Overview: Two Michigan establishments secured national recognition in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking among the top 10 best craft gin spots and spirits tasting rooms in the United States. The awards were released on October 24, 2026, highlighting Southwest and Northern Michigan locations as premier destinations for alcoholic beverages this fall.
The Full Story
Granor Farm, located in Three Oaks in southwest Michigan, secured the No. 10 spot among the top 10 best craft gin spots in the nation. Founded by Rob Buono and Liz Cicchelli in 2006, the organic farm and distillery produces tiny batch organic spirits using less than 1,000 bottles per batch. The establishment utilizes farm grains including soft red winter wheat for Granor Dry Gin, alongside bourbon, rye whiskeys, Michigan table wines, and aperitifs like Semi-Sweet Vermouth.
In northern Michigan, Traverse City Whiskey Co. ranked No. 8 among the top 10 best spirits tasting rooms in the U.S. Founded in 2011 by three friends, the business sells a variety of whiskey, cocktail cherries, and specialty spirits along with branded apparel. Visitors can access production tours where they fill their own bottle or attend 90-minute cocktail classes at The Stillhouse and The Outpost.
Production & Profile
Granor Farm operates as an organic vegetable farm and distillery using robust wheat, barley, and corn grains. The Granor Dry Gin uses soft red winter wheat from the farm to create a smooth and mellow profile that lets juniper and coriander shine with layered herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill seed, celery leaf, and lemon verbena. Traverse City Whiskey Co. offers production tours where visitors can fill their own bottle and hosts seasonal and private events at The Stillhouse and The Outpost.
Brand & Industry History
Granor Farm was named for founders’ daughters Grace and Eleanor. Traverse City Whiskey Co. is based in Traverse City and sells whiskey, cocktail cherries, and specialty spirits along with branded apparel. Both establishments are recognized within the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards framework which evaluates craft gin and spirits tasting rooms across the nation.
What This Means
The recognition places Michigan establishments among the nation’s best for craft gin and spirits tasting rooms in the Readers’ Choice Awards. Granor Farm ranks alongside distilleries from Florida, Rhode Island, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Montana. Traverse City Whiskey Co. ranks with locations in Tennessee, Vermont, Ohio, Utah, Oregon, Nevada, and Colorado.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers can enjoy organic produce, fresh flowers, and Granor products at the farm store or stop by the picnic bar for a meal or snack with beverages. Traverse City Whiskey Co. invites guests to sample handcrafted spirits and drinks at The Stillhouse or cocktail bar called The Outpost in Ferndale.
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