Northern Latitudes Distillery sits in downtown Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula, where founders Joe and Melissa Short turned their passion for craft spirits into Michigan’s northernmost craft distillery in 2015. Joe brings decades of experience in the beverage industry, while Melissa handles the business operations that keep this family venture running. They converted a former retail space on North St. Joseph Street into a sleek tasting room and production facility, complete with custom copper stills and a welcoming bar area that draws both locals and tourists exploring the region’s wine country. The Shorts didn’t just stumble into distilling—they spent years researching techniques and equipment before launching Northern Latitudes. Joe’s background in the beverage industry gave him the foundation, but they learned distillation from the ground up, focusing on small-batch production that reflects the northern Michigan terroir. Their approach centers on using local ingredients when possible and creating spirits that pair well with the region’s outdoor lifestyle. The distillery name reflects their location at the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and North Pole, which they see as the perfect latitude for crafting spirits. Visitors find a modern tasting room with views into the production area, where you can watch the distillation process during operating hours. The atmosphere strikes a balance between professional craft distillery and neighborhood gathering spot. You’ll taste spirits that range from traditional whiskeys to more experimental offerings, all while learning about the specific techniques that set Northern Latitudes apart from larger producers.