A Southwestern Michigan Farm Could Be Named the Best Craft Gin Distillery in America
You can correct me if I'm way off, but gin always seemed to be more of a sophisticated spirit to me. When I was hitting the bars in my early twenties, the night belonged to cheap beers and brightly-colored fruity cocktails. Nobody in my circle was ordering crisp martinis or classic gin and tonics.
Over the past decade, though, I’ve noticed a shift. Gin is steadily becoming the go-to drink for a lot of us. Maybe the collective palate is evolving, or maybe I’m just getting older. Either way, I can appreciate a well-crafted Gimlet or Negroni these days.
Hunt for America's Best Gin
If you've built up a similar appreciation for the botanical spirit, there’s a big reason to keep an eye on Southwestern Michigan right now!
USA Today and 10Best are asking, "What is the best craft gin distillery in the nation?" Experts have chosen twenty standouts, and now it is time for a public vote to determine the top ten. Just one Michigan distillery is up for the honor. It's the first time I'm hearing of this place, and honestly, it's way more than a spirits-maker!
Southwestern Michigan's National Contender
Granor Farm is located in Three Oaks in Berrien County, and it's competing to be the No. 1 gin spot in the country.
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Granor isn't just a distillery operating out of an industrial park. It is a full 100-acre certified organic farm, farm store, and complete culinary destination famous for its farm-to-table greenhouse dinners.
They grow their own soft red winter wheat to build a remarkably smooth base spirit, then layer in farm-grown botanicals like rosemary, thyme, dill seed, and lemon verbena alongside traditional juniper and coriander.
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Every tiny batch of their Granor Dry Gin, often under 1,000 bottles, essentially captures the flavor profile of their entire agricultural ecosystem.
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Granor Farm also crafts its own whiskey, vermouth, and Amaro.
Vote for Granor Farm
Public voting in the USA Today 10Best poll runs through Monday, October 12 at noon here. The top winners will be announced October 21.
Let's help get Granor Farm to No. 1!
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Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill
