Manitou & Co.'s Whaleback Whiskey

Bottoms Up

By Anna Faller | Aug. 30, 2025

With a view of the eponymous islands just steps away from their front door, Manitou & Co.’s tasting room in Leland is all about beverages that reflect local flavor, and their signature Whaleback Whiskey is northern Michigan in a bottle! Inspired by local agriculture, this small-batch rye starts with a 15-year-aged base matured in second-use American oak barrels and finished on tannic cherry wood staves (because nothing says Michigan like a touch of cherry!). The result is a delightfully-quaffable whiskey with warm notes of cinnamon, baking spice, and brown sugar, topped off by a light and lingering finish. Sip it neat or enjoy it as part of the Whaleback Old Fashioned, made with Michigan maple syrup—either way, you’re bound to leave in good spirits. Stop in at 110 W. River St. in Leland. manitouandco.com