Michigan Alcohol Shipments Information:
Certain states, including Michigan, deem shipping alcohol to Michigan residents illegal.  Being raised in the UK where drinking is not a 'big deal' and we are more relaxed I find this both amusing and disappointing.

This is a hot issue for fans of SMS since the selection available in Ann Arbor and Detroit based stores is limited, prices are not competitive and many would like the freedom to buy what we want when we want.  The Michigan Liquor Control Commission states their decision to enforce the code are because of the risk of alcohol ending up in the hands of under-age drinkers, other abuses, as well as using their 21st amendment rights to control liquor distribution and raise important tax dollars. 

Obviously there are two sides to every story.  As a consumer I am disappointed to have to pay 40% more for certain whiskies, also I am unable to purchase many "rarities" and higher-echelon single malts.  On the other hand I see that the producer (Distillery) and Importer of Single Malts are making business decisions that affect price and availability.  For example, they have a say in deciding "allocation" as well as whether to sell directly to the Michigan LCC and avoid another "tier" of markup and taxes by using a middle-man.

Bottom line, be informed, and if you derive an opinion, then do something about it!

Here are some valuable links:

The issue in Florida, and New York

K & L Wine Merchants in California have a good summary and explanation with good additional links



The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America want to preserve the status quo.

The issue would be a non-issue if Michigan had real choice and price competition.  Many are not against attempts to eliminate under-age drinking, but attempts should be reasonable since many people of legal age do drink responsibly. 


Do something about it: 
- Tell your House Representative your opinion:  Find your rep
- Find your local/state Government web sites , here is Michigan and here are the email addresses of Michigan Representatives
THIS IS NOT A BANNER AD!!   THIS IS A RECOMMENDATION!!
The best selection of Single Malts in Michigan (we have found so far) is at A&L Wine Castle on Stadium in Ann Arbor.  The principal is Maher, he knows his stuff and carries over 130 malts!  Here are the directions. Please email me if you know of any other exceptional stores in Michigan.

Also, Merchant's Warehouse in Dearborn at 22250 Michigan Avenue is pretty good with over 60 malts.   
New:
06/2001:  Updated Tasting Notes.
09/2001:  Updated Jeff's and Andrew's Scorecard
04/2001:  Added Speyside Event to Events page (temp removed)
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This site has been created for the education and enjoyment of persons able to drink legally in their country/state of residence

This site is about whisky not whiskey (the Irish spelling) - fine single malt scottish whisky such as Talisker, Springbank, Highland Park, Bowmore, Cragganmore, Lagavulin!  We are a small group of friends that find an excuse to sample fine Single Malt Scotch Whisky from time to time.  This site is not another site about SMS, the history, the definition, the theory - see the upcoming links page for that.  This site is about drinking, savoring and enjoying fine single malts with fine friends!! 
In Scotch Heaven, but mainly SE Michigan

This page was last
updated on:
December 23,
2003

New:
06/2001:  Updated Tasting Notes.
09/2001:  Updated Jeff's and Andrew's Scorecard
04/2001:  Added Speyside Event to Events page (temp removed)
THIS IS NOT A BANNER AD!!   THIS IS A RECOMMENDATION!!
The best selection of Single Malts in Michigan (we have found so far) is at A&L Wine Castle on Stadium in Ann Arbor.  The principal is Maher, he knows his stuff and carries over 130 malts!  Here are the directions. Please email me if you know of any other exceptional stores in Michigan.

Also, Merchant's Warehouse in Dearborn at 22250 Michigan Avenue is pretty good with over 60 malts.   
Michigan Alcohol Shipments Information:
Certain states, including Michigan, deem shipping alcohol to Michigan residents illegal.  Being raised in the UK where drinking is not a 'big deal' and we are more relaxed I find this both amusing and disappointing.

This is a hot issue for fans of SMS since the selection available in Ann Arbor and Detroit based stores is limited, prices are not competitive and many would like the freedom to buy what we want when we want.  The Michigan Liquor Control Commission states their decision to enforce the code are because of the risk of alcohol ending up in the hands of under-age drinkers, other abuses, as well as using their 21st amendment rights to control liquor distribution and raise important tax dollars. 

Obviously there are two sides to every story.  As a consumer I am disappointed to have to pay 40% more for certain whiskies, also I am unable to purchase many "rarities" and higher-echelon single malts.  On the other hand I see that the producer (Distillery) and Importer of Single Malts are making business decisions that affect price and availability.  For example, they have a say in deciding "allocation" as well as whether to sell directly to the Michigan LCC and avoid another "tier" of markup and taxes by using a middle-man.

Bottom line, be informed, and if you derive an opinion, then do something about it!

Here are some valuable links:

The issue in Florida, and New York

K & L Wine Merchants in California have a good summary and explanation with good additional links



The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America want to preserve the status quo.

The issue would be a non-issue if Michigan had real choice and price competition.  Many are not against attempts to eliminate under-age drinking, but attempts should be reasonable since many people of legal age do drink responsibly. 


Do something about it: 
- Tell your House Representative your opinion:  Find your rep
- Find your local/state Government web sites , here is Michigan and here are the email addresses of Michigan Representatives