Detroit’s Eastern Market is always buzzing with craft, culture, and community. Still, on a crisp Halloween weekend, it transformed into a spirited lab of liquid alchemy thanks to Detroit City Distillery’s newest offering: The BYOB (Blend Your Own Bourbon) Experience — and it did not disappoint.
Held inside the brand’s moody and stylish 100 Proof Event Space, this particular installment of the BYOB series went full mad-scientist-meets-master-distiller, complete with white lab coats for guests that turned the whole room into a bourbon-blending bunker straight out of a sci-fi flick.
As we sipped, swirled, and blended, the room buzzed with curiosity and creativity. Glasses clinked, laughter echoed, and spirits — both literal and metaphysical — were high.
And at the center of this brilliant bourbon chaos? Michael, the tour guide and host, deserves his own gold-embossed bottle label. With the perfect mix of wit, whiskey wisdom, and just the right amount of snark, Michael turned what could’ve been a basic booze tasting into a full-blown sensory adventure. Think: part history lesson, part flavor masterclass, and part comedy roast, all while keeping us engaged, educated, and a little bit tipsy.
During the two-hour experience, guests were guided through a curated tasting of single-barrel bourbons, learning how to identify and balance notes like vanilla, spice, caramel, oak, and even that smoky backbone that makes bourbon lovers swoon. Then came the fun part: blending our own custom bottle of bourbon using real distilling techniques.
The Halloween-themed edition was a knockout, but make no mistake — this experience is a vibe year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or someone just dipping a toe into brown liquor for the first time, BYOB is a 5 out of 5 across the board for experience, price, and taste. You’ll walk away with your own custom bottle, a few new friends, and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every pour.
So, next time you’re in the D and looking to elevate your weekend plans? Pull up to Detroit City Distillery. Channel your inner bourbon scientist. And let Michael lead you through a night that’s equal parts fun and flavor.
Because in Detroit, we don’t just drink bourbon. We build it.
Miss AJ Tip:
Book early. Spots for the BYOB experience fill up fast, especially during themed weekends. CLICK HERE for more information and tickets.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where: Detroit City Distillery, 100 Proof Event Space, Eastern Market.
Host: Michael the Magnificent (my words, not his, but facts are facts)
Cost: Worth every single drop.
