Behind the Bar with Long Road: Rob Hanks Shares His Love of Bitter with the Autostrada Highball

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A Note from Long Road: Recently, we launched a Guest Blog series, “Behind the Bar with Long Road”, to take you on a journey behind the bar with our talented team and to give you a glimpse into the creative process behind innovative and enticing cocktails that feature our spirits. Be sure to check out our earlier posts by Jenney Grant, Joey Robles-Zepeda, Carley from Cocktails with Carley, and Connor Everhart. This week’s post comes to us from Rob Hanks. No stranger to the cocktail scene in West Michigan, Rob has been a leader in the industry for many years, including an active stint with the Grand Rapids chapter of the US Bartender’s Guild. Follow along with Rob’s work on Instagram @rhanks23. 

Behind the Bar with Long Road: Rob Hanks Shares His Love of Bitter with the Autostrada Highball
by Rob Hanks, Proprietor, Nightwatch Lounge

Long Road Distillers opened in 2015 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been embracing long held drinking cultures from around the world since then. My favorite is in their Amaro Pazzo.

Amaro is a category of Italian bittersweet liqueurs that range in flavor anywhere from bright and citrusy to dark, rich, and brooding, depending on the particular family recipe. Partnering with Long Road on this product is another widely celebrated Grand Rapids based beverage company, Madcap Coffee Roasters. By working together to create the list of botanicals that complement the specific roast of coffee selected, Amaro Pazzo was born with its rich and distinctive coffee-forward flavor, bolstered with rhubarb, citrus peel, and other proprietary herbs and spices.

Amaro can be difficult to use for people newer to the category, though its uses are broad. It can commonly be swapped in for sweet vermouth in cocktails such as a Manhattan or a Red Hook and brings a more bitter backbone to the cocktail while adding more depth and intensity. It can conversely be used in tropical cocktails effectively for cocktails similar to a Jungle Bird which combines pineapple, lime, dark rum, and Italian Aperitif such as Campari as a substitute for the aperitif, or even simply with Tonic water and a lemon wedge for a low ABV highball.

To enjoy this spirit for a long time try one of my favorites, the Autostrada Highball.

Autostrada Highball Recipe:

  • 1.5oz Long Road Distillers Amaro Pazzo
  • .5oz Long Road Distillers Vodka
  • .25oz Limoncello
  • High Quality Tonic water (I use Fever Tree)
  • Half pinch of salt

Combine Amaro Pazzo, limoncello, and half pinch of salt to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a Highball glass on fresh ice. Top with Tonic water and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Cheers!

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Behind the Bar with Long Road: Connor Wonders if You’ve Gotta Light?

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A Note from Long Road: Recently, we launched a Guest Blog series, “Behind the Bar with Long Road”, to take you on a journey behind the bar with our talented team and to give you a glimpse into the creative process behind innovative and enticing cocktails that feature our spirits. Be sure to check out our earlier posts by Jenney Grant, Joey Robles-Zepeda and Carley from Cocktails with Carley. This week’s post comes to us from Long Road Bartender Connor Everhart. You can find him behind the stick several nights a week at the distillery on Leonard Street. 

Gotta Light?: A Split-Base Pleaser from Connor
by Connor Everhart, Bartender, Long Road Distillers

I remember sitting next to my new coworkers with my cocktail notebook in hand, eager and excited to share my drink ideas. This was not just my first cocktail meeting while working at Long Road, but my first cocktail meeting ever! At thirty years of age, I moved to Grand Rapids only four months prior, and I had never been a bartender before in my life, only an at-home bartender and cocktail enthusiast. I left a five-year Personal Training career behind in order to pursue my passion for cocktails and hospitality. With no experience in the food and drink industry, Long Road decided to take a chance on me and see what I was capable of.

“So, I was thinking of combining our Apple Brandy, which I really love, and our Nocino together in a cocktail because I think it would be a perfect blend of flavors for the fall menu,” I said nervously to the seven other bartenders, all of whom possessed years of experience behind the bar and have no idea who I am.

“Oh yeah, I was thinking of possibly doing something like that too! That’s a great idea!” said one of my colleagues.

My nerves vanished as I was immediately encouraged and praised for my one (and only) idea I had prepared for the meeting. At that moment, I knew I needed to prove my idea was worth executing, so it was time to go to work!

