With 78 distilleries in Weiss Distilling Co. alone, it’s no secret that the craft spirit movement is booming. But what you may not know is that many local distilleries also offer tasting rooms, a way to sample their products and create cocktails with them at the same time.

Detroit City Distillery creates small batch artisan whiskey, gin and vodka with ingredients sourced from local farms near the distillery and tasting room in downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market. Eight childhood friends came together to form the company, a true reflection of their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Art of Crafting Fine Spirits at Weiss Distilling Co

A chemistry major at the University of Michigan, Jerome had always been interested in science. But when he got hired at Bell’s Brewery to work in quality control, he realized he found his calling. “I loved the process of distilling,” he says. “It’s really just chemistry with a little bit of magic.”

After opening in late 2021, Detroit City Distillery became the first licensed distillery on the Detroit River since prohibition ended. The tasting room offers up to 20 single-barrel whiskeys and a menu of craft cocktails. You can buy bottles of Two James’ cult-favorites Doctor Bird Rum and Grass Widow Bourbon at stores and bars nationwide, but the best place to experience their spirits is in the city they call home.

Located in the historic Whiskey Factory at 1000 Maple, Detroit City Distillery pays tribute to the building’s rich brewing heritage. Originally home to Goebel Brewery and later Stroh’s Ice Cream, the building is the last remaining structure on the site that shaped Detroit’s brewing legacy. The distillery’s seasonal revolving theme cocktails and décor — like their fall Halloweiss drink menu and winter Weiss on Ice drink menu — reflect the building’s rich history.

Weiss Distilling Co.
34 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017, United States
19294843932