River Raisin Distillery sits on West Main Street in Manchester, Michigan, bringing craft spirits to this small town about 20 miles southwest of Ann Arbor. Founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Meredith Mooney, the distillery opened its doors in 2017 after years of planning and navigating the complexities of establishing Michigan’s craft distilling regulations. Matt, who previously worked in automotive engineering, partnered with Meredith to turn their shared passion for craft spirits into a full-scale operation that focuses on bourbon, rye whiskey, and gin production. The Mooneys didn’t just jump into distilling—they spent considerable time learning the craft and understanding Michigan’s emerging distillery landscape. Their approach centers on small-batch production using locally sourced grains when possible, and they’ve built relationships with Michigan farmers to support the local agricultural community. The distillery operates with a philosophy of quality over speed, aging their whiskeys properly rather than rushing products to market, which meant patience during those early years when cash flow was tight but the vision was clear. Visitors to River Raisin find themselves in a working distillery where you can see the entire production process, from milling grain to bottling. The tasting room has a relaxed, approachable vibe where Matt or Meredith often personally guide tastings, sharing stories about their journey from automotive careers to craft distilling. You’ll taste spirits that reflect their commitment to traditional methods combined with their own innovations, and the experience feels more like visiting friends who happen to make excellent whiskey than a corporate tasting room.