Great Lakes Distillery
Wisconsin's first licensed distillery since Prohibition, offering tours, tastings, and craft cocktails in a historic Milwaukee setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Great Lakes Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wisconsin's first licensed distillery since Prohibition, offering tours, tastings, and craft cocktails in a historic Milwaukee setting.
"Great drinks and great service; if I lived here, I’d be coming here a lot!"
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for tours and tastings by booking in advance, especially for weekends.
🍸 Taste the Craft
Don't miss the tasting portion of the tour to sample their diverse range of spirits.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 475 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Distillery Tour & Tasting
Distillery Floor
Discover the distilling process and sample a variety of spirits, from vodka to whiskey. A must-do for spirit enthusiasts!
Craft Cocktails at the Bar
Tasting Room Bar
Enjoy expertly mixed cocktails featuring their own spirits. Try the bourbon old fashioned or a refreshing mule.
Unique Spirit Flavors
Tasting Room
Sample distinctive spirits like Rehorst Citrus Honey Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, or seasonal pumpkin spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Explore Beyond Beer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for tours and tastings by booking in advance, especially for weekends.
🍸 Taste the Craft
Don't miss the tasting portion of the tour to sample their diverse range of spirits.
🚗 Parking Availability
Street parking can be tricky; consider ride-sharing or public transport for convenience.
🍽️ Food On-Site
Enjoy food from Fox Fire, their on-site partner, to complement your drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for tours and tastings by booking in advance, especially for weekends.
🍸 Taste the Craft
Don't miss the tasting portion of the tour to sample their diverse range of spirits.
🚗 Parking Availability
Street parking can be tricky; consider ride-sharing or public transport for convenience.
🍽️ Food On-Site
Enjoy food from Fox Fire, their on-site partner, to complement your drinks.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water is provided during tastings; pace yourself and enjoy the experience responsibly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Great Lakes Distillery for its informative tours, delicious craft cocktails, and the quality of its spirits. The knowledgeable and personable staff, particularly guides like Kevin, enhance the experience. It's seen as a great tourist stop and a local favorite for its welcoming atmosphere and well-crafted drinks. Some minor facility issues, like the lack of changing tables, have been noted.
"This is a great tourist stop, but I'm sure I'd come often if I lived here. Kevin and Ian were amazing bartenders! Very solid drinks that showcase the taste of liquor, not hiding it under heavy mixers and garnishes. The ones we had were well crafted. The bar was clean, service was great, and prices were decent. I love Great Lakes Distillery. Will be back!"
M.A. R.
"We ended our day in Milwaukee with a stop at Great Lakes Distillery. We had a white Russian while we waited for our tour. Very tasty. The tour was very informative, and we got to sample 7 shots of their products. We left with a bottle of cherry liqueur, apple brandy, and the tint of honey whiskey."
Teresa Price
"Unfortunately no tours when we came due to a pop up event, but did not detract from the experience. Great drinks and great service. If I lived here, I’d be coming here a lot"
H S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Lakes Distillery is located at 616 W Virginia St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, in the Walker's Point neighborhood. It's accessible by car, though parking can be challenging. Public transportation options are also available.
Street parking is available, but it can be competitive, especially during peak hours. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, taxis and rideshares are a convenient way to reach Great Lakes Distillery, especially if you plan on enjoying multiple tastings.
From downtown Milwaukee, you can take a short taxi or rideshare trip, or a bus route that services the Walker's Point area.
Yes, there are several hotels in the downtown Milwaukee area and near the Walker's Point neighborhood, making it easy to stay overnight after your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours at Great Lakes Distillery typically cost around $12 and include a tasting of their spirits. It's recommended to book in advance online.
While walk-ins might be accommodated if space is available, booking your tour in advance online is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, especially for weekend visits.
The tour usually includes a walk-through of the distillery, an explanation of the distilling process, and a tasting of several of their recommended spirits.
The tasting room and bar are generally open seven days a week. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for both the bar and tours.
Yes, you can visit the tasting room and bar to enjoy cocktails and purchase bottles without taking a formal tour, though the tour offers a comprehensive experience.
🎫 🍸 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a variety of expertly crafted cocktails made with their own spirits, including options like a bourbon old fashioned, various mules, and seasonal specials.
Yes, Great Lakes Distillery partners with Fox Fire for on-site food service, offering a menu to complement your drinks.
Popular choices include their Rehorst Citrus Honey Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, and various whiskeys and gins. They also offer seasonal releases like a pumpkin spirit.
While the tasting room is generally adult-focused, families can visit. However, be aware that there may not be changing tables in all restrooms.
Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of your favorite spirits directly from the distillery to take home.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos inside Great Lakes Distillery, especially in the tasting room and bar areas.
The historic building, the stills, and the beautifully presented cocktails make for great photo opportunities. The bar area also offers a vibrant backdrop.
Photography is usually permitted during the tour, but it's always a good idea to ask your guide if there are any specific areas where photos are restricted.
You can use hashtags like #GreatLakesDistillery, #MilwaukeeDistillery, #MKEspirits, and #CraftCocktails when sharing your photos online.
The lighting varies; the tasting room and bar often have ambient lighting, while the distilling area might be more industrial. Come prepared for different conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit