Thompsonville, Michigan-based Iron Fish Distillery has announced a new release in its Arctic Grayling Whiskey Series. The series celebrates the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative, nearly 50 organizations working since 2016 to restore self-sustaining populations of Arctic Grayling in Michigan rivers.
In 2018, Iron Fish Distillery set aside a few barrels of estate farm grown rye whiskey featuring a label design donated by Michigan artist, Dani Knoph. 200 bottles of rye whiskey, aged over five years, will be released at noon on Dec. 9. Each bottle is signed and numbered and can be purchased on site or online for pick up only, at the distillery. Iron Fish Distillery established and joined supporters in contributing to the Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund. To date, over $8,000 dollars has been raised by the fund to support related research underway at Michigan State University and help with costs associated with reintroduction efforts.
This five-year-old commemorative whiskey is distilled from 95% rye grain grown on the Iron Fish Farm and 5% northern Michigan barley malted at Great Lakes Malting Co. in Traverse City. The label features a beautifully hand drawn Grayling print by Michigan artist Dani Knoph.
“The story of Michigan’s lost Grayling is a comeback story—full of hope, challenge, science, and partnership.” said Knoph. “Restoring Michigan’s wild Grayling encourages us to learn from the past, evaluate the present and define the future. From Montana and Alaska to Michigan, many people are caring for this native species. It gives me hope, it’s the Native American Seven Generations principle at work.”
Iron Fish proudly supports research and restoration efforts related to the ongoing Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative (MAGI) at Michigan State University, informed efforts to reintroduce Arctic Grayling to Michigan waters. To date, grayling has been stocked in two UP lakes and one Manistee County Lake. The MAGI partnership includes the foundational partners Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, as well as the Wenger Foundation, Trout Unlimited Chapters and others totaling nearly 50 agencies, universities, nongovernmental organizations and individuals.
ATTEND THE FREE DECEMBER 9TH INFORMATION SESSION UPDATING PROGRESS ON THE MICHIGAN ARCTIC GRAYLING INITIATIVE
Join Iron Fish for a presentation by Ed Eisch, Michigan DNR – Fisheries Assistant Chief
For an update on the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative at 1pm or 3pm on Saturday, December 9th at Iron Fish Distillery (seating limited to 25 people at each session). Coffee and NA refreshments will be provided.
Ed will provide a summary of the status of Arctic Grayling fish reintroduction and the future of the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative followed by Q&A.
This event is FREE of charge. Please RSVP through Eventbrite. For more info please contact Info@Ironfishdistillery.com
ABOUT THE Arctic Grayling Rye Whiskey
Claim your Iron Fish Rye Whiskey, 750ml / 96.3 proof, aged over five years, featuring a mash bill of:
- 95% Iron Fish Distillery Estate grown rye
- 5% Michigan malted barley
RELEASE LIMITED TO 200 BOTTLES
Claim your bottle and make a difference!
AVAILABLE AT IRON FISH DISTILLERY ONLY
Saturday, December 9, 2023
200 bottles, each bottle individually numbered.
Available Dec 9th until they sell out.
DONOR First Access: 11:00 AM – Noon: Steelhead and Flycaster Club members ONLY will have first access to purchase, by showing proof of donation (minimum $25.00) to the Arctic Grayling Research Fund. You can donate at the link here. Donations will also be accepted on-site.
VIP Access: Noon – 1:00 PM: Flycasters and Steelhead Club Members (no donation required). General public will have VIP access to purchase by showing proof of donation (minimum $25.00) to the Arctic Grayling Research Fund. You can donate at the link here. Donations will also be accepted on-site.
General Public Access: 1 PM (No donation required)
Here’s the small print:
- Numbered bottles from 1 – 200 are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
- If you are unable to purchase in person you may email your request to grayling@ironfishdistillery.com to make arrangements to purchase by credit card over the phone and your purchase will be held for your next visit.
- Purchases are limited to 2 bottles per person, ($100 per bottle + tax)
- Iron Fish Distillery makes charitable donations to the Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Fund, managed by the Manistee County Community Foundation.
- Must be over 21 years of age to purchase.
- Questions? Email us at grayling@ironfishdistillery.com.
DONATE TO BRING BACK THE ARCTIC GRAYLING Supporters of rivers and the fisheries can join Iron Fish Distillery in supporting research for the Michigan Grayling Initiative by donating at the link HERE: https://manisteefoundation.org/donations/