Luca Mariano Distillery
Luca Mariano Distillery, located in Plymouth, MI, has been crafting premium bourbon and rye whiskey with a commitment to quality for over 100 years, rooted in the Viola family’s rich Italian heritage. Their meticulously aged spirits are produced from scratch using their own grains and are aged for a minimum of four years in charred new oak barrels before being bottled.
The distillery offers family-friendly tours that provide an insightful behind-the-scenes experience into the bourbon-making process, welcoming guests with the warmth of Italian hospitality. With affordable pricing for different age groups, visitors can explore the artistry of fine whiskey production while enjoying an invitation into the Viola family history.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
