How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Michigan

Old Mission Distilling

Traverse City,

Michigan

— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka, Gin

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🥃

Historic First

Michigan’s only distillery since Prohibition era

🌊

Peninsula Water

Limestone aquifer creates unique mineral profile

🌽

Local Grains

Michigan corn and wheat in every mash

⚗️

Live Production

Watch copper stills running during tours

🏆

Award Winner

Double gold at San Francisco competition

❄️

Climate Aging

Great Lakes winters create distinct flavors

📞 (231) 224-6011

🌐 https://oldmissiondistilling.com/

📍 13795 Seven Hills Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Michigan's First Craft Distillery Since Prohibition

Old Mission Distilling sits on the Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City, Michigan’s first craft distillery since Prohibition. Founded by Dave Vargo and his partners in 2014, this operation started as a dream to bring traditional distilling back to a region better known for cherries and wine. Vargo, a former business executive, partnered with master distiller Don Kowalski to launch operations in a converted warehouse space overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. The distillery produces bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin using locally sourced grains when possible, with their bourbon aged in new American oak barrels. The 4,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, the same company that supplies many Kentucky bourbon legends. What started as weekend passion project became a full-time operation after their first bourbon won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017. The team sources corn from Michigan farms and uses water filtered through the peninsula’s limestone bedrock, creating spirits that reflect their Great Lakes terroir.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Great Lakes Terroir Shapes Every Barrel

Old Mission holds the distinction of being Michigan’s first craft distillery since the end of Prohibition, bringing bourbon production back to a state that once had thriving distilling traditions. Their location on the Old Mission Peninsula puts them at the 45th parallel—the same latitude as some of France’s premier wine regions—creating unique aging conditions with cold winters and warm summers that affect how their spirits mature in barrels. The distillery sources Michigan corn and wheat when available, and their water comes from wells that tap into the peninsula’s limestone aquifer, giving their spirits a mineral profile distinct from Kentucky bourbon. Master distiller Don Kowalski brings decades of brewing experience to whiskey production, applying fermentation knowledge that creates complex flavor profiles in their mash bills.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Working Copper Stills Right Before Your Eyes

You’ll walk into a working distillery where the smell of fermenting grain hits you immediately, and you can see the copper stills actively running during production days. Tours are led by knowledgeable staff who explain the mash-to-bottle process while you watch operations in real time. The tasting room overlooks the production floor through large windows, so you can sip their bourbon while watching barrels being filled or spirits being distilled. Tastings include their core lineup plus limited releases when available, with staff explaining how Michigan’s climate affects aging differently than traditional bourbon regions. The space feels industrial but welcoming, with high ceilings, concrete floors, and the constant hum of working equipment reminding you this isn’t just a tasting room—it’s an active distillery.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Bourbon Beyond Kentucky Worth the Discovery

This appeals most to bourbon enthusiasts curious about how whiskey tastes when made outside Kentucky’s traditional regions, and to visitors who want to see actual production rather than just polished tasting rooms. You’ll get honest insights into craft distilling challenges and taste spirits with unique character profiles shaped by Michigan terroir. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy amenities—this is a working distillery focused on production first. The experience works best for people who appreciate learning about process and technique rather than those seeking entertainment or Instagram-worthy spaces. If you’re touring Michigan’s wine country on the peninsula, it’s worth stopping to taste how local grains and water translate into whiskey.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to confirm production schedules since tours are best when stills are actively running and you can see the full process in action. The distillery is about 20 minutes north of downtown Traverse City on the peninsula, and GPS works fine though the industrial area might not look like typical tourist destinations. Visit during weekday afternoons when possible since that’s when most production happens and staff can spend more time explaining technical details. Ask specifically about their bourbon aging process and how Michigan’s temperature swings affect flavor development—it’s genuinely different from southern climates. Bottle selection varies based on production cycles, so if you taste something you like, buy it on-site since distribution is limited.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Old Mission Distilling — Visitor FAQ

How does Michigan climate affect bourbon aging compared to Kentucky?

Michigan’s colder winters and milder summers create different barrel aging conditions than Kentucky’s hot climate. The spirits move in and out of the wood more slowly, creating different flavor extraction patterns and generally requiring longer aging times to achieve similar complexity.

Do you use Michigan-grown grains in your whiskey?

They source Michigan corn and wheat when available and work with local farmers, though grain availability varies by season and harvest quality. The distillery prioritizes local sourcing but maintains quality standards for their mash bills.

Can I visit during production to see the stills running?

Production schedules vary, so calling ahead helps ensure you’ll see active distillation during your visit. Weekday afternoons often offer the best chance to see the complete process in action and interact with staff who aren’t busy with weekend crowds.

GETTING THERE

Find Old Mission Distilling

📍13795 Seven Hills Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA

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📞 (231) 224-6011

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