September is Bourbon Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring America’s native spirit and the craftsmanship that makes it so special. At Grand Traverse Distillery, we take pride in creating bourbons that tell stories—of grains, barrels, time, and tradition. Each expression in our lineup offers its own unique character, from fruit-forward finishes to bold, oak-driven depth.
This month, we’re raising a glass to four of our favorites:
This bourbon begins with 4 years in new American white oak before finishing for 6–12 months in red wine barrels. The result? A whiskey that marries the best of both worlds—bourbon’s natural richness with the elegance of wine cask influence. Expect vibrant cherry and plum, a whisper of herbal spice, and a silky, rounded finish that perfectly complements notes of caramelized oak.
Crafted through the traditional Solera system, a 3-tier fractional aging process, this bourbon is all about layers of flavor and patience. The journey looks like this:
✨ 4 years in new American white oak
✨ 1 year in high-vanillin French oak
✨ 1 year finishing in Cognac barrels
The result is a spirit with complex notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, elevated by a delicate Cognac finish that lingers. Every sip reveals another facet, making this one of our most intriguing bourbons to date.
Sometimes, there’s no substitute for time. A full decade in new American white oak transforms this high-rye bourbon (60% corn, 30% rye, 10% malted barley) into something truly special. It delivers deep caramel, molasses, toasted oak, and a warm rye spice, offering a bold yet balanced profile. A bourbon worthy of slow sipping and special occasions.
A celebration of Northern Michigan’s natural beauty, Lake Michigan Bourbon is inspired by summers spent on the water. Aged in new American white oak, it captures a balance of smooth caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a touch of spice that keeps each sip lively. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or lakeside with friends, it’s a bourbon made for sharing moments. This is one of our newest Bourbons, but it's been wildly popular, and we wanted to take some time to celebrate it amongst our favorites.
Bourbon Heritage Month is more than a tradition—it’s a celebration of the time, patience, and craft poured into every barrel. From the fruit-kissed elegance of our Wine Cask Bourbon, to the layered complexity of the Solera, the bold depth of the 10 Year, and the approachable charm of Lake Michigan Bourbon, there’s something for every palate to discover.
So this September, raise a glass with us, savor the story in every sip, and celebrate the rich heritage of bourbon.
