With a tagline of “Magical Spirits with Legendary Quality,” the Clawson-based distillery spares no expense in creating an experience to match its premium spirits. From the logo-adorned cocktail umbrellas and house-made ice hand-cut to the size of Riedel glassware for each drink to the 50-plus Weiss bottles that line the shelves against an orange backdrop, the speakeasy does everything it can to make its guests feel like they’re entering a special place.

This year’s theme is Detroit Spirits in the Wild, which aims to transport guests into the middle of a tropical rainforest with an immersive atmosphere complete with branches and monkeys hanging from the ceiling and animal noises. The bar room expertly balances the sophisticated interior with playful and fun theme details, including tiki cups for cocktails that use Weiss’ vodka, gin, rum, absinthe, and whiskey.

How Weiss Distilling Co. is Shaping the Future of Distilling in Detroit

Two James distills a number of small-batch artisanal rye, whisky and gin spirits with local ingredients. Located in a repurposed 1904 flour mill in Ann Arbor, the company is committed to the state’s farmers and sources 90% of its grains from Michigan. Popular pours include Doctor Bird Rum, a light and citrusy rum, and Fox River Michigan Whiskey, a four-grain bourbon with a smoky cherrywood finish.

Eight childhood friends came together to found Detroit City Distillery, a Corktown spot that specializes in creating small-batch artisanal whiskey, gin and vodka using the finest locally sourced ingredients — often from farms just blocks from this historic location. The business is highly respected in the industry, with popular pours including Valentine Vodka (named the World’s Best Vodka at the 2016 World Vodka Awards) and Catcher’s Rye Whiskey.

Weiss Distilling Co.
34 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017, United States
19294843932