After several attempts at trying different ratios, spirits, syrups, glassware, and listening to advice from coworkers, I created my very first cocktail that would be featured on the Long Road Fall menu of 2022!

I named the cocktail “Gotta Light?”, a reference to the notorious episode of the same name from my favorite TV show “Twin Peaks” (if you have seen the show, you know the episode).

The cocktail features a split base of Bourbon and Apple Brandy as the star of the show with Nocino and Cinnamon Brown Sugar simple syrup to round out the booziness. It’s then topped with a dehydrated apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Before the drink is given to a guest, the glass is smoked with apple wood chips and then covered to bring more complexity and depth to the flavors. Not only was it my first cocktail to ever be featured on a menu, it was one of the best-selling cocktails of the season! While still new to the world of cocktails and spirits, I’m filled with excitement to learn more and improve my skills as a bartender.

Gotta Light? Recipe

  • 1.5oz Apple Brandy
  • .5oz Bourbon
  • .5oz Nocino
  • .5oz Cinnamon Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir and single strain into a smoked (preferably apple wood chips) snifter glass topped with a dehydrated apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Cheers!

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Long Road Distillers Lavender Lemonade Named Best Ready to Drink Cocktail at International Competition

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Grand Rapids distillery wins top honors for new ready to drink canned cocktail

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Long Road Distillers was awarded top honors for one of their recently released ready-to-drink canned cocktails at this years American Distilling Institute (ADI) International Spirits Competition. Long Road Lavender Lemonade was named “Best in Class”, “Best in Category” and awarded a Double Gold Medal, topping entries from around the world in the “Ready-to-Drink” class.

The lemonade was one of three new RTD canned cocktails that Long Road released into statewide distribution at the beginning of February. The canned beverages are being distributed by Imperial Beverage and are now available in over 600 retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout Michigan.

“It’s an incredible honor to earn this type of recognition for our RTD Lavender Lemonade,” said Kyle VanStrien, co-owner of Long Road Distillers. “Spirit-based ready-to-drinks is the fastest growing adult-beverage category in the country, and we’re proud to be leading the way with our Michigan-made products.”

Long Road Lavender Lemonade is based off a longtime tasting room favorite, Teta’s Lemonade, featuring Long Road Original Vodka, lavender, rosewater and lemon. It is nicely carbonated and canned at 7% alcohol, ready to be enjoyed right out of the can or over ice in a glass.

In addition to the top honors for Long Road Lavender Lemonade, the distillery was awarded Silver Medals for Amaro Pazzo, MICHIGIN, and their Polish Falcon RTD; and Bronze Medals for their Midwest Old Fashioned RTD, Original Aquavit, and Rosemary Fizz RTD.

Long Road’s line-up of spirits and ready-to-drink canned cocktails can be found at their three tasting rooms as well as at over 2,500 retailers and restaurants throughout Michigan.

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Behind the Bar With Long Road: A Sunny Day Cocktail with Carley

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A Note from Long Road: Recently, we launched a Guest Blog series, “Behind the Bar with Long Road”, to take you on a journey behind the bar with our talented team and to give you a glimpse into the creative process behind innovative and enticing cocktails that feature our spirits. Be sure to check out our earlier posts by Jenney Grant and Joey Robles-Zepeda. This week’s post comes to us from SE Michigan cocktail creator Carley Bologna. We’ve admired her creations from afar – and so should you – by following her on Instagram @cocktails.with.carley. 

All MI Love: A Sunny Day Cocktail with Carley
by Carley Bologna, Craft Cocktail Recipe Creator & Menu Consultant, Cocktails with Carley

All MI Love is a warm, sunny-day-inspired cocktail filled with herbaceous and floral notes, honey, and fresh citrus. It is meant to embody all of the best parts of Michigan summers. If you’re from here, you know what I mean. The parts of the year we all wish we could bottle up and save. The golden hour sunshine, the fresh lake air, the wild flowers in the woods. This drink tastes like that.

For spirits, I used Long Road Sovereign Gin and Aquavit, as well as Yellow Chartreuse, St. Germain, and Crème de Violette. Non spirit ingredients include: fresh lemon juice, plum bitters, a homemade cardamom honey syrup, and an orange for garnish.

