Rum in The Great Lakes State
Michigan in the Midwest is famous for the Great Lakes, the motor city of Detroit, and it now has many craft distilleries that make rum. Michigan has two peninsulas: the Upper Peninsula, a forested and mountainous region in the north, and the Lower Peninsula, shaped like a mitten and generally flatter, with rolling hills in the north. Michigan borders four of the Great Lakes, significantly influencing its climate. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan is known for agriculture and sugar beet farming primarily in the south. Michigan is known for fishing and has the longest freshwater coastline in the US.
Michigan’s strategic location along the Great Lakes played a significant role in the rum-running in the Prohibition era. Proximity to Canada facilitated the smuggling, supplying Detroit bars and other major cities. Rum Runners on the Great Lakes
In modern times, the State of Michigan passed a law in the spring of 2008 that allowed small distilleries to operate in the state. As it takes a few years to get up and running, you’ll notice many distilleries started around 2012. On this rum road trip, we bring you from rural Upper Peninsula Great Lakes to the biggest cities in Southeast Michigan. After reading this, Michigan will be on your mind.
Upper Peninsula
This region is geographically distinct from the Lower Peninsula, separated by the Straits of Mackinac. Known for its rugged beauty, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, vast forests, and stunning Great Lakes shoreline. Sugar Island is an island in the St. Marys River between the US and Canadian Ontario.
Les Cheneaux Distillers
In Cedarville on the southeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, Les Cheneaux Distillers was established in 2012. Owned by the Bohn and Bowlby, the small-batch micro-distillery and brewery is located in a renovated 1960s hardware store. They make a line of spirits under the Straits brand name including vodka, gin, whiskey and Straits rum. The rum is produced using high-quality molasses, distilled in both pot and column stills, and then aged in oak barrels to develop complexity and character. Visitors can enjoy tours of the distillery, and guided tastings, and explore their welcoming tasting room and shop. The tasting room in Cedarville has an ever-changing cocktail menu and favourites like the Duck Bay Daiquiri.
Find out more on Les Cheneaux Distillers
Northern Lower Peninsula
it is known for its rolling hills, abundant forests, and countless lakes, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and fishing. Suttons Bay, often linked to the Leelanau Peninsula, and Traverse City, Michigan’s cherry capital, both thrive as wine regions on the 45th parallel, the same as Bordeaux in France. Mackinac Island at the north end of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas is the Jewel of the Great Lakes.
Gypsy Distillery
Gypsy Distillery, established in Petoskey in 2017 is renowned for its Mackinac Island Rum. Inspired by the rich history and timeless charm of Mackinac Island (Mackinac means Great Turtle). The Mackinac Island Rum line captures the essence of this iconic destination. Each rum is made with care, aged and infused with unique flavours and pays homage to the island’s traditions.
The line-up features four distinctive varieties: Mackinac Island Aged Rum is aged 8 years and finished with the indulgent flavour of Mackinac Island’s famous chocolate fudge. Mackinac Island Vanilla Cinnamon Rum is aged 5 years. This warm and spiced blend brings cosy island vibes. Mackinac Island Banana Rum is aged 3 years and has a tropical, balanced banana flavour. Mackinac Island Coconut Rum is also 3 years old.
Perfect for sipping neat or elevating your favourite cocktails, Mackinac Island Rum celebrates the spirit of adventure and tradition. The Mackinac Island Rum collection is available at all Gypsy Spirits Tasting Rooms and is distributed across Michigan. Visitors can experience the distillery through tours, tastings, and a well-stocked retail shop. The tasting room provides a welcoming atmosphere to sample their spirits and enjoy delicious cocktails.
Find out more on Gypsy Distillery
Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery
In Mackinac Island, Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery opened its doors in June 2020. They partner with Big Buck Brewery from Gaylord and High Five Spirits in Petoskey for their private label range of Great Turtle Gin, Vodka, Whiskey and Rum. You can try the Great Turtle Rum at this bar downtown, across from Shepler’s Ferry Dock.
