Long Road Distillers sits in Grand Rapids’ West Side in a converted warehouse space on Leonard Street, where Kyle VanStrien and Jon O’Connor started crafting spirits in 2013. The pair met through mutual friends and bonded over their shared interest in quality spirits and the idea of building something from scratch in Michigan’s emerging craft distilling scene. Their 4,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and serves as both production space and tasting room, where they focus on whiskey, gin, and vodka using locally-sourced grains when possible. VanStrien handles much of the production side while O’Connor focuses on the business operations, though both are hands-on in every aspect of the operation. They started with a 250-gallon copper pot still and have expanded their equipment over the years to meet growing demand. The name “Long Road” reflects their philosophy about the patience required in distilling – particularly with whiskey, where the real magic happens during aging. They’ve built relationships with local farmers and suppliers, sourcing Michigan wheat and corn for their grain bills. The tasting room has an industrial-meets-rustic feel with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and views into the production area where visitors can see the stills and barrels. You’ll often find one of the founders or their small team behind the bar, happy to talk about their process and the stories behind each spirit. They’ve built a loyal local following while also attracting visitors from across Michigan who appreciate their straightforward approach to craft distilling without the pretense.