Michigan Distilleries Unite to Form Statewide Organization - Michigan Craft Distillers Association

Michigan’s craft distilling industry is growing at a rapid pace – ranking #4 in the nation in terms of overall number of distilleries (behind California, Oregon and Washington). To help unify the interests of the more than two dozen Michigan distilleries, a statewide association has been formed.

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association is 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.

Founding board members for the Michigan Craft Distillers Association are:

• President: Rifino Valentine, Valentine Distilling
• Vice President: Kent Rabish, Grand Traverse Distillery
• Secretary: Don Coe, Black Star Farms
• Treasurer: Kris Berglund, Red Cedar Spirits & Artisan Distilling at Michigan State University
• Director: Brett Vander Kamp, New Holland Artisan Spirits

Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan will serve as the association’s part-time Executive Director.

“In 2012, I was approached by several of the Michigan distilleries to research and form an organization to represent the industry’s needs,” says Stampfler, who has also worked as the publicist for the Michigan Brewers Guild since 2008. “It’s been a time-consuming process and although no formal organization was in place, the distilleries have been communicating and working together to develop and enhance their industry.”

Earlier this spring, through its grass-roots connections, Michigan distillers were encouraged to contact their local State Representatives when a “Farm to Glass” bill was introduced that originally didn’t include distilled spirits. As a result, lines of communication between the distillers and legislators were opened. The association’s board and executive director have been asked to meet with other Michigan craft beverage producers in June to see where there are overlapping needs that the groups can work collectively to reach. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has also reached out to the association for help in planning a business-to-business summit in November.

“Even though the association wasn’t officially formed, the board and many of our future members have been working on various levels to raise awareness for Michigan’s craft distilling industry,” Stampfler says. “Not only is there is regular communication among the distilleries, but our social media channels are full of news clips focused on this rapidly-expanding industry. We’ve been busy – and now, we can formally move forward as the state’s official organization.”

Within the first year of operation, the Michigan Craft Distillers Association will strengthen its ties with other Michigan associations as well as national distiller organizations like the American Craft Distillers Association and the American Distilling Institute.

A directory and map identifying distillery locations is in the works, aimed to boost visits the individual tasting rooms and distilleries. The guide will also serve to encourage residents and visitors alike to seek out, ask for and sample the many Michigan-made craft spirits that are available in the marketplace. This publication will be distributed statewide at the Welcome Centers, chamber offices and visitor bureau offices, and will also be available online at SpiritsOfMichigan.com.

The Michigan Craft Distillers Association will offer membership to any operation actively distilling craft beverages in Michigan, as well as suppliers and retail establishments such as pubs, restaurants and beverage stores. An Enthusiast level membership will be offered in the future, allowing individual members of the general public to support the craft distilling industry.

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Valentine Distilling Adds Liberator Gin to Award-Winning Portfolio

Detroit-based Valentine Distilling Co. announces the release of Liberator Gin to its award-winning portfolio. Eight of the world’s finest botanicals were hand-selected to craft this latest American-made spirit.

“In limited batches, we delicately impart the flavors through our award-winning process, says Rifino Valentine, micro-distiller and owner of Valentine Vodka in Ferndale. “The bold flavors are macerated for several days before alembic distillation, while the delicate profiles are infused using a specially designed botanical vessel designed especially for Valentine Distilling Co. by Christian Carl Stills of Germany.”

The result, says Valentine, is a well-balanced, multi-layered flavor – beginning with soft juniper, carried through with cardamom and coriander, and finishing with a light cinnamon flavor.

Liberator Gin is named in honor of the B-24 Liberator Bomber. Early in World War II, Ford Motor Company built the Willow Run plant near Detroit to produce the B-24 Liberator – cementing Detroit’s nickname as the “arsenal of democracy.” Carefully hand-crafted, this delightfully-unique gin salutes Rosie the Riveter and all the American workers who helped secure victory.

First introduced to the marketplace in March 2009, award-winning triple-grain Valentine Vodka was Detroit’s first micro-distilled spirit since Prohibition. In 2012, Valentine released the delicate and fragrant White Blossom – infused with the flowers of Elderflower.

Last year, the original Valentine Vodka was recognized by Anthony Dias Blue, editor-in-chief of The Tasting Panel magazine as one of the top vodkas in the country with a 94-point ranking – placing higher than noted international brands like Belvedere, Ketel One, Grey Goose and Absolut. It was awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012. In 2011, it received a Double Gold Medal in the “Best Domestic Vodka” category by TheFiftyBest.com. The Beverage Tasting Institute also awarded Valentine Vodka with a Gold Medal “Exceptional” in both 2010 and 2011.

Valentine Distilling products can now be found in more than 1800 outlets throughout Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee.

VALENTINE DISTILLING CO.
161 Vester Street – Ferndale, Michigan

www.ValentineVodka.com
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Valentine Vodka Adds 94-point Ranking from The Tasting Panel to Growing List of Accolades

Detroit-made Valentine Vodka has been recognized by Anthony Dias Blue, editor-in-chief of The Tasting Panel magazine as one of the top vodkas in the country with a 94-point ranking – placing higher than noted international brands like Belvedere, Ketel One, Grey Goose and Absolut.

“Returning to Michigan to start this venture, my goal was to craft a product that competes with the elite imported brands,” says Owner/Distiller Rifino Valentine. “With these latest rankings from the most well-respected wine and spirits reviewer, it really is satisfying that we were able to do just that! Now, we can truly say that you’re not just buying local, you’re buying better!”

Blue, a recipient of a 2001 James Beard Foundation Award as well as the 1997 Communicator of the Year Award from the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, is one of the most influential food and wine personalities in the United States. In addition to being an owner and editor of The Tasting Panel, Blue is Executive Director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition – the nation’s largest and most prestigious judging events of its kind and is also the founding Director of its sister event, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Earlier this year, Valentine Vodka was awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2011, this Michigan-made product received a Double Gold Medal in the “Best Domestic Vodka” category by TheFiftyBest.com. The Beverage Tasting Institute also awarded Valentine Vodka with a Gold Medal “Exceptional” in both 2010 and 2011.

As Detroit’s first micro-distilled spirit since Prohibition, the award-winning Valentine Vodka continues to raise the bar for ultra-premium hand-crafted vodka with its clean, crisp and uniquely flavorful taste. As one of the first distilleries in the world to use a triple-grain recipe, Valentine Vodka is hand distilled from a blend of Red Michigan wheat, malted barley and corn, and is proud to use a 100% American supply chain.

After three years of intense research and study, Valentine Vodka reached the market in March, 2009. From Christmas 2009 to the same time 2010, sales for Valentine Vodka quadrupled. In April 2011, production moved to a 5000-square-foot facility in Ferndale and in February 2012 production once again expanded with the addition of a new world-class Christian Carl Still. Today, Valentine Vodka can be found in more than 1800 outlets throughout Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee.

Valentine Vodka is located at 161 Vester Street in Ferndale, Michigan. Online at ValentineVodka.com (facebook.com/valentinevodka | twitter.com/valentinevodka).

Grand Traverse Distillery Opens Frankenmuth Tasting Room - Expands Locations to Four

Grand Traverse Distillery has announced the opening of its fourth tasting room – the third in less than a year – at the River Place Shops in downtown Frankenmuth, 925 S Main St, B 6, .

“The Frankenmuth store is in an excellent location to accommodate our customers who live in Southeastern Michigan,” says owner Kent Rabish. “We are very excited to be finally opening this tasting room and introduce our award-winning products to a whole new marketplace!”

Visitors to the Frankenmuth tasting room will find GTD’s Wheat Vodka, True North Vodka and Cherry Flavored Vodka – as well as a variety of whiskey products like Ole George 100% Straight Rye Whiskey, Bourbon, a 2nd Straight Rye Whiskey, and a 100% Corn Whiskey. More varieties of whiskey are in the works.

