Grand Hotel Distiller's Weekend
Available Friday, September 5 - Sunday, September 7, 2025
Join us this fall at Grand Hotel for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the artistry of craft spirits. The Grand Hotel Distiller’s Weekend features an exclusive collaboration between Richard Anderson of Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, Mich., and Bill Welter of Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Mich. Together, they bring a grand selection of their signature, regionally inspired spirits to Mackinac Island for a weekend that blends flavor, story, and tradition.
The weekend begins with a Friday Welcome Reception on the famous Grand Hotel Front Porch, where guests can sip themed cocktails highlighting the featured spirits and enjoy their drinks with perfectly paired, butler-passed epicurean delights.
On Saturday, guests will enjoy an engaging guided bourbon tasting by Iron Fish Distillery that explores the difference between barrel aging and barrel finishing, featuring a lineup of bourbons exclusively crafted by Iron Fish. Begin with barrel-aged bourbons, including the ASCOT Double Platinum-winning Mad Angler Bourbon and 1887 Grand Bourbon, inspired by the history and tradition of Grand Hotel. Then, transition to a flight of four distinct barrel-finished bourbons, showcasing how different cask finishes enhance depth, complexity, and flavor. Enjoy six thoughtfully curated pours, paired with small plates to complement the experience. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this workshop blends storytelling, craftsmanship, and a deeper understanding, from barrel to finish. A strolling lunch follows, with dishes designed to pair beautifully with the spirits, accompanied by the sounds of live music drifting through the air.
Saturday afternoon, guests can look forward to a Journeyman Gin Lab, featuring the art of spirit blending. That evening, the experience reaches new heights with an elegant five-course dinner, each dish thoughtfully paired with the distillers’ handpicked selections to create a seamless culinary journey.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with the option to attend the third-annual Spirits of Mackinac, a handcrafted cocktail competition and bartender celebration from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Gate House ($59 per person). Join in the celebration of island mixology showcasing inventive cocktails from Mackinac Island’s finest bartenders. It’s the perfect finale to a weekend of rich flavors, warm company, and timeless Grand Hotel charm.
Package Includes:
- Grand Hotel accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- All resort amenities
- Welcome amenity
- Friday evening welcome reception
- Saturday afternoon Educational and Spirit Sensory Experiences: Understanding Bourbon’s Evolution and a Journeyman Gin Lab
- Saturday evening Distiller’s Dinner with a five-course tasting menu paired with spirits for each course
The Grand Hotel Distiller’s Weekend package can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.
View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >> to learn more about our evening dress code, luggage process, and more.
View the Tentative Agenda below. Please note that the events, times and locations listed in the Tentative Agenda are subject to change.
*Subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, 19.5% resort fee, and a $15.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability, 30-day cancellation policy applies.
