History

Long Road Distillers is an award-winning grain-to-glass distillery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They describe themselves as Michigan's award-winning grain-to-glass distillery and have a portfolio featuring whiskey, gin, liqueurs and other beverages, including Michigan Apple Brandy and several craft cocktails on the menu.

Production / Manufacturing

• All distilling is done 100% on-site from Michigan-grown wheat (red winter wheat), which is supported by their description of a grain-to-glass approach.
• One of their special releases is Asparagin, a gin including fresh asparagus grown in West Michigan, with botanicals such as dill, tarragon, chives, capers, lemon zest and hand-harvested ingredients from Beaver Island. Juniper comes from Beaver Island, and the asparagus is grown in Mears, Michigan.
• Asparagin is released in collaboration with the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board and bears the Pure Michigan and Michigan Asparagus logos on the label. The limited quantity is available in Long Road's tasting rooms and at selected retailers in Michigan. Distribution is handled through Imperial Beverage Company.
• The portfolio also includes whiskey and other spirits such as Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, Straight Corn Whiskey, as well as Michigan Apple Brandy and various liqueurs.

Products / Whiskey Series

• Straight Bourbon
• Straight Rye Whiskey
• Wheat Whiskey
• Straight Corn Whiskey
• In addition to these, they also offer other spirits such as Michigan Apple Brandy and various liqueurs, but the whiskey lineup primarily comprises the four types above.

Visits and Experiences

• Long Road Distillers has experience spaces in Grand Rapids and Grand Haven and offers handcrafted cocktails and high-quality food in connection with their concepts.
• Distillery Tour + Tasting gives guests the opportunity to gain insight into the distillation process and sample their spirits afterward.
• Weekly events include Espresso Martini Night and Tender Tuesday as well as Industry Night, where you can enjoy specials and offerings at the bar.
• Additional events include cocktail classes such as Crafting Holiday Classics – Cocktail Class at Less Traveled, and corporate or guest bartender events through their blog and partnerships.
• Their blog series Behind the Bar with Long Road Distillers provides insights from bartenders and partners in Michigan.

Philosophy

• They place emphasis on local farming and a local, grains-to-glass approach that highlights Michigan ingredients and collaborations with local boards (e.g., the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board).
• Asparagin demonstrates their willingness to cross boundaries in flavor and ingredients—a combination of "a little wild, a little quirky, and surprisingly tasty."
• Their approach is to convey craftsmanship, local engagement, and to create experiences through accessible events and tastings in their own spaces and with partners.