“We will also be offering a whiskey blending service, where we can custom blend any whiskey to order for a customer, which they then take home along with a mini charred oak aging barrel to begin aging their own whiskey at home,” Kent says. “We offer this in Traverse City, but now we have a location convenient for people in Southeastern Michigan.”

Last summer, owner Rabish opened a location in Leland on the Leelanau Peninsula, not far from historic Fishtown and is also sharing a tasting room with Black Star Farms in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City. The original distillery and tasting room is located in Traverse City.

Michigan has established itself for its first-class wineries and breweries, and the craft distilling industry is now garnering attention. When you purchase these Michigan beverages, you not only support the local businesses but Michigan agriculture as well.

“We have choices now that were not available just a few years ago and we can choose to consume delicacies produced by our neighbors,” says Landis Rabish, President at GTD. “This is a revolution that has only just begun. It is gratifying to see that Michigan has not languished in the backwaters of this change, but instead is leading the way. Why buy produce from afar and ship it around the globe when we can grow it ourselves. Supporting products that are produced locally just makes sense for so many reasons.”

As a Michigan distiller, using locally-grown grains is a top priority. As such, Grand Traverse Distillery is proud to support Michigan agriculture. The company has purchased more than 750,000 pounds of rye, wheat and corn from local farmers since it began distilling its hand-crafted spirits in 2007.

“What people are discovering is that supporting local does not have to come at the expense of quality,” Landis says. “Crafting local spirits is not a new idea. Before prohibition, America had hundreds of distilleries around the country, all using local grains to produce mainly whiskey. It seems what is old is new again.”

Hand-crafted in small batches, more than 4000 cases of True North Vodka, Cherry Vodka and Wheat Vodka have sold per year. The vodkas can be found in over 900 retail outlets and 400 restaurants/bars in Michigan and is distributed in Michigan by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.

GTD has earned multiple “Gold Medal” honors in the International Review of Spirits (2007 and 2009) and A “Gold Medal” in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2008). In the 2009 and 2010, Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected True North Vodka as one of the six best vodkas in the world.

For more information about Grand Traverse Distiller, log onto www.grandtraversedistillery.com or find them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Traverse-Distillery/208013680224

Valentine Vodka Releases White Blossom

Spring is a season of awakenings in Michigan – where April showers bring May flowers and May flowers are infused into dazzling artisan spirits like the new White Blossom from Valentine Vodka.

“I like to push the envelope and I always look for unique ingredients and flavors to work with, specifically those from Michigan,” says Rifino Valentine, micro-distiller and owner of Valentine Vodka in Ferndale.

“I actually discovered the elderflower flavor while traveling through Europe. There, it’s often used as an herbal remedy to boost the immune system – it’s one of those natural products that mass-produced vodka distilleries are too afraid to touch.”

Elderflower, with its floral nose and beautiful, unique flavor, was the perfect fit. Also called “sambucus nigra” elderflowers are in season from the end of May to the beginning of June, alongside many other spring blooms like dogwood, or cherry and apple blossoms.

The leaves of the Elderberry plant are feather-like, with 5–9 leaflets and large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers that bloom in the late spring. The flower heads, which are commonly used in infusions because of their fragrant aroma and distinct flavor, are best collected and used fresh, when the tiny buds have just opened and come to bloom.

“To craft this exquisitely unique flavor, I start with my handcrafted Double Gold Medal-winning vodka,” Rifino says. Valentine Vodka is made of a proprietary blend of red Michigan wheat, two-row malted barley and corn, which all comes directly from Michigan famers and suppliers. “Then, I carefully blend natural elderflower blossoms, with a touch of grapefruit and 100 percent Michigan beet sugar, as a delicate sweetener.”

While most won’t be familiar with the sweet, floral flavors of White Blossom, Rifino says “once they try it, they will be hooked.”

“What a breath of fresh air in the artificial, overdone world of flavored vodka,” says Jim Schramm, Manager & Maî•tre d' of Tre Cugini in Grand Rapids. “White Blossom screams different and made-from- scratch, just like the rest of the Valentine brand.”

