Friday, February 27, 2015

70th Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show Reports Impressive Crowds, Sales & Dealer Satisfaction

Organizers, attendees and exhibitors at the 70th Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show, which was held last week at DeVos Place, are all reporting positive feedback and touting the fact that Michigan boating is back! A West Michigan tradition since 1946, the Grand Rapids Boat Show is Michigan’s longest running boat show.

ShowSpan Inc., which produces the show—in addition to 14 others throughout Michigan and Milwaukee—said just under 25,000 guests came through the doors between February 18-22 to check out more than 400 boats from some 100 manufacturers and 40 dealers, spread out over a five acre indoor showroom.

“The 70th anniversary of the Grand Rapids Boat Show was spectacular…..just what the boating families needed in the midst of this arctic freeze, it was truly summertime at DeVos Place as every aspect of the boating lifestyle came to life,” says Henri Boucher, Show Producer. “The dealers and manufacturers showed the newest products for summer fun and the largest crowd of ten years came to check it all out.”

According to the Secretary of State, Michigan currently ranks 4th in nation for the number of registered watercraft, with 898,289 as of February, 2015. Michigan's registered boaters spend $873 million on trips during the relatively short boating season. Overall, recreational boating contributes about $2 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. Tourism as a whole is a $20+ billion industry in Michigan.

“The weekend traffic was fabulous and the buyers were there,” says Liz Carney, President of Grand Bay Marine in Traverse City and Charlevoix, who this year featured the Queen of the Show—a 42-foot Regal Sport Coupe. “We were thrilled with the interest and actual sales. It’s going to be a fabulous year!”

The National Marine Manufacturer’s Association says that in 2013, the latest data year available, Michigan ranked #4 in total new marine expenditures (new boats, engines, trailers, and marine accessories) with $678 million. This was an increase of 5% over 2012. There are approximately 1,404 boating businesses that create about 16,670 direct boating industry jobs in Michigan.

“We are thrilled to have exhibited in a show where everyone who stopped by to see our boats was excited and looking forward to the upcoming boating season,” says Rick Venner of Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs. “Not once did I hear anyone talking about the poor economy, fuel prices or politics, instead the atmosphere was positive. Michigan boating is back!”

In addition to the variety of boats, the Grand Rapids Boat Show also featured accessories, services, destinations, educational opportunities and various entertainment elements throughout the weekend.

“We have been involved with the show since 2013, and it is obvious that it has grown each year by adding more exhibits to both the business of boating and to appeal to a family atmosphere,” says Elek Hutchinson, Commodore of the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association. “I have not seen so many kids at a boat show as I did this year—it was wonderful! It's nice to know that groups such as ShowSpan are promoting to the youth of America, a necessity to grow an ever-evolving industry.”

ShowSpan Inc., held its first show in 1946 and today hosts 14 the state’s largest and most recognized consumer shows in Grand Rapids, East Lansing, Novi and Milwaukee.

“In a few weeks, the 70th annual partner to the Boat Show—the Ultimate Sport Show-Grand Rapids—comes to DeVos Place (March 19-22), featuring more summer fun for all outdoorsmen and women,” Boucher says. “People will find everything from fishing and hunting to taxidermy and morels. And, for the 70th anniversary, the Lumberjacks are back!”

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Five Michigan Distilleries Receive Collective 16 Awards at American Craft Spirits Association 2nd Annual American Spirits Competition

Five Michigan distilleries were honored with 16 individual awards last week at the 2nd Annual American Spirits Competition, presented by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA)—a not- for-profit trade association dedicated to protecting and promoting American craft spirits.

According to the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, New Holland Artisan Spirits received “Best of Class” in the Gin category for its Barrel Aged Knickerbocker.

Other awards included:


The ACSA reports that 329 entries were submitted from more than 200 craft dispirit distillers from across the country in six main categories: Whiskey, Brandy, Rum, Gin, Liqueurs, Distilled Spirits Specialty (DSS), and Vodka. Almost half (155) of all the spirits entered were whiskeys.

“We’re seeing more whiskies than ever,” states Ted Huber, ACSA vice president and Judging Committee co-chair. “They are literally and figuratively ‘coming out of the woodwork,’ as these spirits have now been aging for up to four years and are ready to be appreciated. It’s a clear sign of the maturing of our craft industry.”

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association was formed in 2014 as a non-profit organization charged with marketing the individual member businesses, their products and events, but also help bring a voice for the industry when it comes to legislative issues that affect the overall beverage industry.

