Long Road Distillers to Launch Ready to Drink Canned Cocktails Statewide

Grand Rapids-based Long Road Distillers has announced the statewide distribution of their new line of ready to drink canned cocktails. The distillery has partnered with Kalamazoo-based Imperial Beverage to assist in the sale and delivery of the new products to bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Michigan. Imperial Beverage also carries Long Road’s line of craft spirits in the market.

The new line of RTD cocktails will begin hitting store shelves and restaurant backbars as soon as Wednesday, February 1.

Since 2020, the distillery has produced and canned a few varieties of RTD cocktails on a limited basis, but never at a scale that allowed them to distribute statewide. As the products gained in popularity and sales outpaced production, Long Road explored new ways to meet demand, improve upon the products, and get them into more hands.

“We regularly get calls and e-mails about our canned cocktails from people around the state who visited one of our locations or picked up a 4-pack at a West Michigan retailer,” said Kyle VanStrien, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “Up to this point, we’ve had to encourage them to take a road trip back to the area so they could stock up. Now, they’ll be able to grab our products closer to home!”

Long Road will have three products with their initial launch, all canned at 7% alcohol by volume:

• The Polish Falcon – the distillery’s version of a Moscow mule, featuring Long Road Original Vodka, lemongrass ginger beer, and lime.
• Lavender Lemonade – based off a longtime tasting room favorite, Teta’s Lemonade, featuring Long Road Original Vodka, lavender, rosewater and lemon.
• Rosemary Gin Fizz – a brand new offering, featuring Long Road Dry Gin, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon and a hint of salt.

“We’re very excited about this growth opportunity with our canned cocktails,” said Jon O’Connor, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers. “The category is outpacing all others and with a few adjustments to the formulas and our production schedule, we’re confident this will be a big part of our business going forward.”

Imperial Beverage will begin distributing the canned cocktails to bars, restaurants and retailers this week. Check the Long Road Distillers Spirit Finder on their website to find a retailer nearby who has ordered the products. Retailers or restaurants interested in carrying the new products should contact their Imperial Beverage account manager.