Traverse City Whiskey Co. – Whiskies and Bourbon Made in Michigan

By Chilled Magazine

Made in Michigan, the “Whiskey of the North” Boasts a Diverse Portfolio of Award-Winning Expressions Now Available in the U.S.

Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC), is a portfolio of premium whiskies and bourbon made in Michigan. Known as the “Whiskey of the North,” the upstart company draws upon its early family roots in the distilled spirits industry dating back to the late 1800’s, sourcing all their grains (corn, rye and malted barley) from the Midwest.

The distilling team, led by Chris Fredrickson, Jared Rapp and Moti Goldring, strives to make quality products, inspired by patented distilling techniques invented by Fredrickson’s great grandfather that were approved by the US PTO during the prohibition era.

Traverse City Whiskey, rocks glass

Traverse City Whiskey

“Family history, good friends and passion for quality bourbon led to an idea and we’re thrilled with how our brand has been received. Our whiskey portfolio offers something for everyone, from the bourbon novice to the aficionado.”
– Chris Fredrickson, Co-founder, Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Traverse City Whiskey, bottle, cherries

Traverse City Whiskey

The TCWC Portfolio Includes

  • Straight Bourbon XXX Whiskey ($33)
    Aged four years and bottled at 43% ABV. This sophisticated bourbon offers a timeless profile (71% corn, 25% rye and 4% malted barley), revealing hints of vanilla, citrus undertones and a smooth finish. Kosher Certified.
  • American Cherry Edition ($30)
    Straight from the “Cherry Capital of the World” this unique whiskey (71% corn, 25% rye and 4% malt barley) features hints of cherry from Fredrickson Orchards. This expression, extremely authentic to northern Michigan, has more than 10 pounds of Montmorency Sour Cherries infused in every barrel (for at least two weeks). A Silver Medal Winner at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it exhibits a subtle cherry taste paired with the smooth vanilla finish bourbon. No added sugar. Kosher Certified.
  • North Coast Rye ($40)
    This unique blend of two mash bills: 100% rye and 95% rye and 5% malted barley is barreled at 120 proof and bottled at 90 proof. This rye whiskey has a minimum age statement of three years and is the company’s newest addition to the whiskey line-up.

At the brand’s Stillhouse in Traverse City, Michigan, which opened in 2014, guests can experience the complete distilling process firsthand. A 400-gallon, custom Kothe still sits next to the Tasting Room and Stillhouse Cocktail Bar where visitors conclude their tour.

When the still, which is naturally cooled by Michigan ground water, is running at full capacity, it can create up to 800 barrels of whiskey per year.

The facility also contains a visitor center and gift shop, where guests can purchase brand gear and limited-edition whiskey expressions only available at the Stillhouse, including:

  • Port Barrel Finish ($40)
    Traverse City Whiskey Co. signature bourbon, aged three years, rested for an additional year in a Port Wine barrel and bottled at 43% ABV. This limited-edition offering reveals warm, earthy notes and was crafted to sip on the rocks or mix into a Manhattan cocktail. Kosher Certified; 2016 Ultimate Beverage Challenge (94 Points).
  • Barrel Proof Bourbon ($75)
    Barreled at 115 proof and bottled four years later, the Barrel Proof Bourbon is the most premium expression in the Traverse City Whiskey Co. line-up. Once the Barrel Proof cask reaches maturity, it is pumped through a filter to remove any residual charcoal and transferred directly into the bottles. It’s commonly referred to as the most pure, untouched version of the whiskey.

Later this year, the company plans to release several additional limited-edition expressions in 200ML bottles.

Located at 201 E. 14th St. in downtown Traverse City, the Stillhouse is open to the public seven days a week. Stillhouse tours, which typically last around 25 minutes, are offered weekdays starting at 4pm and weekends by reservation. Admission is $10 per person and includes a whiskey sample of the visitor’s choice. Make reservations by phone (231-922-8292) or online at TCWhiskey.com/Tour. Walk-ins are accepted (subject to availability).

TCWC products are available in 750ml bottles at both on- and off-premise establishments in the following markets: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Washington DC, Wisconsin. Retail prices may vary by market.

For more information, visit TCWhiskey.com.

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