Michigan Craft Distillers Association Publishes Statewide Directory & Map

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association has published its first directory and map, identifying 16 craft distillery members and three distillery in planning members (32 unique locations) throughout the state. The publication is available free at member tasting rooms, Michigan Welcome Centers and at select chamber and visitor bureau offices. Twenty-thousand copies were printed and the four-color tri-fold piece is also available in PDF format and can be downloaded here.

Michigan’s first distilleries opened in the late 1800s, surviving the Prohibition years before essentially dissolving during the mid 20th Century. It’s only been in recent years that the industry has come back to life, with vim and vigor!

Currently, Michigan ranks 3rd nationally for the number of craft distilleries. With nearly 40 statewide, the potential impact of this rapidly-growing industry could contribute upwards of $400 million to the state’s economy.

The craft spirits industry supports countless other industries in Michigan as well. Many distilleries utilize locally-grown grains and fruits for their products, making them an important partner in the $102 billion agricultural industry. Public tasting rooms operating around the state make distilleries a part of the $22 billion Pure Michigan tourism industry – offering a quality, visitor experience while also providing a growing number of jobs.

Today, Michigan distilleries are actively producing award-winning brandy, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and other unique spirits. You’re invited to sample them yourself, by visiting one of the tasting rooms identified in this directory. And, while you’re out and about traveling the Great Lakes State, be sure to request these locally-crafted spirits at restaurants, bars and retail outlets. It’s through your continued support that these producers are able to follow their passion in creating the finest distilled spirits for you to enjoy!

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association was formed in 2014 to organize the growing number of spirit producers in the state, to serve as a united voice on legislative, promotional and business levels.

MCDA President – Rifino Valentine, Valentine Distilling
MCDA Vice President – Kent Rabish, Grand Traverse Distillery
MCDA Secretary – Don Coe, Black Star Farms
MCDA Treasurer – Kris Berglund, Red Cedar Spirits
MCDA Board Director – Brett Vander Kamp, New Holland Artisan Spirits
MCDA Executive Director – Dianna Stampfler, Promote Michigan

www.facebook.com/MiCraftSpirits
www.twitter.com/MichiganSpirits

#MiDistillers #MiSpirits

Coming Soon...the first map / directory to Michigan craft distilleries

Membership Deadline Set for March 1

With the upcoming summer travel season upon us, the Michigan Craft Distillers Association has set a membership deadline of March 1 in order to produce a full-color brochure / map to be made available to welcome centers, chambers, visitor bureaus and other public outlets by Memorial Day.

The printed piece will include a map identifying all member craft distilleries and tasting rooms, as well as listing other members such as festivals/events, retail outlets, hotels, and suppliers who support Michigan's spirits industry.

For a membership application, please email Taste@PromoteMichigan.com.

Membership definitions and rates are as followed:

MEMBERSHIP RATES (2014-2015)
The only voting members are Craft Distillery Members, with one vote per member.

Craft Distillery Members ($250 annually)
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. Those with more than one tasting room location can add them to the website and printed materials for an additional $100 per location.

Merchant Distiller Members ($250 annually)
Holds Federal Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) and Michigan Small Distillers Licenses and acts as an independent rectifier, blender or bottler on the licensed premises. Those with more than one tasting room location can add them to the website and printed materials for an additional $100 per location.

Distillery in Planning Members ($150 annually)
A craft distillery in the process of establishing Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) and Michigan Small Distillers Licenses, which adheres to all of the requirements as outlined for a Regular Membership. Limited to two years.

Associate Members ($500 annually)
Any suppliers of goods and services to the distilling industry. These can range from financial, legal, and design services, to equipment manufacturers and raw material vendors, as well as wholesalers/distributors.

Media ($100 annually)
Bloggers, print and broadcast outlets, trade publications and freelance media.

Retail Members ($100 annually)
Bars, restaurants, retail stores, resorts and hotels that sell and/or support Michigan distilled spirits.

Non Profits: Community, Festival / Event, Trade Associations ($100 annually)
Including groups such as chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, tourist associations, agricultural organizations, trade associations, educational institutions, communities and festivals/events focused on the craft spirit industry.