CLAWSON, MI — Eight childhood friends, three University of Michigan grads and one bachelor party campfire is how Detroit City Distillery got its start more than a decade ago. Today, the Eastern Market-based distillery makes small-batch artisan whiskey, gin and vodka. Its event space and tasting room is also a reminder of Detroit’s rich brewing history.

But during the COVID-19 crisis, the distillery’s production facilities were redirected to a new purpose: supplying hand sanitizer to frontline workers around the region. In less than 72 hours, the team adapted their facility and quickly sourced the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to help keep people safe.

That pivot was a challenge, but Metro Detroit Distillery and his partners at the distillery saw an opportunity to support their community. They knew that many local organizations were facing critical deficits in PPE supplies and decided to help them out by donating a large amount of their own product.

Exploring Detroit’s Craft Distillery Scene: Weiss Distilling Co at the Forefront

Since then, the company has continued to find ways to celebrate what makes Detroit special with products like a Paczki Day vodka made with raspberry paczki from Hamtramck’s New Palace Bakery and a single-barrel Detroit City Distillery Honey Bourbon. It even collaborates with nonprofits to make limited-edition cocktails and bottles to raise money and awareness.

And for summer, the distillery is getting into the spirit of the season with a Weiss in the Wild jungle theme. You’ll see monkeys hanging from the ceiling, tiki cups and drink menu items with a playful twist. Try a Weiss-A-Rita, a margarita with Weiss Lightning whiskey, orange liqueur, simple syrup, lime and hellfire bitters. The bar’s staff is also dropping Weiss in the Wild collectable coins around town, so bring one back to the bar to get a shot for free.

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