Overview: Two Michigan establishments secured high rankings in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for alcoholic beverages. Traverse City Whiskey Co. placed No. 8 among top spirits tasting rooms, while Southwest Michigan’s Granor Farm ranked No. 10 among craft gin spots.
The Full Story
Northern Michigan’s Traverse City Whiskey Co. was founded in 2011 by three friends and offers production tours where visitors can fill their own bottle. The business sells whiskey, cocktail cherries, specialty spirits, and branded apparel. Visitors sample handcrafted spirits at The Stillhouse, a laid-back speakeasy-style bar, or try American Cherry, Lakeside Peach, and Michigan Apple whiskeys made from local fruit. A cocktail bar called The Outpost is located in Ferndale for additional sampling.
Southwest Michigan’s Granor Farm in Three Oaks is an organic farm and distillery founded by Rob Buono and Liz Cicchelli in 2006. Named for their daughters Grace and Eleanor, the facility hosts reservation-only farm dinners in a greenhouse with a seasonal menu. The distillery produces alcoholic beverages in batches typically under 500 bottles from Granor’s grains. Options include spirits like bourbon & rye whiskeys, Michigan table wines and aperitifs like Semi-Sweet Vermouth.
Production & Profile
Granor Farm uses its robust wheat, barley, and corn grains to produce tiny batch organic spirits. Their Granor Dry Gin uses soft red winter wheat from the farm. The gin is smooth and mellow, letting juniper and coriander shine with layered herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill seed, celery leaf, and lemon verbena.
Brand & Industry History
Granor Farm was established in 2006 by Rob Buono and Liz Cicchelli. Traverse City Whiskey Co. opened its doors in 2011 following the partnership of three friends.
What This Means
Michigan offers some of the nation’s best spots to enjoy alcoholic beverages this fall, according to USA TODAY readers. The rankings highlight the state’s capability to produce high-quality craft spirits and welcoming tasting environments across different regions.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers can visit The Stillhouse in Traverse City or stop by the picnic bar at Granor Farm for a meal or snack with beverages. Tours allow visitors to fill their own bottle, while 90-minute cocktail classes are available for seasonal and private events.
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