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

Traverse City Whiskey Co. – OUTPOST

Ferndale,

Michigan

— Bourbon, Rye

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🥃

Traverse City

Northern Michigan bourbon in Detroit metro

🍸

Craft Cocktails

House-made spirits in expert mixed drinks

🏙️

Urban Outpost

Sleek Woodward Avenue cocktail lounge

🌾

Straight Whiskey

Traditional bourbon and rye, no shortcuts

🛒

Bottle Sales

Take home spirits made up north

👥

Knowledgeable Staff

Bartenders who know their own whiskey

📞 (248) 602-2122

🌐 http://www.tcwhiskey.com/

📍 22812 Woodward Ave #200, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Northern Michigan Whiskey Comes to Detroit

Traverse City Whiskey Co. operates this Ferndale outpost as a tasting room and cocktail bar extension of their main distillery operation based in northern Michigan. The original distillery was founded by Chris Fredrickson, Moti Goldring, and Jared Rapp in Traverse City, where they’ve been crafting bourbon and rye whiskey since opening their doors. The Ferndale location brings their spirits south to the Detroit metro area, housed in a sleek space on Woodward Avenue that serves as both retail outlet and cocktail destination. You’ll find their signature straight bourbon and rye whiskeys here, along with craft cocktails that showcase what they’re producing up north. The outpost gives Detroit-area whiskey lovers a chance to experience Traverse City’s spirits without the drive to northern Michigan.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Craft Cocktails Made With Their Own Spirits

This is one of the few Michigan distillery outposts that brings northern Michigan craft spirits directly to the Detroit metro area. Traverse City Whiskey Co. has built a reputation for producing straight bourbon and rye using traditional methods, and this Ferndale location lets you experience their portfolio in an urban cocktail bar setting rather than the typical distillery tour experience. The combination of retail bottle sales and craft cocktails made with their own spirits creates a different kind of whiskey experience than most Michigan distilleries offer.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Urban Cocktail Bar Not Typical Distillery

You’re walking into a modern cocktail bar atmosphere where the focus is on experiencing Traverse City’s whiskeys through both neat tastings and craft cocktails. The bartenders know the spirits well and can guide you through the flavor profiles of their bourbon and rye offerings. The space feels more like an upscale cocktail lounge than a traditional distillery tasting room, which fits the urban Ferndale location. You can sample their spirits neat or try them in carefully crafted cocktails that highlight the whiskey’s characteristics.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Skip the Drive Get the Same Whiskey

If you’re a Michigan whiskey enthusiast who wants to try Traverse City’s spirits without driving north, this outpost delivers. It’s perfect for cocktail lovers who appreciate craft spirits and want to experience how a distillery’s products translate into mixed drinks. Don’t expect a traditional distillery experience with tours and production viewing – this is about tasting and cocktails. The location works well for Detroit-area residents who want to support Michigan craft spirits in a convenient urban setting.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to check current hours since outpost locations can have different schedules than main distilleries. The Woodward Avenue location is easy to find but parking in downtown Ferndale can fill up on weekend evenings. If you’re interested in their straight spirits, ask for neat tastings before trying cocktails. The staff can explain the differences between their bourbon and rye expressions. Consider buying bottles on-site since this gives you direct access to their spirits without hunting through liquor stores.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Traverse City Whiskey Co. – OUTPOST — Visitor FAQ

Is this the actual distillery or just a tasting room?

This is an outpost tasting room and cocktail bar. The actual distilling happens at their main facility in Traverse City. You can taste their spirits and buy bottles here, but there’s no production or distillery tours at this location.

Do they serve cocktails made with their own whiskey?

Yes, the cocktail menu features drinks made with Traverse City Whiskey Co.’s own bourbon and rye expressions. This lets you experience their spirits in both neat tastings and mixed drinks.

Can I buy bottles of their whiskey here?

Yes, they sell bottles of their bourbon and rye whiskeys on-site. This gives you direct access to their spirits without having to search through retail stores.

GETTING THERE

Find Traverse City Whiskey Co. – OUTPOST

📍22812 Woodward Ave #200, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA

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📞 (248) 602-2122

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