A northern Michigan distillery is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone. Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville will mark its 10th anniversary on Labor Day 2026, a decade after opening its doors in 2016. What started as an ambitious project on 120 acres of farmland has grown into a destination that combines craft spirits with a welcoming atmosphere for the whole family.
The operation sits on property where the team cultivates rye specifically for whiskey production. This field-to-bottle approach gives them control over the entire process, from planting to pouring. The facility houses everything needed for a complete visit—a tasting room where guests can sample the spirits, a restaurant serving meals, a retail shop with bottles and merchandise, and the working distillery itself where visitors can see production in action.
David Wallace, who owns Iron Fish Distillery, explained what sets the place apart. "We grow our own rye for our whiskey and we have a tasting room, a restaurant, a retail shop and a full distillery on site," he said. This integration of farm and distillery creates an experience that goes beyond just drinking whiskey. Visitors can connect with where their spirits come from in a tangible way.
The atmosphere caters to more than just spirits enthusiasts. Wallace emphasized the inclusive environment they've created. "This is a very family-friendly distillery," he noted, pointing out that kids can be seen dancing near the live music stage when events get busy. It's an unusual approach for a distillery, but one that reflects the values of the operation and the rural Michigan community it calls home.
Several special releases are planned for 2026 as the anniversary approaches. In March, Iron Fish will launch its Arctic Grayling release, a whiskey that serves a purpose beyond the glass. Wallace described the significance: "It's called the Arctic Grayling release and it is a whiskey that we make every year. And it benefits the research that is being done to get the grayling reintroduced into Michigan rivers."
The Arctic grayling, a native fish species, disappeared from Michigan rivers decades ago. Efforts to restore these fish to their historic habitat continue, and Iron Fish has made supporting this conservation work part of its mission. "We donate part of our sales on that Arctic grayling whiskey to the organization that's helping do the research to try to get those grayling back into our rivers," Wallace explained. The annual release creates a direct connection between Michigan whiskey drinkers and Michigan wildlife restoration.
Following the Arctic Grayling release, May 2026 will bring two notable events. The distillery will host its Hats and Horses party, timed with the Kentucky Derby. The celebration invites guests to dress up and enjoy themed food and drinks while watching the famous race. Wallace extended the invitation: "You can wear your best bow tie and your nicest clothes and your fanciest hat and have a great day out here." The event adds a touch of southern racing tradition to the northern Michigan countryside.
May will also see the release of Manifesto whiskey, a distinctive offering that showcases the creativity of Iron Fish's production team. Wallace described the product: "It's a really nice whiskey called Manifesto and it is a blend of whiskeys that we have tasked our production team to produce." Unlike single-barrel releases or standard product lines, Manifesto represents the team's opportunity to experiment with blending and create something unique to their vision.
The main celebration will arrive with Labor Day on September 4, 2026. The anniversary event promises to expand on what's already an annual tradition. "It's going to be a big party. It's a big party every year but will be even bigger this year," Wallace said about the upcoming festivities. The day will feature live music performances, food offerings, and special activities that highlight the distillery's craft.
Among the planned activities, visitors will be able to watch barrel-making demonstrations, seeing the traditional cooperage skills that create the vessels essential to whiskey aging. A bagpiper will perform a blessing of the barrels, adding ceremonial significance to the containers that hold Iron Fish's spirits as they mature. These touches connect modern craft distilling to the long traditions of whiskey making.
The 10-year mark represents significant achievement in the distillery industry. Many craft distilleries struggle to survive their early years as they wait for whiskey to age and build a customer base. Reaching a decade means Iron Fish has established itself in the market and built a sustainable operation that serves both local visitors and spirits enthusiasts from further away.
The distillery's approach combines several elements that have contributed to its longevity. Growing their own grain creates a story that resonates with consumers interested in provenance and local production. The family-friendly environment expands the potential visitor base beyond traditional distillery tourists. The conservation efforts with the Arctic Grayling release demonstrate community values and give customers a way to contribute to environmental restoration through their purchases.
The 120-acre farm setting provides space for the various components of the operation to coexist. Fields of rye surround the production facility. The restaurant and tasting room can accommodate crowds during events without feeling cramped. There's room for parking, outdoor activities, and future expansion if the next decade brings continued growth.
As craft distilling continues to grow across the country, operations like Iron Fish show how regional identity and agricultural roots can differentiate a brand. Michigan's emerging reputation for quality spirits benefits from distilleries that emphasize local ingredients and character. The state's agricultural tradition, combined with changing alcohol laws that made craft distilling more viable, created opportunities for businesses like Iron Fish to take root.
The anniversary celebration and upcoming releases give whiskey enthusiasts several reasons to visit Thompsonville throughout 2026. The Arctic Grayling release in March appeals to those interested in conservation and limited releases. The Hats and Horses party in May offers a festive social event. The Labor Day anniversary celebration provides the biggest gathering of the year.
For those planning to attend any of these events or simply visit the distillery, the facility's multiple components mean there's more to experience than just tasting spirits. The restaurant provides full meals, making it possible to spend several hours at the location. The retail shop offers bottles to take home, allowing visitors to continue enjoying Iron Fish products after their visit. The working distillery gives insight into how the spirits are made.
The next chapter for Iron Fish Distillery begins after this milestone year. With a decade of experience, established products, and a loyal customer base, the operation enters its second ten years from a position of strength. The combination of quality spirits, engaging events, community involvement, and unique setting has created something that goes beyond typical distillery tourism.
As September 4, 2026 approaches, Iron Fish Distillery prepares to celebrate not just surviving but thriving for ten years. The anniversary represents the dedication of the team that grows the rye, operates the stills, serves the guests, and manages the business. It also represents the support of customers who've made Iron Fish part of Michigan's craft spirits landscape and helped turn a 120-acre farm into a destination worth visiting.
