Thompsonville, Michigan-based Iron Fish Distillery is set to release the fourth edition of its Arctic Grayling Rye Whiskey on March 22, with proceeds supporting efforts to restore the native Arctic Grayling fish to Michigan waters.
The Arctic Grayling Whiskey Series celebrates the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative (MAGI), 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 that would end up featuring a label design donated by Michigan artist, Dani Knoph.
An extremely limited quantity of rye whiskey, aged over six years, will be released on March 22 starting at noon at Iron Fish Distillery. The distillery established and joined supporters in contributing to the Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund. To date, nearly $25,000 dollars has been raised by the fund to support related research underway at Michigan State University and help with costs associated with reintroduction efforts.
The Arctic Grayling Rye Whiskey 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 MAGI. 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 a Free Session Updating the Progress of MAGI
Join Iron Fish Distillery for a presentation by Ed Eisch, Michigan DNR Fisheries assistant chief and Alex Ontkos, inland fisheries biologist with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians for an update on the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative at 1 p.m. and repeated again at 3 p.m. on March 22 at Iron Fish Distillery (seating limited to 30 people at each session). Coffee and NA refreshments will be provided, with a happy hour to follow. This event is FREE of charge. RSVP HERE
Bottle Sales
Bottle sales begin at Iron Fish Distillery at noon on March 22. You can reserve your bottle on a first come, first serve basis in person by showing proof of donation to the Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund. Donations will also be accepted on-site.
- Bottles are sold on a first come, first served basis.
- Limit 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 grayling@ironfishdistillery.com
For more information, please visit https://ironfishdistillery.com/arcticgrayling/