Muskrat Distilling
The distillery bar in Boyne City opened in 2022. Set in a restored 1890s building, it’s more than a tasting room. Their sister company is Detroit Stillworks, started by Matt McCann as a distiller in small distilleries, then larger distilleries, before designing and overseeing projects. He created a new piece of equipment for the emerging craft spirits industry, called the Hot Rod. Muskrat Distilling Rum is made on this and presented as an aged rum. Muskrat Distilling has a modern take on pre-prohibition era cocktails using a range of in-house spirits. Visiting their tasting room allows you to experience a pour of Boyne City history in a unique setting. You can buy a bottle of Muskrat Distilling Rum at the tasting room only.
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Northern Latitudes Distillery
This craft distillery in Suttons Bay was founded by Mandy and Mark Moseler in 2012. Their flagship spirit is the Manitou Passage Rum is made using blackstrap molasses which is a result of the third (and last) boiling of sugarcane juice during the refining process of sugar. Whaleback Spiced Rum uses Manitou Passage Rum with whole vanilla beans, cinnamon, cloves and other all-natural fruits and spices. The Limited Edition Gold rum (currently unavailable) is Manitou Passage Rum aged in their used Latitudes Straight Bourbon Whiskey barrels for 3 years. They use a traditional German-made hybrid still and rum is then aged in oak barrels.
Northern Latitudes Distillery has a satellite location in beautiful downtown Suttons Bay offering spirit tasting, bottle sales, and draft cocktails. Open Tuesday to Sunday, visitors to the distillery can enjoy a unique tour and offer an inside look at the production process, while tastings allow guests to sample their spirits.
Find out more on Northern Latitudes Distillery
Grand Traverse Distillery
Founded in 2005 by Kent Rabish, regarded as a pioneer in Michigan’s craft spirit industry, Grand Traverse Spirits is located in Traverse City. It produces a range of spirits on a custom-built Arnold Holstein still from Germany. This includes its notable rums: Grand Traverse Silver Reserve Rum, made from Grade A Caribbean sugar cane molasses reminiscent of colonial American rums. Grand Traverse Dark Reserve Rum is aged rum beginning as their Silver Reserve Rum, then undergoes a minimum of two years of ageing in oak barrels, developing a rich and complex character.
Visitors can experience the distillery through tours and tastings and explore its well-stocked retail shop. The tasting room provides a welcoming atmosphere to sample spirits and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails.
Find out more on Grand Traverse Distillery
Iron Fish Distillery
Thompsonville, in the heart of Benzie County, Iron Fish was founded in 2014. With a focus on whiskey, it’s a soil-to-spirit process, starting in their farm fields where they grow and harvest their own grain for milling, mashing, fermenting and distilling. Barrel ageing is on-site with a library of barrel-aged spirits exceeding 2,500 barrels.
They also make Michigan White Rum. This rum is made with Caribbean molasses and finished with a touch of honey from Sleeping Bear Farms.
It’s available exclusively in the tasting room and you can try the speciality cocktails Apple Crisp, Coyote Call, and Manistee Mule. This destination distillery hosts live music events, tastings, accommodation tents and a barn fitted out for weddings.
Find out more on Iron Fish Distillery
West Michigan
The western side of the Lower Peninsula includes the lakeshore along Lake Michigan. Known for its beaches, dunes, and vibrant cities like Grand Rapids on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan and home to some craft rum producers.
Burl & Sprig
The West Michigan Rum Company established in 2018 in Norton Shores was founded by Cody Wasilchenko. Inspired by his time in Panama and new legislation in Michigan for small distilleries, he partnered with Las Cabras distillery in Panama. With a condition that he assists in harvest seasons which he apprenticed 5 years ago. A portfolio of gin and vodka was created for their cocktail solutions but mainly focused on the rums. They have six rums that are distilled at the distillery in Panama called Las Cabras, where one of the owners. The rest of the portfolio is made in Muskegon. Their flagship product, Burl & Sprig Rum is a molasses rum column distilled and aged in American oak barrels in Panama. Burl & Sprig Migration Rum Touche Rum and Fifth Element White Rum are the main expressions. They don’t have a visitor experience but you can find their rum at good establishments in the region. They are just launching a range of canned cocktails that feature rum which will be available soon.