*These distilleries are current members of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Ten Years and Growing Strong! A Look Back at the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival


The Michigan Brewers Guild held its first Winter Beer Festival in Old Town Lansing on February 25, 2006 in Old Town Lansing, on Turner Street at Grand River. That first year, 40 breweries poured approximately 160 beers to 1200 thirsty Michigan craft beer drinkers.

This week, the Guild will celebrate its 10th Annual Winter Beer Festival where a record 103 breweries will pour 1035 beers to an expected crowd (over two days) of more than 10,000. The festival will be held Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at Fifth Third Ballpark, just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The impressive list of breweries and beers can be viewed here.

Earlier last summer, the Guild announced the expansion of its wildly popular Winter Beer Festival to a two-day event to accommodate growing demand for tickets. Tickets went on sale on December 4 and Saturday’s sold out in record time—6500 tickets sold in less than a half-hour. The growth in the festivals is on par with the growth of the craft beer industry in Michigan.

Here’s a look back at the last 10 years of the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival:


Tickets for this year’s Friday’s session, which will run from 3-7pm (2pm entry for Enthusiast Members), remain available for $45 each at MiBeer.com. Overall, 1000 fewer tickets are available for Friday meaning slightly smaller crowds and shorter lines. Friday will also feature special beer releases and tappings, a live ice carving demonstration by The Ice Guru Randy Finch, sideshow acts and street performers, musical entertainment and fireworks (weather permitting).

If the Friday session does not sell out prior to the event, tickets will be available at the gate for $50 the day of. There will NOT be tickets at the gate on Saturday.

The musical entertainment schedule for this year’s festival includes:

Friday, February 27

2:00-3:00 DJ Snax
3:00-4:30 The Concussions
3:30 Live Demo – The Ice Guru Randy Finch
4:30-5:30 DJ Snax
5:00 Welcome and firkin tapping
5:30-7:00 The Concussions
7:00-7:30 DJ Snax

Saturday, February 28

12:00-1:00 DJ Snax
1:00-3:00 The Moxie Strings
3:00-4:00 DJ Snax
3:30 Welcome and firkin tapping
4:00-6:00 Rick Chyme
6:00-6:30 DJ Snax

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its more than 150 member breweries. The Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve a 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. Michigan ranks #5 in the nation for the number of craft breweries – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State”.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

103 Breweries & 1035 Beers Make 10th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival BIGGER and BETTER than Ever Before!

A record 103 breweries and 1035 beers will be featured at the 10th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival, coming up Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at Fifth-Third Ballpark just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The impressive list of breweries and beers can be viewed here.

Tickets for Friday’s session, which will run from 3-7pm (2pm entry for Enthusiast Members), remain available for $45 each at MiBeer.com. Overall, 1000 fewer tickets are available for Friday meaning slightly smaller crowds and shorter lines. Friday will also feature special beer releases and tappings, a live ice carving demonstration by The Ice Guru Randy Finch, sideshow acts and street performers, musical entertainment and fireworks (weather permitting). If the Friday session does not sell out prior to the event, tickets will be available at the gate for $50 the day of. There will NOT be tickets at the gate on Saturday.

Earlier last summer, the Guild announced the expansion of its wildly popular Winter Beer Festival to a two-day event to accommodate growing demand for tickets. Tickets went on sale on December 4 and Saturday’s sold out in record time—6500 tickets sold in less than a half-hour.

“We are pleased to offer a second day to allow more thirsty Michigan craft beer fans an opportunity to experience this festival,” says Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. “I don’t ever want to take for granted how enthusiastic our fans get when it comes to attending our festivals. It is both humbling and overwhelming that our festivals are so popular. It’s a testament to Michigan’s great craft brewing culture.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its more than 150 member breweries. The Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve a 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. Michigan ranks #5 in the nation for the number of craft breweries – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State”.

Monday, February 16, 2015

New Saugatuck Restaurant Hosts Celebrity Chefs & Honors Local Morels at Spring Foraged Dinner

Morel mushrooms are the black truffle of the Midwest. They are one of Michigan’s most prized and fleeting culinary treasures. On May 5th and 6th, The Southerner, a new restaurant in Saugatuck, Michigan, will host a spring foods event with the region’s most noted foragers—Michelle and Andy Davis.

Michelle and Andy, experts in all things wild and edible, will team up with Southerner owners Katie Fris and Matthew Millar to offer a unique opportunity to eat through spring’s finest offerings, from field and forest. Millar, a two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist chef, is enlisting the help of some high profile friends to join him in the kitchen to prepare what Andy and Michelle forage.

The event begins on Tuesday, May 5th, when Andy, Michelle and the chefs will spend the day foraging for morels, ramps, violets, watercress and all manner of other wild foods in preparation for the next day’s meal. Event attendees are invited to join in the experience and learn proper foraging techniques from the Davis family and discuss with the chefs how to cook what is found.

