Michigan Moonshine Distillery sits on Chicago Drive in Grandville, just outside Grand Rapids, bringing authentic moonshine production to West Michigan. Founded by distiller Mike VanderKolk, who turned his passion for traditional corn whiskey into a legitimate operation, the distillery opened its doors to showcase the craft behind America’s most notorious spirit. VanderKolk spent years perfecting his recipes and navigating the complex regulations to transform what was once an underground tradition into a legal, visitor-friendly business.
The operation focuses on small-batch moonshine production using traditional methods and locally-sourced corn when possible. VanderKolk’s approach honors the heritage of moonshine while meeting modern safety and quality standards, creating spirits that capture the authentic character of unaged corn whiskey. The distillery represents Michigan’s growing craft spirits scene, particularly in the moonshine category where few distilleries specialize exclusively.
Visitors can experience the moonshine-making process firsthand, learning about the history and techniques behind this uniquely American spirit. The facility offers tastings of their various moonshine expressions, from traditional clear corn whiskey to flavored varieties. It’s a straightforward operation focused on education and quality production rather than flashy amenities, giving you an honest look at craft moonshine distillation in Michigan.