Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Great Lakes Distillery stands as a shining example of the city’s vibrant craft distilling scene.
With its dedication to artisanal spirits, innovative techniques, and a commitment to local ingredients, Great Lakes Distillery has become a beloved destination for spirit enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. In this blog post, we will take a virtual tour of Great Lakes Distillery, exploring its history, craftsmanship, unique spirits, and the passion that fuels its success.
I enjoyed a Sunday tour at Great Lakes Distillery with some close friends.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship:
Great Lakes Distillery has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 2004. It was one of the first craft distilleries to open in Wisconsin since Prohibition, pioneering a movement that celebrates the art of small-batch distilling. The distillery’s founders, Guy Rehorst and his team, set out to create spirits of exceptional quality, showcasing their dedication to craftsmanship and the unique flavors that can be achieved through small-scale production.
Artisanal Spirits and Local Ingredients:
Great Lakes Distillery takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create its artisanal spirits. From grains grown in the Midwest to botanicals harvested in Wisconsin, the distillery showcases the region’s bountiful resources. Whether it’s the base ingredients for their vodka, gin, or whiskey, or the unique botanicals that infuse their liqueurs, Great Lakes Distillery highlights the flavors and character of the surrounding landscape in each bottle.
Innovative Distilling Techniques:
The distilling process at Great Lakes Distillery combines traditional methods with innovative techniques to produce spirits of exceptional quality. The team uses a variety of stills, including a copper pot still, to extract and refine the flavors of their spirits. They carefully monitor the fermentation, distillation, and aging processes to achieve the desired flavor profiles, ensuring that each batch meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Signature Spirits:
Great Lakes Distillery offers a diverse range of spirits, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. Their award-winning Rehorst Vodka is crafted from Midwest-grown wheat and barley, resulting in a smooth and clean spirit. The Roaring Dan’s Rum pays homage to Wisconsin’s seafaring history and is crafted with pure cane sugar and molasses. The distillery’s Kinnickinnic Whiskey combines locally sourced grains and oak aging to create a rich and complex flavor profile. These are just a few examples of the exceptional spirits that can be found at Great Lakes Distillery, each crafted with care and precision.
Tasting Room and Distillery Tours:
Visitors to Great Lakes Distillery can enjoy a tasting experience that showcases the flavors and craftsmanship of their spirits. The distillery offers guided tours, allowing guests to learn about the distilling process, explore the facility, and gain insight into the artistry behind each bottle. The tasting room provides a comfortable and welcoming space to sample their spirits, engage with knowledgeable staff, and appreciate the attention to detail that goes into every pour.
XOXO,
Katie
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