Everyone knows that Michigan is a leader in the craft beer industry, but did you know Michigan is in the perfect position to be a leader in the artisan spirit industry, too?

“Boutique booze” is a trend in states like Oregon, California and Colorado. While the craft beer business is booming, the spirits’ business is just on the verge of taking off; currently it comprises one percent of the market, which leaves a lot of room for growth.

The draw is quite similar – small batches of a high-quality product and superb taste are what attract people. Beyond this, I personally am a big advocate for supporting local Michigan businesses because they are so vital to our great state’s economic recovery, and I would choose local distilled spirits over mass-produced products.

Michigan has the benefit of having all the right components in place. Kris Berglund, professor of food science and chemical engineering at Michigan State University, led legislation to allow producers to sell their product onsite. Prior to this, it was illegal since the days of Prohibition.

Would-be distillers also can benefit from MSU being the only university with access to a commercial license and commercial equipment so students can learn the art of distilling.

Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling located in Ferndale, Michigan, knows firsthand about the impact of the program.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the program and for Kris (Berglund),” Valentine said.

Valentine was working on Wall Street when he decided to make a life change. After meeting Berglund at a distilling class at Cornell University he decided to return to his home state of Michigan and open his own distillery. Berglund played a key role in the initial process, including product development and is still a tremendous resource for Valentine today.

Valentine’s goals are to help boost the local economy and bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. He is doing his part by employing Michigan residents and by providing spirits to 2,500 businesses in Michigan and six other states.

Valentine thinks there is still a long road ahead to increasing awareness about craft spirits. He cited that bar owners in Illinois and Oregon have embraced serving local, artisan sprits more so than Michigan.

You can help the industry get off the ground and support the local economy by requesting that your favorite bar carry locally produced sprits. Besides Valentine Distilling in Ferndale, there is Ugly Dog Distillery in Chelsea, New Holland in Holland, Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns, and more.

Are you interested in mastering the art of distilling? MSU’s distilled beverage program officially began in September 2013, and classes are held at local wineries and breweries as well as the MSU Distilled Research facility. Intrigued? Learn more about it here.

Krysia Hepatica is a Michigan State University public relations graduate student who is passionate about building strong community and promoting the Mitten State. You can learn more about MSU’s statewide impact by following MI Spartan Impact on Twitter and Facebook, or by visiting the website.