Find out more on Burl & Sprig
New Holland Brewing
Founded in 1997 in Holland, beside Lake Macatawa, also known as Black Lake, near Lake Michigan. The brewpub group makes beer and spirits. They make a range of bourbons, gin, vodka and Freshwater Rum is the distillery’s flagship rum expression. It’s made from molasses, a twice-distilled spirit aged in an array of used barrels, including wine, whiskey, and virgin oak, for at least 6 months. They also produce canned cocktails like rum punch. New Holland Brewing has sites in Holland, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Saugatuck, South Haven, and Grand Haven where you can try Freshwater Rum. They provide a tour, a restaurant, and a pub with events.
Find out more on New Holland Brewing
Journeyman Distillery
Founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife Bill and Johanna Welter, Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks has captured the palates of spirits enthusiasts across 35 U.S. states and built a reputation rooted in integrity, community, and authentic hospitality. The family-owned grain-to-distillery has garnered the prestigious Whiskey of the Year and Craft Distiller of the Year awards from the American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT) Awards in recent years.
Journeyman Distillery double-distills two rum varieties from 100% organic Mexican Blackstrap Molasses. The Road’s End Rum is reminiscent of early 20th-century Jamaican rums, with a robust flavour profile excellent for cocktails or sipping neat. The Road’s End Rum Aged – Navy Strength is a barrel-aged version of the spirit, matured in Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon barrels and bottled at 114 proof, Navy Strength. Both bottles honour the sense of reflection and renewal associated with the end of a long journey. Enjoy the spirit in a spiced Rum Punch Bowl or a Pom Royale cocktail at Journeyman’s Staymaker restaurant inside The Featherbone Factory.
Find out more on Journeyman Distillery
Iron Shoe Distillery
Opened in 2018 by Laura and Howard Tuthill, Iron Shoe Distillery in Niles, is a small-batch operation making a range of spirits. Their Iron Shoe White Rum is a molasses-based rum aged in previously used bourbon casks. It’s made as a full-bodied Caribbean-style rum. Iron Shoe White Rum is perfect for sipping neat, mixing in classic cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris, or using it as a base for creative rum concoctions. Beyond their signature white rum, is the Amber Rum aged in oak and created as a sipping rum. Iron Shoe Distillery provides other spirits including whiskeys and bourbons with local grain grown within 10 miles of the distillery. Their focus on small-batch production ensures a commitment to quality and a dedication to unique flavour profiles.
For visitors, Iron Shoe Distillery in Niles features a welcoming cocktail bar and restaurant, allowing guests to sample their spirits in crafted cocktails or savour them alongside delicious food pairings. It’s the perfect detour destination for rum enthusiasts near Interstate 90.
Find out more on Iron Shoe Distillery
The Kalamazoo Stillhouse
In Kalamazoo, which aptly means boiling pot, Kalamazoo Stillhouse started in 2013. Husband-and-wife team makes spirits in their hometown out of as many local ingredients as possible. Honest Spirits Local People® is their tagline. They never set out to make rum but were lucky to learn from a dear brewer-turned-distiller friend back in 2019.
Kalamazoo Stillhouse Silver and Golden rum uses organic blackstrap molasses and cane sugar distilled in a Vendome pot. The Golden rum is aged in new American white oak casks for 3 years. Lots of notes from the charred casks to complement the dark sugar flavour of the molasses. Currently, they are resting whiskey in the ex-rum barrels with an expected release later this year.
Kalamazoo Stillhouse Silver Rum and Golden Rum are available to buy only at their tasting room. You’ll find them at local restaurants in cocktails. But, to date, probably their favourite release has been teaming up with their local sweet shop to put the rum in their truffles. Head over to Confections with Convictions and ask for the Stillhouse Rum Truffle.
Find out more on The Kalamazoo Stillhouse
Long Road Distillers
Established in 2010, Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids, Log Road Distillers made a decision to use ingredients grown across the region, supporting the natural and agricultural resources of West Michigan. Making a range of spirits including rum to serve the local neighbourhood they call home.
Their Long Road Original Rum is made from 100% blackstrap molasses and uses a unique yeast strain during fermentation which provides a distinct flavour profile. The rum is then aged in used bourbon barrels. Bottled at 80 proof, Long Road Original Rum can be sipped neat, or enjoyed in classic cocktails like a Daiquiri or Cuba Libre. You can visit them in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and the Less Traveled Bar on Cherry Street to enjoy their spirits and cocktails.
