So Close.

We are so close.  Last week we got our final inspection on the production facility from the MLCC (Michigan Liquor Control Commission).  The spirit House is almost complete, and it looks amazing.  Approximately 80% of the material in the Spirit House is reclaimed from Northern Michigan.  100% of our grain, fruit, herbs and botanicals are derived from Northern Michigan in our spirits, however we settled for a few new items in the tasting room.  Toilets?  Yes, they are new. 

The corrugated metal on the ceiling is from a 1900s chicken coop in Antrim County, the barn wood on the exterior and interior is from Emmet, Grand Traverse, and Antrim counties.  The hand hewn and rough-cut barn beams used for the bar and cocktail tables are also from various barns in Emmet, Grand Traverse and Antrim Counties.  It is so cool, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you.  The spirit house has so much character and soul.  Each piece has a story, and a beautiful setting to tell it- and stories are best told over a glass of Ethanolo¿y.
 
Although the fit and finish of the Spirit House is beautiful and unique, it is not what is important to Geri and I.  The setting is secondary.  The spirit is primary.  How it was made and where the grain, fruit or botanical was sourced- this our focus.   It is what is inside the bottle.  That is Ethanolo¿y.
 
With a little luck and cattle prodding to our contractors we should be firing up Tilda (our 500L custom 8 plate copper still) next week.  It has been a long journey.  Yet, a beautiful one.  The 14hr days are becoming normal.  Yes, I said working 14hrs a day now seems normal.  The work is paying off, and our dream to craft an exemplary spirit sourced from local farms is beginning to come to fruition.  We now have a working distillery!           
We will see you in May!

Much Love,
 
Nick