How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Michigan

Copper Kettle Distilling

Prudenville,

Michigan

— Vodka, Rum, Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏞️

Lake Country

Only craft distillery in Houghton Lake area

👫

Family Operation

Tim distills, Amy hosts, both teach

🔥

Copper Pot Stills

Traditional equipment, small-batch approach

👀

See Production

Active distilling happens during visits

🌾

Three Spirits

Vodka, rum, whiskey all made on-site

🎣

Vacation Stop

Perfect break from lake activities

📞 (989) 302-8200

🌐 http://www.copperkettledistilling.com/

📍 939 W Houghton Lake Dr, Prudenville, MI 48651, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Michigan Lake Country Gets Its Own Distillery

Copper Kettle Distilling sits along Houghton Lake Drive in Prudenville, Michigan, bringing craft spirits to Michigan’s lake country. Founded by Tim and Amy Schoonover, this small-batch operation opened its doors to focus on producing quality vodka, rum, and whiskey using traditional copper pot stills. The distillery operates out of a converted space that maintains an intimate, workshop-like atmosphere where visitors can get up close to the production process. You’ll find copper stills gleaming behind glass, and the whole operation feels refreshingly hands-on rather than overly polished. The Schoonovers built this place to be approachable—somewhere locals and lake visitors alike could stop in, learn about distilling, and taste spirits made right on site. They’ve kept things deliberately small-scale, focusing on perfecting their craft rather than maximizing volume. The location puts them in the heart of Michigan’s vacation territory, making them a natural stop for folks exploring the Houghton Lake area.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

WHAT SETS THEM APART

Traditional Copper Stills In Vacation Territory

Copper Kettle stands out as one of the few craft distilleries serving Michigan’s lake country, giving them a geographic advantage in an area better known for fishing and recreation than spirits production. Their commitment to small-batch production using traditional copper pot stills creates a more artisanal approach than many larger operations. The husband-and-wife team brings a personal touch that you won’t find at corporate distilleries—Tim handles much of the production while Amy manages the front of house, creating an authentic family operation. Their location in vacation territory means they’ve designed their experience around visitors who might be discovering craft spirits for the first time, making them particularly welcoming to newcomers.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Active Production Floor Not a Show

When you walk into Copper Kettle, you’re stepping into an active distillery where production happens just feet away from the tasting room. The space feels more like a craftsman’s workshop than a slick tourist attraction, with copper stills visible and the actual smell of grain and fermentation in the air. Tastings happen at a simple bar setup where either Tim or Amy will walk you through their lineup, explaining how each spirit gets made and what makes their process different. You can watch the distillation process during production hours, and they’re happy to explain what’s happening at each stage. The whole experience feels personal rather than scripted—these aren’t professional tour guides reading from scripts, but the actual people making the spirits.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Perfect Lake Vacation Side Quest

If you’re exploring the Houghton Lake area and want to try something beyond the typical lake town activities, Copper Kettle offers a genuine craft distillery experience without the crowds or pretension of bigger operations. It’s perfect for couples looking for a unique stop during a lake vacation or anyone curious about small-batch distilling. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy tasting rooms—this is more about meeting the people behind the spirits and seeing the real production process. The intimate setting means you’ll learn more about actual distilling than you would at many larger facilities. It’s especially worthwhile if you appreciate supporting small, local businesses that are doing something authentic rather than chasing trends.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, as hours can vary based on production schedules and seasonal patterns in the lake area. The distillery is small, so groups larger than six should definitely give them a heads up. Ask Tim about the technical side of their process if you’re interested in distilling—he’s knowledgeable and happy to share details about their equipment and methods. Don’t expect a full restaurant or elaborate gift shop, but they do sell bottles to take home. Parking is straightforward, and the location is easy to find along Houghton Lake Drive. If you’re staying in the area for a few days, they’re worth combining with other local stops rather than making them the sole destination for a trip.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Copper Kettle Distilling — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?

Reservations aren’t required for small groups, but it’s smart to call ahead since this is a small operation with varying hours. If you’re bringing more than six people, definitely give them advance notice so they can accommodate your group properly.

What spirits do they make?

Copper Kettle focuses on vodka, rum, and whiskey, all made in small batches using traditional copper pot stills. They keep their lineup focused rather than trying to make everything, allowing them to perfect their core spirits.

Can I see the actual distilling process?

Yes, the production area is visible from the tasting room, and during production hours you can watch the distillation process. The owners are happy to explain what’s happening and answer questions about their equipment and methods.

GETTING THERE

Find Copper Kettle Distilling

📍939 W Houghton Lake Dr, Prudenville, MI 48651, USA

—

📞 (989) 302-8200

The 50 States of Whiskey

Find a Craft Distillery

Search from nearly 1,500 Distilleries
in all 50 States

Never Miss A Thing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

SMART BUYING GUIDES

The Right Gear Matters

Honest recommendations on everything around the bottle.

Best Clear Ice Makers for Bourbon (2026)

The Best Bourbon Decanters: A No-Nonsense Guide to What’s Actually Worth Buying

The Best Home Bar Carts and Bar Cabinets for Bourbon Lovers (2026 Guide)

Best Bourbon Smoker Kits (2026) – Worth the Smoke?

Best Whiskey Glasses for Bourbon: 5 Glasses Every Bourbon Drinker Should Own

NEAT OR NOT

Whiskey Reviews

RD1 Distillery

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

Tom’s Foolery Farm and Distillery

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

Leather & Oak Spirits

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

Barrel 21 Distillery

Kentucky

Neat or Not Rating:

KEEP EXPLORING Michigan