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Bier Distillery
Founded in Comstock Park From a long line of bakers and brewers, we were looking for a way to put the stamp on a family tradition – distilled spirits was the answer. Then, the real work began. Recipes were developed to get the right profile for each spirit. The dream became reality, they now produce an expanding line of spirits, beer, wine, and spirit-inspired wares.
Devil’s Message Rum is inspired by the phrase consumption was common in a time and place where fresh water was scarce. Even though you may have access to fresh water, their rum is made from sugarcane juice. Devil’s Message Planked Rum has been rested in an American oak whiskey barrel, giving it depth, complexity, and smoothness. Devil’s Message Obsidian Spiced Rum is as black as night and takes richness to a new level with a complex blend of spices and flavours including vanilla, black pepper, anise, and liquorice. There’s a Dutch and American food menu, a private dining room, events, tours and cocktails to enjoy at the bar.
Find out more on Bier Distillery
Eastern Kille Distillery
Started in 2014 by Brandon Voorhees and Steve Vander Pol, it was originally established as Gray Skies Distillery and distilling in 2016. They changed to Eastern Kille Distillery, named because Kille is a Middle Dutch word meaning riverbed or riverbank, and the distillery is situated on the eastern side of the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan; essentially, Eastern Kille translates to Eastern Riverbank. In 2023, they expanded, breaking ground on a new headquarters in Rockford, just north of Grand Rapids. This new facility has production space, a bar and a restaurant.
They make rum with cane sugar from Louisiana using a special yeast strain. It’s fermented and distilled twice on potstill, some for clear rum and aged rum. Eastern Kille Rum is aged in oak barrels that held red wine for at least 4 years and they are planning to release some older limited releases. You can try their rum in a Mai Tai at their bar.
Find out more on Eastern Kille Distillery
Wise Men Distillery
Founders Tom, Jason and Zack started experimenting with a 100-gallon still. In Kentwood, southeast of Grand Rapids, Wise Men Distillery was opened in 2019. They specialise in a variety of spirits including gin, vodka, Moonshine made from Michigan apples, whiskey, and White Rum. Wise Men Spiced rum has all the characteristics of white rum with vanilla and caramel from barrel ageing.
Wise Men Distillery has Kentwood Tasting Room & Distillery, open Tuesday to Saturday, plus a downtown Grand Rapids Tasting Room open Thursday to Saturday. There you can sample Wise Men’s spirits in cocktails, including the White Rum.
Find out more on Wise Men Distillery
Southeast Michigan
Home to the state’s largest cities, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. This region has a mix of urban areas, suburban sprawl, and some natural areas of forests and scenic lakes like Lake Erie.
River Raisin Distillery
River Raisin Distillery was founded in 2020 in Manchester, a charming 19th-century village southwest of Ann Arbor. The distillery is housed in a renovated welding shop, preserving its industrial character. The tasting room features a handmade bar and tables all designed by the distillery team. They produce River Raisin Rum, a white rum made from cane sugar and double distilled. River Raisin Cane and Grain is described as a blend of vodka and rum. For visitors, there are food trucks available on-site and the distillery hosts various live events. You can try the rum in cocktails at their tasting room.
Find out more on River Raisin Distillery
Ugly Dog Distillery
Established in 2009 in Chelsea, a charming town for outdoor, arts and culture enthusiasts. It started as a challenge among friends, an ugly dog named Ruger and the desire to make something great. With lots of hard work, they started making craft spirits. Ugly Dog Distillery makes a variety of small-batch spirits, including vodka, gin, bourbon and Ugly Dog Rum.
Visitors can experience Ugly Dog Rum at their tasting room, open Tuesday through Sunday. The tasting room provides the perfect opportunity to sample their rum, perhaps in a refreshing mojito, and explore their cocktail list.