The nose of White Blossom is simple and refreshing, like a bouquet of wildflowers picked on a warm spring Michigan afternoon. While the elderflower scent is predominant, there are hints of citrus rolled in sweet, velvety honey that finishes soft and clean. It’s perfectly delightful served on the rocks, or with a splash of natural juices or mixers for a variety of Michigan-themed infusions and signature cocktails

White Blossom is currently available exclusively at Valentine Vodka’s Ferndale cocktail bar and will hit retail shelves in the spring of 2012. The original Valentine Vodka – which hit the market in 2009 – can now be found in more than 900 outlets throughout Michigan and Illinois.

www.ValentineVodka.com

Reprinted from the Spring 2012 issue of Michigan HOME & Lifestyle Magazine. Pick up a copy on newstands now, for a selection of White Blossom recipes.

Michigan-Made Valentine Vodka Awarded Double-Gold from TheFiftyBest.com

TheFiftyBest.com has awarded Michigan-made Valentine Vodka with a Double-Gold during its 2011 “Best Domestic Vodka” tasting, held recently at Beacon Restaurant & Bar in New York City.

Twenty-eight journalists, retailers and aficionados tasted 28 small-batch, handcrafted American vodkas. The products were served "blindly", without distractions of brand names. The order of service was randomly selected through a lottery system. Each of the vodkas were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. There were four flights of seven vodkas each.

The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. The totals were added up, with the winners determined from 1 to 28, based on the scores received. Ties are listed alphabetically. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded based on the scores received.

The vodkas that scored over a designated point threshold – including Valentine Vodka – were awarded Double-Gold medals. The tasting notes that follow the rankings are a summary of the results, and all replicate commentary has been eliminated while contrasting opinions have been summarized.

As one of the first distilleries in the world to use a triple-grain recipe – a unique blend of barley, red Michigan wheat and corn, Valentine Vodka displays “vanilla, nutmeg, butterscotch, honey, toffee, creamy, buttery, grain, mineral, smooth, velvety, delicate, dry, nice, clean, peppermint, mellow, light sweet finish,” according to the judges.

According to TheFiftyBest.com, there are eight states that boast five or more craft vodka distilleries – including Michigan (as well as California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin), with a recent resurgence.

“Much like craft brewers and vintners, the highly entrepreneurial master distillers proudly use local grains (or potatoes, corn, grapes, honey, apples) and water to produce their small batch craft vodkas,” it reads on the website. “These ‘homegrown’ ingredients impart distinctive character and flavors to the finished products. This local craft approach has proven successful. Even though most of the domestic vodka brands are available only within the state they are produced, they usually sell out their entire production— ensuring future expansion for the enjoyment of vodka lovers everywhere.”

TheFiftyBest.com is a guide to fine living, featuring unbiased reviews of restaurants, food, wine & spirits, travel, and more. Or simply, a good taste guide to things that taste good.

As Detroit’s first micro distilled spirit since Prohibition, the award-winning Valentine Vodka is well on its way to setting the standard for ultra-premium hand-crafted vodka with its clean, crisp and uniquely flavorful taste.

Last year, Valentine Vodka was awarded a Gold medal ranking during the Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) 2010 International Review of Spirits Competition – the largest and most prestigious annual spirits competition in the United States. The BTI gave Valentine Vodka a rating of 90 in the “Unflavored Vodka” category.

Rifino Valentine – the man behind Valentine Vodka – is a native of Leelanau County. A graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a BA in Economics, Rifino spent 11 years on Wall Street as an independent trader before founding his own successful trading firm. He returned to his home state in 2005 to fulfill his dream of creating Valentine Vodka.

Through his hand-crafted products, Rifino hopes to draw on the inspiration and history that the City of Detroit brings when it comes to distilled spirits, as he develops and grows Valentine Vodka. After three years of intense research and study, Valentine Vodka reached the market in March, 2009. From Christmas 2009 to the same time 2010, sales for Valentine Vodka has quadrupled in sales and can now be found in more than 900 outlets throughout Michigan and Illinois.

