Ethanology

What possesses one to become a distiller¿ Well our story is nontraditional, similar to our approach to distillation. Usually, this industry is dominated by baby-boomers, retirees, or middle-aged individuals that are looking to further their creativity; in other words, do something with their hard-earned nest-egg. This is not how our story begins.
Our story begins with two young entrepreneurs with limited resources and unlimited determination. As an undergraduate project Nick wrote the business plan for Ethanology. Originally, it was indented to be a retirement project; a dream. But as we all know plans change.
Forgoing their honeymoon, Nick & Geri saved their asses off throughout their college years with the plan to backpack Europe after graduation. Little did they know the trip would change the trajectory of their entire lives.
Nick always had a penchant for Scotch, and as any prudent travel planner would, scheduled a stop at a distillery when abroad. While in the highlands of Scotland Nick & Geri fell in love with the tradition, passion and allure of Scotch. Not necessarily the whiskey, but the Scottish philosophy and commitment to sourcing raw material from their home. The simple fact that 200 years ago the Scottish people utilized the agriculture native to their region, and created a world class spirt from it, was inspiring. The thought ruminated in Nick’s head “We can do this in Northern Michigan.” We absolutely, undoubtedly can craft an exemplary spirt sourced from local Northern Michigan farmers. The 45th parallel yields the best fruit and grain in the world. Period.
After this moment, there was no turning back. Now Nick had to convince Geri to risk everything, pursuant to a dream.
With hard work and passion, they set out to learn the ancient alchemic art of distillation, and understand a unique, and nascent industry. Geri focuses her attention on developing spirits with regional roots while pushing the envelope on traditional and expected sensory profiles. Nick concentrates his energy on carefully refining an innovative business model, while ensuring the creative mission is executed. Both founders appreciate that something so special can’t be accomplished without the help of other pioneering individuals. Together, with their two distillery dogs Mabel and Sofi, they founded Ethanolo¿y.
Our mission is simple: Create something we are proud of. It starts with grain and fruit sourced from local farmers and ends with fermentation, distillation and maturation of spirits in-house. The right way is never easy. Hell, nothing worthwhile is.
Ethanology is an Artisan Distillery and Spirit House Located in the Harbor Town of Elk Rapids Michigan. Ethanology Synthesizes Ultra-Premium whiskey, gin, brandy, vodka, distilled honey, and other unique spirits by hand on-site. Ethanology spirits are paired with handcrafted cocktails at the distillery, and spirit house.

Author: Dirk Jahn