Michigan’s Finest: Top Whiskey Bars to Explore

Michigan is home to an impressive selection of whiskey bars, each offering its own unique ambiance and drink selections. From rustic lounges filled with history to modern settings with innovative whiskey selections, these venues reflect the state’s deep appreciation for quality spirits.

The Oakland

The Oakland, located in Ferndale, is known for its dimly lit, cozy atmosphere and extensive whiskey menu. With over 150 whiskey selections, ranging from American bourbons to rare Scotch whiskies, this bar has cultivated a loyal following.

Local favorites like Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare are often highlighted, but the bar’s mixologists also craft some of the most inventive whiskey cocktails in the region, using top-shelf spirits as their base.

Regular patrons praise the knowledgeable staff, who expertly guide customers through the diverse whiskey selection, ensuring an unparalleled experience for both connoisseurs and newcomers.

The Whiskey Factory

Located in the heart of Detroit, The Whiskey Factory is an innovative distillery and bar that crafts some of the finest whiskey in Michigan. Known for their signature rye whiskey, which has won numerous awards, the Factory offers an immersive experience with tours and tastings.

The bar serves their house-made spirits, including the critically acclaimed Detroit City Rye, which boasts notes of caramel and spice. In addition to their own whiskey, they offer a curated selection of American and international whiskeys. The industrial yet warm ambiance makes it a perfect spot for whiskey lovers looking for both education and enjoyment.

Wright & Company

In downtown Detroit, Wright & Company stands out not only for its stylish decor but also for its whiskey offerings. Known for carrying rare bottles such as the Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, Wright & Company is a whiskey aficionado’s dream. The bar’s carefully selected whiskey list includes over 200 bottles, with an emphasis on small-batch bourbons and single malt Scotches.

Patrons can also enjoy custom whiskey flights, allowing them to explore different regions and styles of whiskey in one sitting. The venue itself offers a refined atmosphere, complete with large windows overlooking the city streets.

The Last Word

The Last Word in Ann Arbor is known for its cozy, intimate setting and rare whiskey offerings. The bar features an impressive selection of over 300 whiskeys, including some hard-to-find Japanese whiskies like Hibiki and Yamazaki. Local whiskey enthusiasts often frequent The Last Word for its meticulously crafted whiskey cocktails and the staff’s extensive knowledge of the spirit.

The bar’s whiskey flight specials, which rotate weekly, are particularly popular, providing a chance to sample rare and high-end selections. Patrons appreciate the welcoming environment, where both novices and whiskey experts feel at home.

Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery

Situated on the outskirts of Detroit, the Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery offers a full-on whiskey experience, from the distillation process to the tasting room. Known for their handcrafted bourbon and rye, Motor City Gas focuses on small-batch production to maintain high quality.

The bar offers a variety of their own spirits, including limited releases of single barrel whiskeys. Guests can also purchase bottles directly from the distillery, making it a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. In addition to whiskey, Motor City Gas features a rustic ambiance, with wood and steel accents, reflecting Detroit’s industrial history.

The Spirits Whiskey Bar & Lounge at Gold Country Casino Resort

At the heart of the Gold Country Casino Resort in Michigan, The Spirits Whiskey Bar & Lounge offers a sophisticated setting to enjoy meticulously crafted whiskey selections. While this venue provides an exemplary in-person experience, gambling enthusiasts across Michigan have the flexibility to replicate the casino ambiance from any local whiskey bar or even from home, courtesy of the Michigan online casinos.

These platforms extend the thrill of the game beyond traditional casino walls, offering state-of-the-art gaming technology and a wide array of entertainment options.

The Spirits is known for its selection of premium American bourbons and Scotch whiskeys, making it a popular destination for whiskey lovers and casino-goers alike.

Grand Traverse Distillery

The Grand Traverse Distillery, located in Traverse City, is one of Michigan’s premier craft distilleries. Specializing in whiskey, Grand Traverse is known for its award-winning Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is made from 100% locally sourced grains.

Visitors can enjoy tastings in their downtown tasting room or tour the distillery to see how their whiskey is made. Grand Traverse also offers limited-edition single barrel whiskeys, which are highly sought after by collectors. The distillery’s commitment to quality and local ingredients makes it a standout in Michigan’s whiskey scene.

The Sugar House

Located in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, The Sugar House is a speakeasy-style bar known for its craft cocktails and impressive whiskey list. The bar features over 300 whiskeys, including a mix of classic American brands like Maker’s Mark and newer craft distilleries.

The Sugar House is particularly popular for its whiskey-based cocktails, which are expertly crafted by some of Detroit’s top bartenders. The cozy, dimly lit atmosphere provides the perfect setting for sipping a fine whiskey or indulging in one of their signature cocktails, such as the Whiskey Smash or Old Fashioned.

Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is known for its rotating stock market-style beer prices, but its whiskey selection is just as noteworthy. The bar carries a wide range of both affordable and high-end whiskeys, including popular Michigan-made whiskeys like Journeyman Distillery’s Featherbone Bourbon.

The fun and energetic atmosphere, combined with its unique pricing system, makes it a great spot to enjoy whiskey in a lively setting. Whether you’re sipping on a local whiskey or a top-shelf Scotch, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange offers an unforgettable experience for both whiskey and craft beer lovers.

The Whiskey Parlor

The Whiskey Parlor, located in a historic building in downtown Detroit, offers an old-world charm that pairs perfectly with its extensive whiskey selection. The Parlor features over 200 whiskeys from around the world, including rare bottles of Scotch, bourbon, and rye.

Guests can enjoy whiskey flights or sip on classic whiskey cocktails like the Sazerac or Manhattan. The bar’s knowledgeable staff is always on hand to help patrons navigate the vast menu, making it a popular spot for both whiskey enthusiasts and those new to the spirit.