Production places
Connections to water sources, peat places, maltings, cooperages, warehouses and maturation sites. Uncertain connections are labelled.
No documented production places are linked to this distillery yet.
Ethanology
Overview of the Distillery
Ethanology is a small, artisanal distillery and spirit-house in Elk Rapids, Michigan, located on the 45th parallel. They combine local agricultural production with a laboratory-precise approach and produce small batches of bourbon, gin, vodka, mel® and liqueurs using ingredients from local, sustainable farms. Vertical integration and a strong local collaboration are at the core of their work.
History
Ethanology has grown organically out of close collaboration with local farmers and an ambition to produce spirits that represent northern Michigan. An early turning point was the experiment with proprietary blue corn, where the first usable barrel came from the 2017 harvest and later became the centerpiece of the distillery's whiskey program. In the years that followed, the company expanded capacity, purchased neighboring property, and established new dining and bar areas to enhance the visitor experience. The period 2020–2022 was marked by both technical upgrades and growth in staff and distribution. In May 2025, Ethanology marked an eight-year anniversary with the release of Birobur™ Double Oak Blue Corn Bourbon (6 Year Old), a product that illustrates both the distillery's farming and cask experiments.
Raw Materials and Production
Production at Ethanology is based on vertical integration: grains and fruits are purchased or grown locally, dried and processed on the farms and used in the distillery's own malting, mash, fermentation and distillation processes. Blue corn is a central raw material in their whiskey program, but they also use local wheat varieties, fruits for brandy, and botanicals for gin. Distillation takes place in small batches and is described as handcrafted and precise; the distillery also highlights the use of glacial water from the point where Elk Lake and Lake Michigan meet. Vertical control of raw materials and ingredients means that many components for both spirits and the cocktail menu are produced in-house, enabling tight control over quality and consistency.
Maturation and Types of Casks
The distillery actively works with cask finishes and experiments. A notable element is the double-oak approach, where a blue corn bourbon has been finished in ex-Mel® casks to enhance sweetness and complexity. They have built a new rickhouse to manage increased barrel aging, and several products have undergone experiments with using already-spiced or seasoned Mel® casks to develop new aroma- and flavor-layers.
Whiskies
The range spans from local bourbon experiments to gin, vodka, mel® and liqueurs. The whiskey program centers on a homegrown blue corn bourbon, while the distillery also launches the distiller’s series and special releases. In parallel, they have developed products such as the distilled Mel series and a range of liqueurs (e.g., Amara Pira), and they have begun a gradual expansion of distribution at the state level. Product releases are often paired with onsite events and tastings.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Age | Cask and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birobur™ Double Oak Blue Corn Bourbon | Bourbon | 6 Year Old | Double oak / finished in Mel®-cask; finish: finished in ex-Mel® casks after primary aging | A bourbon built on local blue corn, double-oak treated and finished in Mel®-casks; sold on a first-come, first-served basis at release and offered with tastings at the distillery.; Nose: dates, blackstrap molasses and grape blossom (floral notes); Taste: soft notes of brown sugar and bakery spice with a classic grain backbone; Finish: long, candied almond finish; Texture: lightly coating with rising heat | Limited; Sold onsite at release on a first-come, first-served basis; possible limited online sale if stock remains |
The Style and Flavor Profile of the Whiskies
Several of the documented flavor directions recur in the distillery's whiskey: floral/fruity notes (especially grape blossom), a pronounced dark, syrupy sweetness (blackstrap molasses / brown sugar) and nutty elements (candied almonds). In addition, baking spices are mentioned, and in some barrel experiments more dry, tobacco-like nuances. These trends recur repeatedly in descriptions of blue corn bourbons and finishes in Mel® casks.
Visit the Distillery
The distillery invites visits, guided tours and tastings and has an active visitor presence with bar areas, outdoor seating and regular events. In the summer season there are fixed opening hours and daily food offerings from a food truck; Saturdays often feature live music. During product releases, Ethanology offers tastings and onsite sales on a first-come, first-served basis. Online sales of release bottles may occur to a limited extent only if stock remains at closing.
Summer hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday: 1–8 PM. Wednesday: 1–8 PM. Thursday: 1–10 PM. Friday: 1–11 PM. Saturday: 1–11 PM (live music 8–11 PM). Sunday: 1–7 PM.
Philosophy and Craft
Ethanology is built on a declared commitment to vertical integration, local collaboration and sustainability. They focus on hyper-local ingredients, work with non-GMO grains, and maintain full control over ingredient production. Certification as a B Corp and collaboration with local farmers and government support for storage projects underline their values of social responsibility and local jobs.
Sustainability
Use of locally, sustainably grown raw materials and collaboration with regional farmers. B Corp certification as evidence of commitment to community and the environment. Receiving MDARD support to continue using local grains and create local jobs.
Latest News
Birobur™ Double Oak Blue Corn Bourbon (6 Year) – Release and Eight-Year Celebration – 2025-05-19
In connection with the eight-year celebration, the distillery announced the release of Birobur™ Double Oak Blue Corn Bourbon 6 Year Old. The bottles were sold onsite on a first-come, first-served basis with tastings for guests at the distillery; if bottles remained at closing on Saturday/Sunday, a small online sale was planned.