Les Cheneaux Distillers sits in Cedarville, Michigan, right in the heart of the Les Cheneaux Islands region where the Upper Peninsula meets Lake Huron. Founded by Steve and Cindy Hagen in 2016, this small craft distillery emerged from their passion for creating quality spirits in one of Michigan’s most scenic areas. Steve, who had a background in business, partnered with his wife to transform their dream of craft distilling into reality in this tight-knit community of just over 600 people. They produce vodka, gin, and whiskey in small batches, focusing on quality ingredients and traditional methods.
The Hagens didn’t take the typical path to distilling – they spent years researching and planning before opening their doors, learning the craft and understanding what it would take to succeed in Michigan’s growing spirits scene. Their approach centers on using local ingredients when possible and creating spirits that reflect the character of the Les Cheneaux region. The distillery operates as a true small-batch operation, with Steve handling much of the production while Cindy manages the business side and customer experience.
When you visit, you’re stepping into a genuine small-town distillery where the owners are usually on-site and happy to share their story. The tasting room has that authentic craft distillery feel – not overly polished, but welcoming and focused on the spirits. You can taste their products, learn about their process, and get a real sense of what it takes to run a small distillery in rural Michigan. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave knowing more about craft spirits and feeling like you’ve discovered something special.