On Wednesday, May 6th, the chefs will spend the day preparing an unparalleled seven-course feast showcasing the spring bounty, the first official meal to be served in the Southerner’s dining room. In addition to the spring edibles, the talented chefs will utilize the best produce, meats, cheeses and breads from the area’s best producers.

Local luminaries Matthew Pietsch of Salt Of The Earth and Matthew Green of Reserve Wine and Food will be joined by Joel Wabeke, chef de Cuisine of Wright & Co.—one of Detroit’s hottest new restaurants; James Rigato, head chef of The Root in White Lake and Top Chef Boston contestant; Chris Pandel, chef/owner of The Bristol, Balena, and Formento’s in Chicago; and Paul Virant, of Perennial Virant, Vistro & Vie in Chicago—a James Beard Award nominee and author of The Preservation Kitchen.

The Beervangelist, Fred Bueltmann, will assist with beer and spirits pairings, courtesy of New Holland Brewing Company.

The Southerner hopes to open to the public in early June for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 880 Holland Street in Saugatuck. As the name implies, the restaurant will focus on southern comfort foods, namely handmade fried chicken. Chef/owner Matthew Millar says it’s “a love letter to Appalachia,” where his mother’s family has roots and where his immediate family lives today.

“As a kid traveling to east Tennessee, I think I may have been even more excited by the food than the mountains,” he says. Owner Katie Fris adds that “sitting around a well-laid table, with the ones you love, is the foundation for living well.”

Tickets for this two-day culinary experience are $200 per person and space is limited to 40 people. For tickets, visit, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morel-mushroom-dinner-tickets-16370951958

Like The Southerner on Facebook for for info and updates.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Celebrate a Love Affair with Michigan Beer!

Craft beer enthusiasts are passionate about Michigan brews…and February is the perfect time to fall in love with rich, chocolaty and fruity beers. As you head out with your sweetheart this year for Valentine’s Day, consider ordering up a pint of one of these deliciously romantic Michigan made libations.

51 NORTH BREWERY

Chocolate Covered Cherry (6.6% ABV | 20 IBUs). Adding tart dried cherries to the Velvet Moose chocolate oatmeal stout makes this beer that tastes like a chocolate covered cherry, and thus…the name.

ARBOR BREWING COMPANY

Espresso Love (7.5%ABV | 15 IBUs). Oatmeal and 20 pounds of fresh roasted 100% fair-trade coffee, from the nearby Ugly Mug Café Brewed, contribute to a mildly chalky espresso character balanced by a rich, sweet creamy maltiness. The coffee finish dissolves into chocolate, with a slight roasty bitterness. Pairs well with desserts, especially dark chocolate, raspberries, and cheesecake.

ARCADIA ALES

Cocoa Loco Triple Chocolate Stout
(7% ABV | 39 IBUs). This award-winning beer gets its rich flavor from Simpson Chocolate, Weyerman Chocolate and Crisp Chocolate malts. The addition of lactose lends the beer a creamy quality- not unlike a milkshake- while the Blackstrap Molasses adds rich, burnt, syrupy flavors. Flavors of baker’s chocolate and espresso dominate, while rich malty flavors and a subtle kiss of hops add nice balance, making this a truly one-of-a-kind BIG beer.

ATWATER BREWING

Decadent Dark Chocolate Ale
(5.2% ABV | 11 IBU). Holding true to the Northern English tradition, this beer has at its foundation a nutty profile with a round mouthfeel. Added is a chocolate extract consisting of three blended chocolates of varied depth. The result is a rich, but not overtly sweet, experience for both the beer and the chocolate enthusiast.

BELL’S BREWERY

Smitten Golden Rye Ale
(6.0% ABV | 42 IBUs). This spring seasonal offers rustic flavors from rye malt combined with citrusy, resinous hop aroma from Pacific Northwest varieties to create a crisp, refreshing take on the classic pale ale.

BREWERY TERRA FIRMA

Ancho Chili Dutch Double Chocolate Porter
(5.5% ABV). There's a special magic that happens between chilis and chocolate that was discovered by early foodies in ancient Latin America and never forgotten. This beer honors their innovation and showcases the beauty between chocolate and the perfect balance of chili flavor and warmth. Chocolate malt and Dutch chocolate add richness and body while whole Ancho Chilis add depth, warmth and complexity to this unique beer. Savor some with sweet desserts but don't be afraid to break it out for the firecracker shrimp either.

