The King Bourbon

Bottoms Up

By Janice Binkert | Feb. 17, 2018

One true harbinger of spring for those of us lucky enough to call Northern Michigan home is the tapping of maple trees for sap. Grand Traverse Distillery believes that’s something to celebrate – with a maple syrup-infused craft cocktail at its downtown tasting room. Dubbed the King Bourbon, this refreshing, sun-hued concoction is a well-balanced blend of the distillery’s Straight Bourbon (made with local corn, rye and malted barley), King’s Hard Cider (a collaboration between Bee Well Meadery and King Orchards), and Harwood Gold Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup (aged in Grand Traverse Distillery Bourbon Barrels). Add a dash of house-made bitters and an orange peel twist, and the celebration can begin. “All of the products we house here (including those in this cocktail) are Michigan based — it’s a taste of what ‘Pure Michigan’ is,” said Katie Wagner, tasting room co-manager and co-creator of the King Bourbon. Try it, or one of several other cocktails featuring Grand Traverse Distillery’s award-winning gin, vodka, rum or whiskey, for $10. Grand Traverse Distillery tasting room, 215 E. Front St., Traverse City. (231) 946-1259. grandtraversedistillery.com