History

Iron Fish Distillery as a Destination

Iron Fish Distillery is described as Michigan's first functioning farm distillery and as a farm-to-bottle business that grows and buys locally sourced grains to distill small-batch spirits. The company operates on a restored farm from the 1890s, and the entire process is done by hand on the farm. The tagline and narrative revolve around anchoring in the Betsie River area and an environmentally conscious approach to production.

Production and Terroir

According to the history, the grain is grown and harvested on their own farm, and grain from other Michigan farmers is also sold, suggesting a combination of in-house cultivation and externally sourced grain. Production takes place as farming and a distillery on-site, where the processes and products are shaped by an environmental approach that emphasizes the relationship between soil, water, and craftsmanship. It mentions a focus on non-GMO grain and an environmental certification through a third party. Emphasis is placed on historical references, such as Steelhead Trout and Betsie River, as symbols of bringing spirits back to their origin and the nature surrounding the distillery.

Products and the Whisky Series

Iron Fish Distillery produces a range of different whiskies and finishing spirits: - Copper Queen Whiskey: A commemorative whiskey, not available in the tasting room, but available in MI and WI stores. - Four Cask: A blend of four whiskies (a combination of bourbon and finished whiskies), described as a complex blend and one of the company's flagship products. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels: Bourbon finished in old milkweed barrels through a maple syrup finish; prices and medals are mentioned on the product page. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Casks: Bourbon finished in Caribbean rum casks. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac Barrels: Bourbon finished in cognac barrels, with descriptions of fruity and toffee-like aroma notes. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Craft Beer Barrels: Bourbon finished in handcrafted beer barrels. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Imperial Stout Casks: Malted and chocolatey notes, finished in Imperial Stout casks. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels (multiple versions): Another Maple Syrup finish, described as a contrast between grain and maple. - Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks: Spicy rye, finished in rum casks for sweetness and spicy notes. - Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Mezcal Barrels: Limited edition finishing in mezcal barrels, giving smoky and sweet notes.

In addition, it states that several products are available via home delivery in 38 states and some are available in specific markets and stores in Michigan and Wisconsin. Some products are also listed as priced/award-winning in price lists and in the 'Spirits' category.

Visits and Experiences

The distillery offers tours and experiences as part of their offerings, including guided tours and various events throughout the year. There are also events such as Fireside Toast and Hike, as well as various live music and wine-tasting events held in and around the Tasting Room and Headwaters Lounge. Private events and gift cards for tours are also mentioned.

Philosophy and Social Responsibility

The philosophy is described as a combination of 'Farm to Bottle' and a focus on soil, water, and sustainability. The destination is an environmentally certified farm with non-GMO grain and a historic approach to distilling, where ethics and social responsibility are highly valued, including donations and support for local cultural institutions (e.g., the Copper Queen project for the Calumet Theatre).

Summary

Iron Fish Distillery presents itself as a Michigan-based, fully integrated farm distillery focusing on locally grown grain, environmental responsibility, and a range of finish whiskies (both bourbon and rye) as well as related spirits. There is a strong emphasis on storytelling, the district's culture, and experiential offerings through tours, events, and tastings.