Find out more on Ugly Dog Distillery
St. Julian Winery & Distillery
St. Julian Winery & Distillery in Troy was founded in 1921 by Mariano Meconi and is Michigan’s largest and most-awarded winery. This family-owned and operated business has been producing wines and spirits for generations. As Michigan’s oldest craft distillery, St. Julian has been making premium spirits since 1998 in their Christian Carl Copper Still. This includes bourbon, brandy, rum, vodka and whiskey. In 2021, they released St. Julian Silver Rum, which is twice distilled from cane sugar. Their Michigan Spiced Rum is dark and made with natural flavours. The silver rum, coconut, rum, pineapple rum, and mango rum are all clear spirits. You can try these rums at any of their 6 tasting rooms throughout Michigan in Paw Paw, Union Pier (pictured above opened in 2024), Dundee, Troy, Frankenmuth, and Rockford.
Find out more on St. Julian Winery & Distillery
Rusted Crow Distillery
Founded in 2013, Rusted Crow in Dearborn Heights, is a local metro Detroit craft distillery. It features a full line of in-house spirits and a menu of craft cocktails. Davy Jones Rum is a core expression distilled from cane sugar. This clear rum has a crystal-clear appearance with a subtle straw hue, for sipping neat or using as a base for cocktails. Following a Michigan-made philosophy, Rusted Crow distils, bottles, and ages their spirits right there on-site, ensuring quality and a truly local experience.
Find out more on Rusted Crow Distillery
Two James Spirits
Founded in 2013, in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighbourhood. This was the first distillery to open in Detroit since Prohibition. Named after the founder’s father and Grandfather who were both named James. The founder, David Landrum, was born and raised in metro Detroit. A Michigan State graduate, he moved to Ann Arbor and became a bar manager, then a level two sommelier. David always dreamed of opening his own bar, but after a trip to the West Coast, he was inspired by the many small distilleries and decided to make his own. Mentored by David Pickerell, former head distiller of Maker’s Mark, Two James Spirits makes a range of spirits and the rum brand Doctor Bird.
Dr. Bird Rum was created by partnering with some of the oldest distilleries in Jamaica. It is a blend of 3 different medium-to-high ester rums, finished in muscatel barrels for 3–6 months. They also have a variety of single-barrel-finished rums planned for release, including rye, Old Fashioned, and pineapple expressions. Two James Spirits have a bar in Grand Rapids and you can tour the distillery in Detroit, learn the history of Two James, and sample their spirits.
Find out more on Two James Spirits
Detroit City Distillery
Founded by Michael Forsyth and a group of childhood friends, the distillery’s tasting room opened in Eastern Market in 2014. The idea for the distillery began over a campfire after college. They produce whiskey, rye, gin, and vodka – the distillery’s first product was Bloodline Whiskey. They release a limited-edition Summer Rum. Detroit City Summer Rum is only available for the summer. You can find it from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the distillery, local bars and liquor stores. While they prefer to use only local ingredients, they also enjoy summer daiquiris, and sugarcane, unfortunately, doesn’t grow in Michigan. The rum is created in collaboration with some of the best bars and bartenders across Detroit. They helped select rare rums sourced from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Find out more on Detroit City Distillery
Aside from the distillery tasting rooms and bars mentioned, here are a few more places to sip on rum across the state.
Where to Enjoy Rum in Michigan
Ann Arbor: The Ravens Club, The Last Word, Babs’ Underground, Nightcap
Detroit: Mutiny Tiki Bar, The Old Miami, The Sugar House, Kiesling, Grey Ghost, Butter Run Saloon
Ferndale: Mai Tiki, The Oakland
Grand Rapids: Max’s South Seas Hideaway
Hazel Park: Eastern Palace Club
Ravenna: Rum Runners
Traverse City: Paradise Cove Bar & Grill
Walled Lake: The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil
Michigan’s drink of choice is the Hummer. It’s an indulgent blend of white rum, coffee liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and crushed ice. The name comes from the delicious cocktail’s uncanny ability to make a person hum after drinking.
Do note that distilleries are seasonal in northern states, so bear in mind if travelling off-season. Whether you’re chasing your next catch or a spectacular Lake Michigan sunset, the Wolverine State awaits your rum wild side. Michigan is a bucket list destination filled with craft rum producers around every corner.
For more general travel advice on Michigan Tourism
For travel planning use our Michigan Rum Map
Special thanks to the brands for contributing to this article and permission to use their images. Other image credits go to Canva Pro and user contributions.