Tucked into a historic brick building on Water Street in downtown Boyne City, Muskrat Distilling opened in 2019 as northern Michigan’s newest craft distillery. Founded by local entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to bring small-batch spirits to the Petoskey area, the distillery operates out of a renovated early 1900s commercial space that still retains its original tin ceilings and exposed brick walls. They focus on producing vodka, gin, and whiskey using locally sourced ingredients when possible. The operation runs on a modest scale with copper pot stills, allowing them to experiment with different recipes and techniques while maintaining quality control over every batch. You’ll find the space feels more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a corporate tasting room, with the production area visible through large windows so you can watch the distilling process in action. The team takes pride in their hands-on approach, from milling grain to bottling by hand, and they’re usually happy to explain their methods if you’re curious about the craft.