Join hosts Sara Weber and David Marvin at 100 Proof, Detroit City Distillery's new event space, as they sit down with Sales Manager Jamie Wright and Brand Development Manager Dante Desaro to uncork the fascinating journey behind this Michigan success story. The conversation flows from amusing beginnings—a bachelor party where the wedding never happened but a distillery was born—to the thoughtful business strategy that guided their expansion from Eastern Market to the historic Stroh's Ice Cream factory.
At the heart of Detroit City Distillery's philosophy is an unwavering commitment to Michigan-grown ingredients. The team reveals how they source 97% of their products from local grain, including a special strain of Michigan rye grown exclusively for them. This dedication to local sourcing doesn't just support Michigan agriculture—it creates spirits with distinctive flavor profiles that have earned loyal fans across the state.
The podcast delves into the creative process behind innovative products like their viral Paczki Vodka (distilled from actual Polish pastries) and their artful label designs that tell stories of Detroit's rich history. Each bottle serves as a canvas for storytelling, from the image of founder JP Jerome's bootlegger grandfather on their flagship Butcher's Cut Bourbon to the Michigan Central Station depicted on Railroad Gin.
Perhaps most compelling is how Detroit City Distillery demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting within hours to produce hand sanitizer and creating their special release "Shutdown Bourbon" as a symbol of Detroit's ability to rise from adversity. The team shares valuable insights for aspiring distillers: stay flexible, chase quality over trends, and above all, remain authentic to your vision.
Whether you're a spirits enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates a great Michigan success story, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the craft, creativity, and community behind every bottle of Detroit City Distillery spirits.

The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email [email protected].
The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.