Long Road Distillers Named Top 10 in Specialty Spirits in U.S.

Here’s something to raise a glass to! A Grand Rapids distillery is once again getting national recognition, thanks to its unique, small batch liquor and specialty spirits.

USA Today and 10Best asked their readers "What's the Best Specialty Spirits Distillery in the Country?"

A panel of experts chose twenty distilleries across the nation that craft exceptional non-traditional alcohol, including liqueurs, absinthe, aquavit, and amaro. Then it was put up to a public vote. Just one Michigan spot was up for the honor...

Long Road Distillers via Facebook/ Canva

Get our free mobile app

Long Road Distillers Among Best Specialty Spirits Makers in U.S.

Grand Rapids' Long Road Distillers has been named the No. 8 best craft specialty spirits distillery in America.

Since opening in May 2015 at 537 Leonard St. NW, the distillery has expanded to Charlevoix and Grand Haven, and added a tasting room, Less Traveled, in southeast Grand Rapids.

Excellent Aquavit

USA Today specifically praises Long Road’s aquavit offerings, a nod to classic Scandinavian spirits:

Original Aquavit delivers a bright, herb-forward profile.
Old Aquavit rests over a year in used whiskey barrels, gaining deeper complexity with notes of dill and caraway.

👇BELOW: NEW EATS! 35+ NEW WEST MICHIGAN RESTAURANTS TO TRY👇

Long Road Distillers via Facebook

Local Ingredients, Numerous Awards

The Grand Rapids spirits maker is no stranger to awards.

They've raked in tons over the years for many of their liquors, in particular for their gin. It highlights their focus on local ingredients—each year they make a trek to Michigan's Beaver Island to hand-harvest the wild juniper berries that make MichiGin truly one-of-a-kind. They say,

Each batch captures the season, the land, and the spirit of Michigan in a single bottle.

Long Road Distillers even has a spirit made with Michigan asparagus!

With their creative spirits—from aquavit to asparagus gin—Long Road Distillers proves Grand Rapids is a destination for bold, unique liquor.

What’s New to Eat? 35+ West Michigan Restaurants Now Open in 2025

Looking to explore West Michigan’s booming restaurant scene? More than 35 new dining destinations have opened in 2025 across Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Wyoming, Hudsonville, and Holland — and the list keeps growing!

From fresh bakeries and authentic Mexican restaurants to Cajun eateries, burger joints, Vietnamese spots, vegan places, a footlong hot dog establishment, and even a beloved Grand Rapids breakfast and lunch favorite brought back to life, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss the new bars and food trucks shaking things up too!

Bookmark this list and check back often — we’re adding more of West Michigan’s newest restaurants all year long.

Gallery Credit: Janna