History

Mammoth Distilling is a northern Michigan-based distillery, described as pouring its spirits from the glacial lake and hillside regions of Northern Michigan and reflecting the region's native character in its ingredients. Since its founding they have engaged in the Rosen Rye Project on South Manitou Island and the development of a range of whiskey expressions as well as other craft spirits.

Production / Manufacturing

The team behind Mammoth focuses on local farming and water of high purity in their production. Some of the key production points include: - Vodka and gin are produced with locally grown grain and water from Torch Lake; Mammoth Vodka is distilled in a 650-liter hybrid still with many trays and bubble caps, and finished by adding Torch Lake water to 80 proof. - Gin is produced through fractional distillation of six botanical ingredients, with each ingredient distilled separately to preserve its character, after which the blend rests in stainless steel tanks before bottling. - Woolly Rye is a high-malt rye spirit with a mash bill of around 88% Wheeler rye, 10% malted barley and 2% caramel malt, distilled in their own pot still and aged in new American white oak casks. - Woolly Bourbon has a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% rye and 10% malted barley (with local grains and water) and is aged in new, charred casks; they especially start at a low entry proof to preserve more of the aging flavor. - Northern Single Malt is produced from 100% Conlon barley, dried using hot drying processes and peated with peat, aged in second-use casks and distilled twice in copper stills. - Northern Rye series explores terroir through different fractions and finishes in used casks – including aging in Canadian and American casks as well as finishing in cherry wood, pommeau and brandy casks to achieve fruity and complex notes. - Barrel-Finished Gin and Barrel-augmented products show how gin botanicals can gain extra warmth and depth through storage in used rye casks.

Products / Whisky Series

• Northern Rye No. 01: Highlights a blend of Manitoba/Alberta rye with various finishes and features, 50% ABV.
• Northern Rye No. 02: New chapters with rye from Alberta, finishes in Pinot Noir French oak casks and port finishes, as well as other small blends.
• Northern Rye No. 03: Involves cherry blossoms, cherry wood and Montmorency cherry-brandy finished casks to create floral and fruity notes.
• Northern Rye No. 04: Consists of several rye fractions with older age statements and finishes in different casks, inspired by Northern Michigan's noble rhubarb products and apples.
• Woolly Rye: A high-malt rye spirit with a potent spicy and woody finish, based on a local Northern Michigan rye mash.
• Woolly Bourbon: A Northern expression of bourbon with a high malt content and younger, blended finishes, giving a distinctive northern profile.
• Northern Bourbon: Bourbon blend of traditional American bourbon blended with Woolly and finished on cherry wood for a northern character.
• Northern Single Malt: 100% Conlon barley malt, peat-smoked in Michigan, aged in second-use casks and highlighting terroir and smoke notes.
• Cherry Bounce: Cherry liqueur based on Michigan sour cherries and spices.
• Bourbon & Bounce: A unique blend of bourbon and Cherry Bounce, used both neat and in cocktails.
• Barrel-Finished Gin: Retains the six botanical fractions, but is aged in used rye casks to impart warmth and depth.

Visits / Experiences

Mammoth operates several tasting rooms and events across Michigan: Traverse City, Bay Harbor, Bellaire, Central Lake and Adrian, as well as Grand Rapids. They offer experiences such as pairing dinners, whiskey-blending experiences and tailored event solutions through their various locations. There is also the option to book events in partnerships and to participate in blending experiences as well as collective or private events.

Philosophy / Terroir

Their approach emphasizes terroir and local farming. They reference glacial water and local ingredients and strive to preserve the character of regional materials in each batch. The Rosen Rye Project on South Manitou Island also highlights a historical connection to Michigan's rye heritage and the use of Rosen rye, for which they have a genetically certified foundation to revive. Their products and processes show a strong belief that land, water, climate and craft together create distinctive spirit expressions.