ALL MI Love Cocktail Recipe:

This is a complex sour style cocktail, so we’re going to do a bit of a balancing act in the base of the drink:

  • The Base:
    • 1 oz Long Road Aquavit
    • 3/4 oz St. Germain
    • 3/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
    • 2 dashes plum bitters
    • 1 oz cardamom infused honey simple syrup *
    • 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Shake all of the base ingredients with plenty of ice
  • Strain the base mixture into a Collins glass or a highball glass filled with ice
  • The Float:
    • 1 1/2 oz Long Road Sovereign Gin
    • 1/4 oz Crème de Violette
  • To complete the cocktail, pour the ‘float’ ingredients directly on top of you base cocktail
  • The reason the float works so well is because we’ve created a base cocktail that is more dense than the ingredients floating on top.  Playing with density allows us to create the gorgeous layering effect.
  • Garnish with a fresh orange slice

*Cardamom Infused Honey Syrup: 

To make the honey syrup recipe you will need honey, hot water, and green cardamom pods. Pick your favorite honey with the most flavor. I recommend a raw Michigan honey.

  • In a glass jar combine:
    • 1/4 cup raw Michigan honey
    • 8-10 green cardamom pods
    • 1/4 cup hot water
  • Stir ingredients until combined
  • Let cool until the syrup is room temperature, about 20-30 minutes
  • Remove cardamom pods and store syrup in a glass bottle for 5-7 days in the fridge

All of these ingredients play so nicely together.  The savory cardamom pairs so well with the savory components of the aquavit such as the dill, fennel, and caraway.  The honey compliments all of the floral notes in the Sovereign Gin, the St. Germain, and the Crème de Violette. The Yellow Chartreuse adds a vegetal and herbaceous note that helps to marry the savory, sweet, and floral. And of course, the acidity from the fresh citrus and the sweetness of the honey both help to brighten, elevate, and balance the entirety of the cocktail.

This cocktail pairs phenomenally with sharp white cheese and jams, charcuterie, and fresh summer fruit.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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An Ode to the Midwest: A Supper Club Soiree for Long Road Distillers’ 8th Anniversary

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It’s time to dust off your finest threads and travel back in time with us at Long Road Distillers. We’re tickled pink to be celebrating our 8th Anniversary, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a good-old-fashioned Midwest Supper Club dinner?

Join us for an unforgettable evening in our charming event space, The Rickhouse, where we’ll transport you to an era of no-nonsense vintage drinks, delectable dishes, and good cheer. Complete with low lighting, swanky vibes, and the nostalgic tunes of yesteryear, our Supper Club-inspired six-course chef’s dinner is just the bee’s knees.

Our team has prepared a six-course feast that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled back to the heyday of the Midwest supper club scene. We’re serving up oyster shooters, shrimp cocktail, prime rib, and other mouthwatering delights to keep you wanting more.

And we’d be remiss not to mention our pièce de résistance: the cocktails! What would a Supper Club be without a classic Brandy Old Fashioned? We’re bringing you this staple and other nostalgic cocktails, all with a signature Long Road twist. You’ll be sipping on the spirit of the past while toasting to our future!

So, if you’re hankering for an evening of good company, scrumptious eats, and a hearty dose of Midwestern charm, look no further! We can’t wait to celebrate our 8th anniversary with our cherished friends and patrons. Join us in raising a glass as we toast to eight glorious years of Long Road Distillers.

The Deets:

  • When: Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 6:30 in the evening
  • Where: The Rickhouse at Long Road Distillers, 537 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Price: $85 per person includes tax and gratuity
  • Click here for tickets
  • Must be 21 years of age or older to attend
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Behind the Bar with Long Road: Jenney Grant’s Deserted Island Cocktail

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The Aquavit Gimlet: My Deserted Island Cocktail
by Jenney Grant, Director of Operations and Education, Long Road Distillers

When leading tours or teaching a class, folks love to ask me about my favorite spirit that we make or my favorite cocktail. My answer is usually: “This is like asking me which of my three children is my favorite; I like all our spirits, different days call for different flavors.”

Although this is not an outright lie – I do have a taste for different Long Road spirits at different times – unlike forcing me to choose between my kids, if I could only take one drink to a deserted island there is always a spirit and cocktail that jump into my mind: the Aquavit Gimlet.

