data compiled by the American Craft Spirits Association.

SIDEBAR STORY

Michigan Distillery Experience Tour Planned for November 6-8, 2020
https://www.micraftspirits.com/2020/08/25/michigan-distillery-tour-planned-for-november/