For a list of retail outlets carrying Valentine Vodka, as well as a menu of signature cocktails, log onto www.valentinevodka.com (www.facebook.com/valentinevodka).

Valentine Vodka Wins Gold Medal at BTI Competition – Making it one of the World’s Top Vodkas

Michigan-made Valentine Vodka has been awarded a Gold medal ranking during the Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) 20101 International Review of Spirits Competition – the largest and most prestigious annual spirits competition in the United States. The BTI gave Valentine Vodka a rating of 90 in the “Unflavored Vodka” category.

“Exceptional,” wrote BTI. “Clear. Mild aromas of banana and coconut pudding and pastry aromas with a silky off-dry medium-to-full body and a creamy, peppery spice and talc finish. Very lively and tasty.”

The International Review of Spirits is the most authoritative, influential and respected annual spirits competition in the United States. Major and boutique spirits producers and importers from around the world participate in the competitions each year.

Founded in 1981, BTI is recognized as one of America’s premier, independent, alcoholic beverage review organizations by leaders of the beverage industry. Millions of consumers look to BTI's fair and impartial reviews on Tastings.com when making decisions regarding the purchase of spirits.

“I founded this company with the goal of creating a world-class vodka right here in Michigan. We’ve always known that we were onto something special, but it’s really nice to get confirmation on this international level,” says founder Rifino Valentine. “To be judged as one of the world’s finest vodkas, is truly an honor. Not only is this a win for the state of Michigan, it’s a step in the right direction of our stated goal to help change the economic structure of Michigan by producing world-class products right here.”

As Detroit’s first micro distilled spirit since Prohibition, Valentine Vodka is well on its way to setting the standard for ultra-premium hand-crafted vodka with its clean, crisp and uniquely flavorful taste. As one of the first distilleries in the world to use a multi-grain recipe, Valentine Vodka proudly utilizes a blend of Red Michigan wheat, malted barley and corn, which all come directly from Michigan farmers and suppliers.

Rifino Valentine – the man behind Valentine Vodka – is a native of Leelanau County. A graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a BA in Economics, Rifino spent 11 years on Wall Street as an independent trader before founding his own successful trading firm. He returned to his home state in 2005 to create Valentine Vodka.

Through his hand-crafted products, Rifino hopes to draw on the inspiration and history that the City of Detroit brings when it comes to distilled spirits, as he develops and grows Valentine Vodka. After 3 years of intense research and study, Valentine Vodka reached the market in March, 2009.

For a list of retail outlets carrying Valentine Vodka, as well as a menu of signature cocktails, log onto www.ValentineVodka.com (www.facebook.com/valentinevodka).

Get in the Michigan Spirit of the Holidays

This holiday season, put yourself in the spirit with one of the many, unique distilled spirits made right here in Michigan. While vodka seems to be the preferred product here in the Great Lakes State, you’ll also find gin, rum, brandy and even whiskey, which make great celebration drinks or holiday gifts this year.

BLACK STAR FARMS (www.blackstarfarms.com) is one of Michigan’s most respected wineries, with locations on Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and The Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City. This selection of fruit spirits is available exclusively in their tasting rooms.

* Spirit of Apple Brandy: After a brief lapse of availability, this tasty spirit is back on the shelf, just in time for the holidays and the cold weather. This brandy has a distinctive fruit-driven style, a pale golden amber color, and is well-balanced opulence with sweet-wood apple and caramel aromas and mellowed, spicy warmth. Pour a little of our Spirit of Apple Brandy into your favorite snifter, swirl, smell and sip…ahh! Warmth all over, from head to toe. It's a great digestif after a delicious holiday meal. (**Available only in the Suttons Bay tasting room).

* Pear and its Spirit: This is without a doubt the most visual of the spirits. Coming in at 80 proof, this product features an actual pear inside the bottle. In spring, a bottle is tied over a budding branch in the pear orchard with hopes that a Bartlett pear will grow to maturity, inside the bottle. The pear is harvested, cleaned and washed and then the bottle is filled with pear brandy from the same orchard and hand-labeled in this special limited presentation. This “pear in a bottle” is a true collector’s item and can be prominently displayed. When the bottle is totally consumed, just purchase a bottle of Spirit of Pear and refill the “pear in the bottle” for many years of enjoyment. (**Available only at the Old Mission tasting room).

