History

Northern Latitudes Distillery was founded by Mandy and Mark Moseler in Michigan. The idea arose over cocktails and friendship when the state of Michigan passed P.A. 218 in 2008, which allowed small distilleries to operate in the state. Mark enrolled in a three-day distilling course at Michigan State University in the spring of 2009. They later moved to Lake Leelanau and began renovating the building in March 2012, and the German-made distilling apparatus arrived in August of that year. The shops opened their doors on October 4, 2012. Today the company is in its eighth year with a loyal staff and a strong local community supporting the dream.

Their story describes a journey from an idea to turn beet sugar into spirits to the establishment of a lasting distillery in Lake Leelanau. A notable element of the story is the customers' return visits — "We were here the first year, and we come back every year to see you."

The philosophy behind the production and the place emphasizes a strong connection to the local community and the nature around Leelanau. Northern Latitudes describes itself as a company driven by an adventurous and refined spirit and a clear reference to the fresh air and clear water found in this area.

Production & Location

The distillery was renovated in 2012, and a German distilling apparatus arrived the same year. The first sales day was October 4, 2012, and since then the company has expanded its presence with a main site in Lake Leelanau and a satellite in Suttons Bay. Production includes a wide range of spirits, including vodka and liqueurs, with some products marketed under sustainable initiatives such as paper bottles with a high recycled-content. They have also begun distributing their products in Michigan as a result of changes in the law, and there are a number of retailers and hotels/restaurants carrying their products.

Products / Whisky Series

Northern Latitudes produces a range of spirits, with their whiskey lineup including several bourbons and rye whiskies: - Latitudes Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Mash contains 40% wheat, double pot-still distillation, aged in Minnesota oak barrels for at least 5 years. Alcohol strength: 88 proof (44% ABV). - Deer Camp Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Mash bill 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley; age not specified in the description; Alcohol strength 86 proof (43% ABV). - Finish Line – a bourbon aged at least 5 years and finished in Brazilian Amburana wood, 90 proof (45% ABV). - Deer Camp Rye Whiskey – Mash bill 95% rye and 5% malted barley; aged 4 years in new charred American oak barrels; 86 proof (43% ABV).

In addition to whiskies, the company also offers other products such as Moonshine, liqueurs and creams (e.g. On the Rocks Bourbon Cream and Crema di Limoncello) as well as unique Burgundy-like or tropical varieties (e.g. Saskatoon Berry Liqueur, Cherry Bounce, Orange Liqueur, Northern Roots Ginger Liqueur, Limoncello di Leelanau, Mackinac Island Fudge Chocolate Liqueur and Leelanau Luau Macadamia Nut Liqueur). Several of these products use special packaging solutions, such as paper bottles with a high proportion of recycled materials to reduce the environmental footprint.

Visits & Experiences

Northern Latitudes operates two destination sites: Lake Leelanau and Suttons Bay. The Lake Leelanau edition offers spirit tastings, a full cocktail bar and a kitchen, outdoor areas and the possibility for expanded production of NLD spirits. The Suttons Bay location also offers spirits and coffee and has a coffee bar serving organic Higher Grounds coffee as well as pastries and local delicacies. Both locations have hours listed on the website (Lake Leelanau: noon-7 PM Mon-Sat and noon-5 Sun; Suttons Bay: 9 AM-6 PM Mon-Thu, 9 AM-7 PM Fri-Sat, 9 AM-4 PM Sun).

In addition, there is mention of a push for self-distribution in Michigan through changes in the law, enabling direct distribution to retailers and restaurants in certain markets. The Suttons Bay location also announces a "Spirits & Coffee" concept with a full coffee bar.

Philosophy

The inspiration behind Northern Latitudes is described as: "In the adventurous spirit of this rugged yet refined place, we celebrate these unique spirits, colored by the pure air and the fresh water found only here in Leelanau." This quote indicates an approach that combines natural abundance, craft and a curious spirit in the distillery's philosophy.