Sanctuary Spirits sits on East Saginaw Highway in Grand Ledge, Michigan, about 20 minutes west of Lansing. Founded by husband-and-wife team Aaron and Kim Bergh in 2018, this craft distillery emerged from Aaron’s background in brewing and their shared passion for creating premium spirits. The couple converted a former industrial space into their production facility and tasting room, installing custom copper stills and creating an intimate space where visitors can watch the entire distillation process. They focus on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal spirits, with everything distilled, aged, and bottled on-site. The Berghs didn’t take the typical path to distilling. Aaron spent years in the brewing industry before deciding to pivot to spirits, bringing his fermentation expertise and attention to detail into whiskey production. Kim handles much of the business operations and visitor experience, creating the welcoming atmosphere that defines Sanctuary. They chose Grand Ledge specifically for its proximity to quality grain sources and the supportive local community. The name ‘Sanctuary’ reflects their vision of creating a peaceful retreat where people can slow down and appreciate handcrafted spirits. When you visit, you’re stepping into their working distillery where the smell of fermenting mash and aging oak fills the air. The tasting room feels more like a friend’s well-appointed basement bar than a corporate facility, with exposed brick, warm lighting, and spirits displayed behind a handcrafted bar. You can see the stills through large windows, and on production days, you’ll witness the actual distillation process. The experience centers around education and conversation, with Aaron or Kim often personally guiding tastings and sharing stories about their journey from brewing to distilling.