Gull Lake Distilling Company sits on East Michigan Avenue in Galesburg, a small town between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek that’s seen its share of economic ups and downs. Founded by Dave and Michelle Kunkel in 2018, this craft distillery emerged from Dave’s decades-long passion for home distilling that finally went legitimate. The couple transformed a former commercial space into a working distillery where they produce small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and flavored spirits using a custom 250-gallon copper still. Dave handles the production side while Michelle manages the business operations, creating what locals call one of the most authentic craft spirits experiences in southwest Michigan. The Kunkels didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. Dave spent years perfecting recipes as a hobbyist, studying traditional methods and experimenting with grain bills until he developed signatures that friends couldn’t stop talking about. After navigating Michigan’s licensing maze and convincing city officials that a distillery could revitalize their stretch of Michigan Avenue, they opened with a clear mission: make spirits the way they’d want to drink them. The operation remains intentionally small, with Dave personally overseeing every batch and Michelle handling tastings that feel more like visiting friends than a corporate experience. Visitors find a no-frills operation where you can actually watch production happen and talk directly with the people making your whiskey. The tasting room has a relaxed, neighborhood feel where conversation flows as easily as the spirits. You’re not getting polished corporate tours here – you’re getting authentic access to a working distillery where two people turned their passion into a business that’s quietly building a reputation among Michigan whiskey enthusiasts.