* Spirit of Apricot: Common to Hungary, this 80 proof brandy is crystal clear, full bodied, floral and velvety. The flavor is honeyed and indulgent. The fully ripe fruit is fermented on the pits and then distilled rapidly to retain flavor and aroma. The distillate is aged in glass, providing a fruity brandy with a lingering finish.

* Spirit of the Vineyard Red Grape Grappa: Made from the fresh must of Pinot Noir, Cabernet France and Merlot grapes, this 80 Proof grappa has all the characteristics of a fine Italian grappa, but because it is distilled, without the bit.

* Spirit of the Vineyards White Grape Grappa: made from fresh must of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Vignole grapes, this 80 proof grappa is smooth and very aromatic, with flowers an spice in the nose.

GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY (www.grandtraversedistillery.com) spirits are available in about 1000 retail accounts and 200 bars and restaurants around the state and in Chicago. Tours, tastings and retails ours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the distillery in Traverse City. For those who enjoy whiskey, Grand Traverse Distillery invites customers to come in and purchase a 2- or 3-liter mini-whiskey barrel, and select from 5 different grain sources, to make their own whiskey.

* True North Vodka: Distilled with Michigan grown rye, this 80 Proof vodka was awarded gold medals in the 2007 and 2009 International Review of Spirits and gold in the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Rated by F. Paul Pacullt of the Wine Enthusiast “Highly Recommended” with 90 to 95 points and included in his ‘Top 50 Spirits of 2009”, one of only 6 vodkas from around the world to make this selected list.

* True North Cherry Flavored Vodka: You can’t create world-class vodka in the world’s largest cherry production region without capitalizing on the fruit that makes our region famous. This 80 Proof vodka is an exquisite product that is light, crisp, and delicious, perfectly echoing the natural sweetness and delicacy of the fruit. Adding a hint of chocolate with the final touch.

* Grand Traverse Distillery Wheat Vodka: 80 proof, $21.97. Using locally-grown wheat, this 80 Proof vodka scored a 93 point rating and gold medal at the 2009 International Review of Spirits. A value for the price, this wheat vodka is a little more neutral in character than the rye.

NEW HOLLAND ARTISAN SPIRITS (http://newhollandbrew.com/corp/profiles/distillery) are sold throughout Michigan and Illinois and are currently available at over 150 retail outlets and more than 100 bars/restaurants.

* Dutuchess Vodka: A clean and crisp vodka distilled from organic wheat, Dutchess is an excellent companion to boundless ingredients. Whether in a martini or your favorite holiday cocktail, Dutchess Vodka is sure to please.

* Knickerbocker Gin: A vibrant, aromatic gin twice distilled and infused with flavors from more than a dozen herbs and spices. Generous amounts of juniper-berries contribute a bright citrus and evergreen body, bursting with flavor before a clean, dry finish. Named for the Dutch explorers of a new world, Knickerbocker celebrates modern exploration in the historic realm of distilling.

* Freshwater Rums: A series of rums inspired by the majestic Great Lakes and distilled from a wash of fermented cane-sugar molasses, both domestic and Brazilian.

** Huron White Rum: A clean, bright rum with a delicate sweetness and hints of vanilla. The weather outside may be frightful, but Huron Rum cocktails are so delightful!

** Michigan Amber Rum: Barrel aging in oak presents a caramel color and deep body. A rich, smooth marriage of molasses and oak, Freshwater Michigan is a classic rum excellent for traditional rum-forward cocktails or served neat, perhaps with a single ice cube.

** Superior Single-Barrel Rum: Packaged from a single “honey barrel,” Freshwater Superior showcases barrel-aging in a robust, yet elegant presentation. A hearty rum, sure to complement an evening by the fire.