When I was trying to convince Jon and Kyle that they should hire me at Long Road, I remember Jon showing me around the distillery and sharing a sample of Aquavit with me. I had worked in the craft distilling and brewing industry for 5 or 6 years and was always inspired by the growth, product development and quality this young Michigan industry was putting out. Then I tasted Aquavit, with a slight sweetness of red winter wheat, savory spice of dill, caraway, fennel and anise and the bold confidence of a 90 proof spirit. It was beautiful, different than anything I’d tasted from a Midwest distillery. And so, so well done.

It solidified my mission to work at Long Road Distillers. Not only are we a company that chooses to make 100% of our spirits from start to finish with a commitment to using Michigan-grown agriculture, but Aquavit showed me we would also take risks, not settle for doing things half-cooked, and be inspired by the world around us to make world class spirits in Michigan. 

So after leaving my director level job and taking a part-time position at Long Road, I started training and trying cocktails. Long Road has built its award-winning bar program through making every alcohol-based and non alcohol- based ingredient in our bar kitchen. It allows us to pair the distinct flavors of our spirits with one of a kind mixers and flavors.

When it was suggested that I try the Aquavit Gimlet I wasn’t super excited. My grandma used to make pitchers of gimlets; she used the Collins brand powdered gimlet mix and vodka (think Tang, or Kool-aid for alcohol).  A gimlet is usually gin or vodka, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. It’s a 2:1:1 cocktail. I like a traditional gimlet, but with vodka or gin, it’s not the most exciting cocktail on a menu. But it’s always nice, balanced and refreshing. A gimlet with Aquavit on the other hand…

Balance. Simple. Enough. That is what the Aquavit Gimlet is to me. The depth of aquavit paired with bright bitterness of fresh lime and rounded with a subtle sweetness.

My preferred way to drink a gimlet is shaken and served up, in a chilled martini glass with a lime wheel. But in the summer, I enjoy batching it out on my grandma’s deck, and serving over crushed ice, still with a lime wheel. Most people would probably consider a gimlet a summer drink, and I think that is valid, but to me the simple balance of an aquavit gimlet represents an easy choice: uncomplicated, and enough any day of the year. 

Aquavit Gimlet Recipe

  • 2 oz Long Road Original Aquavit
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with lime wheel.

Alternatively, shake all ingredients with ice and single strain into collins glass. Top with crushed ice and garnish with lime wheel.

Cheers!

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Introducing Our New Guest Blog Series: Behind the Bar with Long Road Distillers

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Greetings, cocktail enthusiasts and Long Road Distillers fans! We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new guest blog series that will take you on a journey behind the bar with our talented team of bartenders. Each post in this series will offer a unique glimpse into the creative process behind the enticing and innovative cocktails you’ve come to know and love at our establishment.

Long Road Distillers has always been proud of our team of skilled bartenders who pour their heart and soul into crafting unforgettable cocktails for our guests. This blog series aims to showcase their expertise, passion, and the stories behind their original creations, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation for the art of making craft cocktails.

In the coming weeks, you can look forward to learning about the inspiration and techniques that our bartenders utilize to create the perfect balance of flavors and aromas in their cocktails. From the historical roots of the drinks to the personal experiences that shaped their conceptions, these stories will offer a fascinating and intimate look at the world of bartending at Long Road Distillers. Moreover, our bartenders will share their knowledge of pairing cocktails with food items from our menu, providing you with valuable insights on how to elevate your dining experience with us.

Additionally, we’re excited to expand our blog series in the near future to include guest bartenders from various bars and restaurants across Michigan who have been crafting innovative cocktails with Long Road Distillers’ spirits, such as Sovereign Gin, Amaro Pazzo, and Long Road Aquavit. This will not only highlight the incredible talent found throughout our state but also inspire other bartenders and enthusiasts to explore the versatility and potential of our spirits.

Stay tuned for our first guest blog post, which will be published soon, and make sure to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest posts in the series. We are confident that these personal stories and expert insights will enrich your understanding of our cocktail offerings and inspire you to try new combinations and flavors in your own home.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you as we celebrate the artistry, creativity, and dedication of our talented bartenders and their peers from across Michigan. Cheers to new discoveries and unforgettable cocktail experiences!

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The Long Road Distillers Guide to Batching Your Cocktails (with Recipes)

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Win your Big Game watch party by batching your cocktails. Leave your guests saying, “Batch, please!”

It’s party time. Your guests are knocking on the door, and you’re still frantically running around with the Mrs. Meyers and paper towels, trying to get every surface of your home game-ready. Your oven is beeping (the buffalo chicken dip is done), and your kids are flying around like extras from a Mad Max movie.

