Motor City Gas sits on East 4th Street in downtown Royal Oak, bringing craft whiskey production to one of metro Detroit’s most walkable neighborhoods. Founded by Jeff Kantor, who transitioned from the automotive industry to distilling, the operation opened its doors in 2016 with a focus on small-batch whiskey production. The distillery occupies a converted commercial space that maintains an industrial feel while serving as both production facility and tasting room. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal spirits using traditional copper pot stills, with Kantor handling much of the distillation work himself alongside a small team of local whiskey enthusiasts who’ve helped build the operation from the ground up. Kantor’s journey into distilling began as a home hobby that grew into something more serious when he realized Michigan’s craft spirits scene was just starting to take off. The decision to locate in Royal Oak came from wanting to be part of the city’s revitalized downtown district, where foot traffic and a younger demographic would appreciate craft spirits. The distillery represents part of Michigan’s broader movement toward local spirits production, joining the state’s growing reputation for craft beverages beyond just beer. Motor City Gas operates on a philosophy of taking time with their products rather than rushing spirits to market, aging their whiskeys properly even when cash flow pressures mount. Visitors find themselves in a working distillery where production happens alongside tastings and tours. The space feels authentic rather than polished, with copper stills visible from the tasting area and barrels aging in plain sight. The Royal Oak location means you can easily combine a distillery visit with dinner and drinks elsewhere in the downtown area. Motor City Gas appeals to whiskey drinkers who want to see the actual production process and talk directly with the people making the spirits, rather than experiencing a highly produced tour.