* Zeppelin Bend Whiskey: A culmination of New Holland’s brewing roots and a growing passion for distilling, Zeppelin Bend is a Straight-malt Whiskey, it begins with a brewer’s mash, coaxing sugars from malted barley into a liquid wash. This wash is twice distilled and aged in new American oak, with a heavy char. Notes of vanilla and clove arise from the slightly caramelized spirit, leading to a classic American-oak finish.

ST. JULIAN (www.stjulian.com) is Michigan’s largest, oldest and longest-operating winery. Purchase their distilled spirits at their original tasting room in Paw Paw.

* Grey Heron Vodka: Distilled from 100% grape spirits. It is distilled and filtered five times to achieve its smooth texture and rich palate. It opens with neutral wet stone and cream aromas. The refreshing, clean entry leads to a round, dryish medium-to-full body of smooth cream, and delicate spice flavors. Finishes with warming anise and sweet cream, making Grey Heron Vodka an instant classic.

* A & G Brandy: Aged grape brandy made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris & Vidal Blanc grapes. Alluring nose of vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch intertwined with toast, chocolate and anise. Flavors from the aroma emerge through the palate, making it soft and smooth. Years of patience and perseverance have brought us a new product that, once again, showcases the world-class quality of Michigan’s fruit belt. Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Tasters Guild competition.

UNCLE JOHN’S FRUITHOUSE WINERY (www.fruithousewinery.com) sells its spirits exclusively at its tasting room in St. John’s, on site with the historic family orchard.

* Apple Brandy: Subtle fruit, vanilla & spicy notes and pleasant toasted oak flavor, at 90 proof.

* Vodka made from apples: Clean and velvety smooth subtle hints of fruit in the finish, at 83 proof.

* Apple – Cherry – Pear: These sweet dessert wines are fortified with spirits from that fruit, at 17% abv.

VALENTINE VODKA (www.valentinevodka.com) offers one of first vodkas in the world, distilled from a multi-grain recipe in Southeast Michigan. Hand-distilled from a proprietary blend of barley, Red Michigan wheat and corn, medal-winning Valentine Vodka has a uniquely warm aroma, tasting notes of vanilla and caramel and a deliciously smooth finish. Valentine Vodka is available at nearly 500 retail outlets, including 100 restaurants and bars throughout Michigan.

Valentine Vodka Introduces Sweet Package for Valentine's Day

The name alone is the ideal marketing campaign for Valentine’s Day, but Michigan-made Valentine Vodka has sweetened their packaging for the romantic holiday.

In early January, Valentine Vodka will release its elegant 750ml bottle with an individually-wrapped piece of artisan chocolate. Hand-crafted by Mimi Wheeler of Grocer’s Daughter, the gourmet heart-shaped chocolate was developed specifically to pair with the smooth taste of Valentine Vodka. This special Valentine Vodka package will sell for $29.99 at retail outlets around the state of Michigan.

As Detroit’s first micro distilled spirit since Prohibition, Valentine Vodka is well on its way to setting the standard for ultra-premium hand-crafted vodka with its clean, crisp and uniquely flavorful taste. As one of the first distilleries in the world to use a multi-grain recipe, Valentine Vodka proudly utilizes a blend of red Michigan wheat, two-row malted barley and corn, which all come directly from Michigan farmers and suppliers.

Grocer’s Daughter also has growing reputation for quality, hand-crafted products. Based in the Leelanau County community of Empire, this family-run business prides itself on the use of all-natural and many organic and other naturally grown ingredients for its hand-crafted gourmet artisan chocolates.

The man behind Valentine Vodka is Rifino Valentine. A native of Leelanau County and a graduate of Glen Lake High School and Cornell University, where he earned a BA in Economics, Rifino spent 11 years on Wall Street as an independent trader before founding his own successful trading firm.

It was in 2005 that he returned to his home state to pursue his passion – to form a successful and locally-focused Michigan micro-distillery. After years of intense research and study, Valentine Vodka reached the retail market in March, 2009.
Through his hand-crafted products, Rifino hopes to draw on the inspiration and history that the City of Detroit brings when it comes to distilled spirits, as he develops and grows Valentine Vodka.