Good thing the cocktails are already prepared

Long Road’s got you covered – you batched your cocktails last night. They’re neatly labeled in the fridge and ready to serve.

Batching your cocktails means less work on the day of your party. Your counter will stay clean. No red drips from an errant dash of bitters. Your jigger and cocktail shaker can rest easy in your bar cart. 

Cut your garnishes a few hours before your party. Store them in a sealed container in your fridge, and you have one less thing to worry about. 

Batch your cocktails for the Big Game (or any party)

With the Big Game just days away, we’ve assembled this guide that covers everything you need to know to whip up world-class batched cocktails. Work out the kinks in your batching game this year – here at Long Road, we fully anticipate a Detroit Lions Super Bowl appearance next year. You’ll want to perfect your batching skills before then.

While the Big Game is one reason to batch cocktails, this guide is evergreen. Make your next backyard barbeque, camping trip, or poker night effortless. Batched cocktails are the perfect solution for large parties because they allow you to interact with your guests (or just watch the game).

Take pride in your cocktails and win your party

You know us. We admire a fine craft cocktail made from scratch. We use honest ingredients and take the Long Road. No shortcuts allowed.

Don’t think of batching cocktails as a shortcut. You’ll be putting all the care and artistry you always put into your cocktails. It’ll just be on a larger scale. Use the freshest ingredients you can source, pair them with our spirits, and your friends will insist that you host the watch party every year.

Once you’ve prepared the batched cocktails, you’ll need glasses, ice, and garnishes to serve. 

Cheers!

What you’ll need

Put that jigger and cocktail shaker away. For batch cocktails, you’ll be using liquid measuring cups. You’ll also need a large container to mix the ingredients in.

And don’t forget about a serving container. Consider repurposing an empty bottle of Long Road spirits (remove the label first). You may want a funnel to facilitate pouring the batched cocktail. Ball jars work well as serving vessels, too.

Got a fancy decanter or pitcher? Great. Use it.

Don’t sweat the math

We’ve provided three of our favorite batch recipes (below), but if you are making a large batch based on your own recipe, don’t sweat the math – it’s easy. You won’t need a graphing calculator, and you don’t need to be an accountant at Plante Moran to crunch the numbers. 

Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you’re making. For example, if you’re aiming for ten servings, multiply the ingredients by 10. So a recipe that calls for 2 oz of Long Road Aquavit will need 20 oz.

Tips for successfully batching your cocktails:

  • Measure your ingredients. Don’t eyeball. Use liquid measuring cups.
  • If you’re batching up more than one cocktail for your party, label your serving vessels so your guests know which cocktail is in which vessel. Displaying the ingredient list is an elegant touch.
  • Don’t add anything sparkling until just before serving. The bubbles will disappear if you add that prosecco, tonic, or soda too early. Pre-batch the other cocktail elements separately, and add the bubbles when it’s time to serve.
  • If you plan on using large ice cubes from a specialty mold, well done. You’re our kind of host. Make several batches of ice cubes before your party, and store them in a large ziplock baggie in the freezer.
  • Store cocktails that are served “up” in the freezer. Don’t add ice. These cocktails are ready to drink. Just pour them into the appropriate glassware and garnish.
  • Store cocktails that are served on the rocks in a sealed container in the fridge.

Old Fashioned Recipe (serves 10)*

The old-fashioned is one of the 🐐 cocktails. This recipe calls for Long Road Straight Rye, but feel free to substitute your favorite Long Road whisky or use Long Road Straight Bourbon.

Ingredients:

  • 20 oz Long Road Straight Rye Whisky
  • 5 oz simple syrup
  • 20 dashes bitters
  • Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a large container and stir. Pour into the serving jar(s) and seal.
  2. To serve – pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.

*Note:

Don’t feel like batching up some Old Fashioneds? We’ve got you! Grab a bottle of Long Road Midwest Old Fashioned, available at all Long Road Distillers locations and fine retailers throughout the state. Each bottle serves at least 4 cocktails! 

