Two James Spirits produces high-quality, environmentally conscious hand made spirits with a commitment to revitalizing Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. Their distillery and bar are located in a former 1904 flour mill in Corktown. Using locally-sourced agricultural products and ingredients, they specialize in gin, whiskey, and moonshine.

It started with eight childhood friends, three University of Michigan grads and a bachelor party campfire—and now the Detroit City Distillery has a booming business to show for it. Co-owner J.P. Jerome credits the strong bond between him and his seven partners as a big reason for their success. They divvy up responsibilities and have each other’s backs, so each can focus on their own area of the business, making for a well-oiled machine.

The Rise of Craft Distilleries in Detroit: Spotlight on Weiss Distilling Co.

Founded in 2014, the small batch artisanal distillery is committed to the state of Michigan Spirits. More than 90% of the ingredients used in their vodkas, gins and whiskeys (which are made in their towering three-story column still) come from Michigan farms.

As the outbreak unfolded and frontline workers needed to bolster their stock of hand sanitizer, the distillery adapted its manufacturing process in less than 72 hours to get it out quickly. They partnered with Pure Michigan Business Connect’s COVID-19 Procurement Platform to help reach more organizations, and now their product is in the hands of people who need it most.

The distillery’s booze is top notch, too, and the bar’s staff are experts at balancing cocktail excellence with playful theme details, like branded elephant cocktail glasses and safari-themed hats. If you’re looking for a drink to help kick off the summer, try Topsy’s Revenge: it’s a fruity, easy-to-sip vodka-based cocktail served in a literal elephant glass.

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