“We are excited to bring back a proud tradition the City of Detroit hasn’t seen in over 70 years,” said Rifino. “Few know about the pivotal role that Detroit played in the history of distilled alcohol during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 30s. Literally overnight, Detroit became a multi-million-dollar Mecca of liquor – albeit illegal at the time – helping to shape the city’s history during the 20th Century.”

Currently, Rifino is distilling Valentine Vodka in Webberville, Mich. It is made one batch at a time, in limited quantities. Every step of the process is done by hand, from boiling the mash to the fermentation, from the three distillation runs to the charcoal filtering. Valentine Vodka is distributed at more than 400 retail outlets around the state, as well as being on the menu at select bars and restaurants throughout Michigan.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of Valentine Vodka, Rifino has undertaken the renovation the former American Forge building, in the heart of Detroit. In 2010, this 7000-square foot building will become the permanent home of the Valentine Vodka distilling, bottling and business operations.

“We are excited to move the entire manufacturing process to the city of Detroit,” Rifino said. “Our goal is to bring an exciting new business to the downtown area and put Detroit back in the national spotlight for manufacturing world-class products.”

For a list of retail outlets carrying Valentine Vodka, as well as a menu of signature cocktails, log onto www.ValentineVodka.com

Award Winning Grand Traverse Distillery Branches Out Into Greater Chicago Market with True North Vodkas

(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich) – Grand Traverse Distillery, Michigan’s newest micro-distillery, has expanded its placement in restaurants and retail outlets to include the greater Chicago area. The True North Vodka and True North Cherry flavored vodka will be distributed through Maxwell Street Trading Company in Addison, IL.

“In addition to the retail properties – such as Sam’s Wine & Spirits and Binny’s – we also expect to place our premium vodka in the finest restaurants and bars throughout Chicago,” says Kent Rabish, who began Grand Traverse Distillery in 2005 and serves as the resident Vodkaologist. “We hope large chains, such as Meijer and Sam’s Club that carry our products in Michigan, will extend them to the Illinois market as well.”

Since 1999, Maxwell Street Trading Company has strived to bring retailers throughout the Chicago area an impressive portfolio of boutique and hard-to-find hand-crafted wine and spirits.

Since being released in June 2007, Grand Traverse Distillery’s True North Vodka has earned two Gold Medal distinctions. The first being an “exceptional” ranking of 92 points at the 2007 International Review of Spirits Competition in Chicago and the most recent at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – considered the most prestigious competition of its kind in the country. True North Cherry Flavored Vodka received a Bronze Medal during this year’s San Francisco competition as well.

“Receiving awards from these esteemed international competitions within our first year is real validation that we’re on the right track,” Rabish says. “We’ve always believed we were producing one of the finest premium vodkas. Based on the results from these competitions, the judges believe so as well.”

True North is super-premium vodka that celebrates the natural gifts abundant to Michigan's 45th parallel. Ingredients originate from the beautiful Grand Traverse region, where the rich soils produce the quality rye and the crystal clear glacial waters blend to create this premium vodka. With these quality ingredients and the triple distillation process, True North Vodka is truly one of a kind.

With its unique cherry essence and a hint of chocolate as the final touch, our Cherry Flavored Vodka has a gentle sweetness that rolls across the palette with an exceptionally smooth finish. This light, crisp and delicious spirit perfectly echoes the natural sweetness and delicacy of the fruit with the added spicy essence of rye.

Hand-crafted in small batches, more than 1800 cases of True North Vodka and Cherry Flavored Vodka have collectively sold in just the past 14 months. It can be found in over 800 retail outlets and 250 restaurants/bars in Michigan. Distributed in Michigan by General Wine & Spirits, it retails for $29.99 per bottle.

For more information, log on to www.grandtraversedistillery.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kent Rabish
Grand Traverse Distillery
231-947-8635
info@grandtraversedistillery.com