FORT STREET BREWERY

The Honeymoon is Over
(7% ABV | 30 IBUs). The honeymoon may be over, but the party is just getting started. Help Fort Street celebrate its 10th birthday this weekend with special tapings and releases. This wheat stout is made with 71% wheat, including roasted wheat, plus honey malt and actual honey and Michigan-grown Chinnok hops making it a creamy, chocolaty delight that will set your heart aflutter.

FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY

Founders Porter
(6.5% ABV | 45 IBUs). Described as “Dark, Rich and Sexy,” this beer pours silk black with a creamy tan head. The nose is sweet with a strong chocolate and caramel malt presence and no absence of hops gives this beer the full flavor you deserve and expect…it’s cozy like velvet. This 2010 World Beer Cup silver medalist is described as “a lover, not a fighter.”

HARMONY BREWING

Aphrodisiale
(7.2% ABV | 29.2 IBUs). This honey chocolate porter is brewed with honey and cocoa nibs, making it the perfect Valentine’s date beer!

JOLLY PUMPKIN

iO Saison
(6.8% ABV). Part of the Baudelaire series, this beer will capture the hearts of art and artisan beer lovers alike. Drawn in by the historic elegance of the label design and then held tight by the rapture of flavors, it will be released in limited quantities. iO Saison is brewed in a lovely fashion, with rose hips, rose petals and hibiscus. Yet, don’t be easily deceived by her looks, for like love – she can be oh so dangerous. Available in late February.

LIBERTY STREET BREWING COMPANY

Steamy Windows
(4.7% ABV). This "steam" style beer is made with a lager yeast and fermented at ale temperatures and then aged at lager temperatures for a smooth, clean finish. Very much like a pale ale, this California Common is fermented with a lager yeast to create a crisp taste with fruity notes.

Chocolate Covered Chery (7% ABV | 22 IBUs). A blend of two of our most popular flavors with the chocolate character of our Liberty One Porter, blended heavily with our Cherry Cider, making this a dessert like drink.

Red Velvet (5.4% ABV | 32 IBUs). This is a smooth ale that has a beautiful red rose color with the aroma and flavor of chocolate, named after the classic rich cake.

MOUNTAIN TOWN STATION

Doctor Love
(8% ABV | 18 IBUs). This imperial red ale with ale brewed with eight different invigorating herbs and a touch of flavor hops

Love Potion #7 (7.5% ABV | 32 IBUs). This double chocolate stout is brewed with four different invigorating herbs, to get the blood flowing

Chocolate Cherry Porter (5.2% ABV | 28 IBUs). This full-bodied porter is brewed with cocoa nibs and Ludington Black Cherries.

Sacred Gruit (5.8% ABV | 4 IBUs). The flagship gruit brewed with 3 different herbs that stimulate the mind, create euphoria and enhance sexual drive. For a little added fun, try the Peach Fruit, with peace juice added.

NEW HOLLAND BREWING COMPANY

The Poet
(5.2% ABV | 37 IBUs). This is a romantic offering for Valentine’s Day. This beer reveals a rich, smooth malt character enveloped in tones of roast and chocolate. A soft mouth-feel brings luxurious flavors and a soothing aroma. The Poet is as versatile as it is delicious – the perfect accent to any chocolate dessert.

NORTH PEAK BEER

Dubious Black Chocolate Stout
(5.3% ABV | 50 IBUs). Sporting its “giant man-eating beaver” icon, this beer pays homage to Northern Michigan’s Beaver Island. This beer has the perfect combination of chocolate with roast and black malts, resulting in a smooth and rich beer. Judicious use of hops brings out a complex, yet subtle bittering, finished off with a big Goldings nose. This swirl of aroma, flavor and body is underscored by the rich, dark chocolate that is added at the end of the boil.

REDWOOD LODGE

Chocolate, Cherry, Vanilla Porter
(5.5% ABV | 28 IBUs). Organic cocoa nibs, dried Michigan tart cherries and bourbon-soaked vanilla beans are added to the traditional Brown Porter, for this sweet Valentine’s beer. Available in Cask Ale only.

RIGHT BRAIN BREWERY

Lips Like Sugar
(9.8% ABV). This Belgian Tripple is made with 300 pounds of Michigan sugar beets, boiled down to three gallons of syrup. What results is a caramel color beer, with a hint of sweetness. Available in the tap room only.

ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO

Milkshake Stout
(5.3% ABV | 20 IBUs). The combination of four different malts, along with a low hop level creates a deep dark beer featuring rich, roasted, malt flavors. The addition of lactose (milk sugar) adds complexity, body, and a residual sweetness lending a smooth creamy texture to this full-flavored brew. Once a seasonal offering in the pub, now prominently featured due to popular demand.