Equal Parts Recipe (serves 10)

Equal Parts is a classic Long Road cocktail that combines equal parts of Aquavit, Raspberry Liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup. Garnished with a lime wheel, this cocktail makes the perfect digestif. Skip dessert (or don’t) and treat your guests to an Equal Parts.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz Long Road Aquavit
  • 10 oz Long Road Raspberry Liqueur
  • 10 oz lime juice
  • 10 oz simple syrup
  • Lime wheel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a large container and stir. Pour into the serving jar(s) and seal.
  2. To serve – pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Super Secret Never Fail Punch Recipe

Punches are another popular batched cocktail. Like good jazz, this recipe is a bit more free-form. Put on some Miles Davis and get creative.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 part sour – usually citrus
  • 2 parts sweet – simple syrups, honey, sugars, sweet vermouth
  • 3 parts strong – a spirit of your choice
    • Vodka, MICHIGIN, Old Aquavit, Bourbon, Sovereign Gin
  • 4 parts weak – water, bubbles, ginger beer, soda
  • Garnish of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a large container and stir. Pour into serving jar(s) and seal.
  2. To serve – pour the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice. Add a garnish of your choice.

 

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PRESS RELEASE: Less Traveled, a Cocktail Bar by Long Road Distillers, Planned for Cherry Street

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Grand Rapids distillery announces plans for new location in East Hills neighborhood

East Hills Center (of the Universe), Michigan – Long Road Distillers, based on Grand Rapids’ west side, announced plans for a new location coming to the East Hills neighborhood later this spring. The cocktail bar concept will be known as Less Traveled, a nod to the distillery’s way of doing things – with intention, integrity and from start to finish. It will be located at 959 Cherry Street SE.

“Our journey began on the West Side, a place we still call home, over seven years ago” said Kyle VanStrien, Co-Owner of Long Road Distillers. “Our unwavering commitment to taking the long road has led us to this point, where we can now share our craft spirits and cocktails with a new neighborhood on the other side of the river. We’re thrilled to join the East Hills district!”

Plans for Less Traveled include an intimate indoor bar with bar and lounge seating for up to 40 guests. Seating on a new outdoor patio overlooking Cherry Street will have room for up to 45 guests.

“With the evolution of service in our industry over the past few years, outdoor experiences are more important than ever,” said Jon O’Connor, Co-Owner of Long Road Distillers. “Having limited outdoor options at our West Side location, Less Traveled gives us the opportunity to create a vibrant, open-air experience that activates a previously underutilized portion of the block.”

The menu will be a curated selection of cocktails unique to Less Traveled as well as some of the Long Road classics guests have grown to love at other locations. Due to space constraints, there will be no kitchen on-site, but there are plans to offer small snacks for patrons.

Less Traveled will be licensed as an off-premises tasting room for the distillery. All distilling and production operations will still be conducted at 537 Leonard Street NW, where the company operates their distillery and an on-site cocktail bar and restaurant.

Long Road Distillers is seeking Special Land Use approval for Less Traveled from the Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Thursday, February 10. Additional licensing from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and Kent County Health Department will follow in the coming months.

To learn more about Less Traveled by Long Road Distillers, follow along on Facebook (@lesstraveled gr) and Instagram (@lesstraveledgr).

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Valentine’s Day Weekend: Mokaya Chocolates & LRD Spirits Pairings

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Long Road Distillers! This year, you have two ways to celebrate: with an in-person tasting experience, or with a to-go kit that includes Mokaya Chocolates and Long Road spirit samples!

We’re hosting multiple in-person tasting events on Saturday, February 12. Sign up today to reserve your seat by clicking here. We’ll guide you and your valentine through the flavors of 4 unique pairings. Each pairing will include a splash of spirit, a sample of a cocktail, and a handcrafted Mokaya Chocolate made locally with one of our spirits.

You can also take the experience home with you! Click here to pre-order your Mokaya Chocolate & Long Road Spirit Tasting Kit To-Go. Each kit contains two 4-packs of Grand Rapids-made Mokaya chocolates and four 2 ounce samples of Long Road Spirits to sample alongside the chocolates.

Place your orders by January 31. Kit pick-ups will be available Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12.

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Long Road Distillers

CONTACT | MEDIA KIT
DISTRIBUTION | EMPLOYMENT

Grand Rapids Location

537 LEONARD ST NW
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504

PHONE: (616) 228-4924
RESERVATIONS

Grand Haven Location

18 WASHINGTON
GRAND HAVEN, MI 49417

PHONE: (616) 414-7797

Less Traveled

959 CHERRY ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506

PHONE: (616) 570-0131

Long Road Distillers

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