History Traverse City Whiskey Co. was founded in 2011 by friends Chris, Jared, and Moti in Traverse City, Michigan. The idea arose when Chris found his great-grandfather's distillation patents on the family's cherry farm, and together they ran a small-batch whiskey that captured the vibe of northern Michigan, Up North. They describe themselves as a small-batch, passion-driven company that supports friends and neighbors, and only produces something they are proud to show the family. Since then they have expanded to a range of whiskies, creme liqueurs, and accessories and invite visitors to experience the Up North spirit through their stories and products.
Production / Manufacturing They describe Michigan's climate as ideal for aging premium whiskey: the harsh winters and warm summers impart character during maturation. The handcrafted process in the Stillhouse facility captures the Up North spirit throughout the production journey from grain to bottling. An example is XXX Straight Bourbon, which has a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley, aged four years in oak barrels and delivering notes of vanilla, aged honey, and hints of bakery spices. They offer a Production Tour of about 45 minutes (21+) where you can taste the full range and receive detailed tasting notes. Visitors can experience The Stillhouse in Traverse City and The Outpost in Ferndale (Detroit), and there are also opportunities for private events and cocktail classes.
Products / Whiskey Series Their selected whiskies and finish products include both bourbon- and rye-based releases as well as various finish processes: - XXX Straight Bourbon: four years aged, 43% ABV, 750 ml. Mash of corn, rye, and malted barley; vanilla, aged honey and bakery spices. - Single Barrel XXX Straight Bourbon: 750 ml, 47.5% ABV, Bold profile. - Barrel Proof Cherry: 750 ml, ABV varies; nose of Montmorency cherry, taste of candied nuts and long finish. - Barrel Proof Peach: 750 ml, 57.7% ABV; Profile: Bright. - Amburana Barrel Finish: 750 ml, 52.5% ABV; Profile: Sweet & Spiced. - Port Barrel Finish, Sherry Barrel Finish, Cab Franc Barrel Finish: 750 ml each (finish releases). - Barrel Proof Bourbon, Barrel Proof Rye, Barrel Proof Wheat: part of the Barrel Proof series. - North Coast Rye: 750 ml, 45% ABV; spiced with vanilla and a buttery finish. - Lakeside Peach, Michigan Apple, American Cherry: Signature Whiskeys. - Harvest Cream: bourbon cream (29.99 USD) produced with XXX Straight Bourbon; flavors of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon. - Harvest Cream Liqueur and Premium Cocktail Cherries: cherries from northern Michigan. - Simple Syrup and Ready to Serve Cocktails 2-pack: home bar accessories and ready-made cocktails.
Visits / Experiences The Stillhouse in Traverse City is their tasting houses and production area where you can experience the artisanal process and enjoy the distillery atmosphere and limited releases on site. The Outpost in Ferndale (Detroit) offers cocktails, small plates, and selected releases in a Northern hospitality vibe. There are also Cocktail Classes (90 minutes) where you learn to make classic cocktails such as Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour, and you get the stories and recipes behind the drinks. Private events and special arrangements can be arranged at both locations.
Philosophy TC Whiskey emphasizes an Up North identity with clear values: pursuing passion, supporting friends and neighbors, and only doing things at a quality they are proud to show the family. They hope visitors feel northern Michigan through their bottles and experiences, and that a bottle provides a moment away from everyday life.
Last updated: 07-12-25 20:26