Iron Fish Distillery

Introduction

Welcome to Whiskey Lore's Whiskey Flights, your weekly home for discovering great craft distillery experiences around the globe. I’m your travel guide, Drew Hannush, best-selling author of Experiencing Irish Whiskey and Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon, and today, we’re heading to the beautiful Crystal Lake and Crystal Mountain area of Northern Michigan. This region, known for its pristine waters and rolling hills, is also home to Michigan’s first post-Prohibition Farm Distillery—Iron Fish.

Arrival Phase

After wrapping up an interview at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan, I embarked on a 3 1/2 hour journey north in my trusty Nissan Altima, aiming for Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, just south of Crystal Mountain. As I turned down a dirt road, following the signs and my GPS, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

Michigan dirt roads are something I became very familiar with in my youth. Back when I lived in Brighton, our neighborhood was lined with houses, yet it still had a dirt road. These roads are all over the state, and unlike the rougher terrain you might find elsewhere, Michigan dirt roads are surprisingly smooth. I found myself comfortably cruising at 45 mph, a speed that would be unthinkable on the dirt roads where I live now in South Carolina. There's something about Michigan’s extreme weather that actually makes these unpaved roads a better option.

As I drove along, I noticed signs along the side of the road that made me chuckle—they were calculating how many barrels of whiskey could be produced by the corn growing in the nearby fields. It was a clever and fitting touch as I neared my destination.

When I arrived at Iron Fish, I quickly reached out to Jeff Eddington, the COO, and we decided to jump straight into our conversation in their cozy lounge. But first, let’s take a moment to learn a bit more about the area surrounding this unique distillery.

Area Profile

Near the pinky tip of Northern Michigan sit two of the regions most stunning natural landmarks, Crystal Lake and Crystal Mountain. Crystal Lake, one of the largest lakes in Michigan, is known for its clear blue waters and sandy beaches, making it a perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding area is dotted with charming small towns, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Just a short drive away, Crystal Mountain offers year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, it's a popular ski resort, with slopes that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. During the warmer months, the mountain transforms into a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and golfers. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of Northern Michigan's lush forests and sparkling lakes.

This area, just south of Traverse City, also provides easy access to Lake Michigan’s beautiful shoreline. Visitors can explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a stunning expanse of sand dunes that rise dramatically from the lake. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the Crystal Lake and Crystal Mountain area offers a little something for everyone.

Distillery Arrival

But as I rolled into the parking lot at Iron Fish, I realized it was time to focus on the reason I’d driven up here. After tracking down Jeff Eddington, we headed straight to their lounge, where I set up my microphones and prepared for our conversation. I was eager to dive into the story of Iron Fish, a distillery that has successfully blended tradition with innovation in this picturesque part of Michigan. To start things off, I asked Jeff about the origins of this remarkable distillery.

Interview

Closing Details

I hope you enjoyed this virtual flight to Iron Fish Distillery. If I piqued your interest in traveling to the distillery, make sure to head to whiskey-lore.com/flights where you can view the profile of Iron Fish Distillery and the growing list of worldwide distilleries we're featuring on the show. Then, dig deeper into the Whiskey Lore online distillery travel guide, use the heart feature to show your interest in the distillery, or log in with a free membership and bookmark your favorite distilleries to add them to your wish list. The site features planning tools, maps, tour dates, and booking links for over 300 distilleries worldwide. Start your journey at whiskey-lore.com/flights.

Teaser

Now, stay tuned because, in just a moment, I’ll have some closing travel tips if you plan on visiting Iron Fish Distillery, but first, it’s time for This Week in Whiskey Lore.

This Week in Whiskey Lore

146 years ago this week, the border area of Putnam and Overton County, Tennessee, was the site of one of the more notorious moonshiner/revenuer battles during the year 1878, known as the Putnam County War. This skirmish began shortly after revenuers, led by Deputy Internal Revenue Collector James M. Davis, spent a day attempting to dismantle reported brandy stills in the region.

Seeking refuge for the night, the revenuers approached John Peek, known to be friendly towards them. However, Peek, who was entertaining guests, declined to offer lodging due to space constraints. Following a suggestion, they tried another home, but the owner was absent. Sensing trouble, Davis dispatched two men to Cookeville for reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Davis and another revenuer, Philips, while gathering food at Peek’s garden, spotted an armed man heading towards the trees. Shots rang out as they attempted to escape, with Philips wounded in the process. The revenuers then barricaded themselves inside Peek’s house, enduring a day and a half of gunfire from the moonshiners.

The standoff ended when the moonshiners, rallied under an aggressive leader named Morgan, sent a white flag. Morgan offered terms of surrender but refused to be captured, fearing a threat on his life by Davis. When reinforcements arrived, the moonshiners dispersed, and Morgan was eventually persuaded to appear in court, where charges were dropped thanks to an understanding brokered by the injured Philips.

Morgan claimed his attack was defensive, spurred by threats from Davis and a lack of awareness about excise laws. This event, marked by gunfire and negotiations, ended with an unlikely friendship between Davis and Morgan, lasting until Davis's death in another moonshine raid.

The story of the Putnam County War, fading into obscurity, defines a different era of moonshining, far from the romanticized and darker version of the 1920s prohibition era. For those intrigued by the detailed history of battles between revenuers and wildcatters, check out my book, The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey, available on Amazon and your favorite online retailers.

Wrap Up

As we prepare to leave Iron Fish Distillery and make our way to our next distillery destination, let me give you two additional attractions in the area that you might consider visiting.

First, if you’re a golf enthusiast, you’re in luck. Just a short drive from the distillery, are two championship golf courses. The Mountain Ridge course offers a challenging layout with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, while the Betsie Valley course is said to be a bit more forgiving, perfect for a leisurely round with friends.

And, if you’d like to relax near Lake Michigan and enjoy another craft distillery, check out the Furnace Street Distillery located between Elberta Beach and the Betsie Bay marina 18 miles northwest of Iron Fish.

Closing and My Five Reasons

As we close out our trip to Iron Fish Distillery, if you’re on the fence, let me give you my five reasons why you should have this distillery on your Whiskey Lore Wish List.

First, is the farm nature of this distillery. Come out, and soak in the farm atmosphere, check out the fields of grain as you drive in and enjoy a cocktail in view of the product that will eventually be distilled into Iron Fish spirits.

Second, the variety of spirits at Iron Fish is impressive. From their award-winning bourbon and rye whiskies to their innovative barrel-finished spirits, and growing list of vodka’s, gins, and single malts. There’s something for every palate.

Third, the distillery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their operation. They’ve implemented eco-friendly practices like rotational grazing and regenerative farming, making their whiskey not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. Come learn the story first hand.

Well, its time to head off to our next destination after a quick walk around the distillery with Iron Fish's master blender. We’ll have to be quick about the drive to reach there by 12:30. The place we’re headed to has its own rich story. Its a distillery that can’t claim to be the first distillery since prohibition, but instead it's the oldest of the current craft distilleries in the state. Join me next time as The Midwest Great Lakes Tour 2024 rolls on.

I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Make sure to subscribe to the Whiskey Lore podcast, so you don’t miss any of the great Whiskey Flights to come. I'm your travel guide, Drew Hannush. Until we meet again, cheers and Sláinte mhath.

Closing Acknowledgements

For transcripts and travel information, including maps, distillery planning information, and more, head to whiskey-lore.com/flights. Whiskey Lore is a production of Travel Fuels Life, LLC.