Paint Creek Porter (6.0% ABV | 21 IBUs). This pub-only offering is a robust beer that features a rich, velvety chocolate malt flavor that will compliment any chocolate dessert.

ROCKFORD BREWING

Hoplust IPA
(7.1% ABV | 70 IBUs). A profoundly hoppy hand-crafted American IPA!! An intense bouquet of fresh hops will greet you on the nose followed by the bursting tropical, citrus and piney flavors on your palette. Our approach to this IPA is to focus more toward satisfying the craving for hop flavor than bitterness. We use a proprietary blend of 6 different American grown hop varieties for a unique hoppy flavor experience – it is Valentine’s Dayesque!

THE LIVERY

St. Valentine's Day Massacre
(6% ABV | 40 IBUs). This sour Belgian dark wit is aged on blood oranges, giving off a citrus aroma with hints of peppercorn. Considered a wild/sour ale, the flavor comes from orange juice and orange peel, with peppercorn and spice, balanced by bread notes and a sour finish.


Of course, there are countless other beers to LOVE…and the best is the one in your hand. Hopefully, that’s locally-crafted here in Michigan!

The Michigan Brewers Guild was formed in 1997 and held its first festival in July 1998. Today, the Guild hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan craft beer produced by its nearly 150 member breweries.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $277 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve a 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Coppercraft Distillery Introduces Copper Tulip Cocktail Made with Locally Sourced, Milled and Crafted Spirit—Genever

In anticipation of the upcoming Tulip Time Festival (May 2-9), Holland-based Coppercraft Distillery has introduced the Copper Tulip—a cocktail featuring Genever, a new spirit made locally to celebrate the region’s rich Dutch heritage. The cocktail was unveiled Thursday evening at the First Bloom Poster Release Party for the 2015 Tulip Time Festival, held at Evergreen Commons.

The Copper Tulip features Coppercraft’s Genever; a traditional Dutch spirit that features juniper, however it has more grain/malt flavors that are not commonly associate with gin. It also delivers more botanical and floral notes than juniper-forward gins.

“I was able to taste our Genever last weekend and spent all day refining the Copper Tulip cocktail,” says Jenney Grant, General Manager at Coppercraft. “I am really excited to share this spirit and cocktail with our community”.

“The grain selected by Coppercraft for Genever is a locally grown white winter wheat,” according to Walter Catton, owner and distiller of Coppercraft Distillery. To make the product even more localized, those grains were then milled at the De Zwaan Windmill on Windmill Island. This year marks the 50th year that the 254-year-old DeZwaan Windmill has called Holland its home.

De Zwaan’s name is Dutch for The Swan or Graceful Bird. First was erected in Krommenie, Netherlands in 1761, DeZwaan made its way to Michigan aboard the Prins Willem van Oranje in October, 1964.

It took approximately 6 months to reconstruct the 125-foot windmill, which is located on Windmill Island, a 36-acre site on the eastern end of Lake Macatawa. Formally dedicated in April 1965, the mill and the island welcome some 55,000 tourists each year.

It is the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States. When winds are favorable (15 to 20 miles per hour from the west), De Zwaan's 80-foot diameter blades are usually in motion. Throughout its seven-month season, the mill works to produce stone-ground whole wheat flour, from grains sourced locally, which is available for purchase.

Genever will be released in bottle format through Coppercraft’s tasting room, and the Copper Tulip will be served throughout Holland during the 86th annual Tulip Time Festival starting May 2nd. “We are excited and honored to partner with Windmill Island and Tulip Time to share the results with many of the Holland area restaurants serving the Copper Tulip cocktail during the festival,” says Catton.

Coppercraft will also be releasing a short video that documents the process of creating Genever and the Copper Tulip. This video will be released during the festival as well.

“It doesn’t get any more Holland than this,” Grant says.

About Coppercraft Distillery

With simple ingredients grown by local farmers, Coppercraft Distillery creates a full line of distilled spirits that celebrates the harvest, as well as a shared passion for hard work, exceptional quality, and genuine relationships. Coppercraft Distillery is proud to present the community with a premium experience from grain-to-glass. Founded in 2012, Coppercraft Distillery joins the ranks of more than 30 other licensed companies in Michigan, a state that ranks sixth in the nation for distilleries. Industry experts estimate that the growing market for handcrafted spirits could add $400 million to the state economy in 2014. Coppercraft Distillery products are distributed by General Wine and Spirits in Michigan and are also available in the Chicago and Colorado markets.




Coppercraft Distillery is a proud member of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association.