To showcase our region’s agricultural heritage, Black Star Farms produces brandies from the best local apples, cherries, pears, plums, raspberries, and grapes.

Our distillery operation began in 1998 on our farm in Suttons Bay. Our fruit-based brandies are generally known as eau de vie-style spirits, a staple in some European countries. Eau de vie is French for “water of life.” These spirits are clear and represent the pure essence of fermented fruit. The balance of fruit and alcohol reflects the distiller’s artisan skill and the fruit’s quality. We also make barrel-aged brandies from apples and cherries that spend years in French and American oak, exhibiting more whiskey-like complexities.

Our local fruit is among the best in the world, and our distillation method retains the beautiful characteristics of these fruits. At the precise moment when the distiller deems it optimal to showcase the “spirit” of the fruit, the brandy is bottled, often from a single run or barrel at a time.

Great craft spirits and cocktails are about more than just the craft – it’s the experience and the people you share it with, too. We believe great wine and spirits are something for everyone to enjoy. Our approach is refreshingly real. Nothing fake. No pretenses here. Only the good stuff.