
UPDATE: Closed Grand Rapids Distillery Auctioning Off Iconic California Redwood Bar
UPDATE 2/11: Earlier this month Wise Men Distillery in Kentwood announced it was closing its doors after six years in business.
The Wise Men Distillery Taproom downtown Grand Rapids is also listed as "permanently closed" on Google.
👇BELOW: MAJOR RETAILERS SET TO CLOSE IN MICHIGAN THIS YEAR👇
After holding a going away party and selling some remaining inventory, Wise Men Distillery is now auctioning off its iconic redwood bar.
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The owners shared in a post to social media:
Wise Men Distillery is taking bids on our iconic old growth California redwood bar. Barr is built from reclaimed barn wood, and the tops were shipped here via rail car around WW2. Buyer removes. Has to be removed by the end of the month. Includes all stainless counter top, built in under counter cabinets, sinks, etc. Coolers not included.
The highest bid will win and bidding closes Feb. 25, 2025. Bar must be removed by Feb. 28.
You can email your bid to tom@tjb-llc.com
UPDATE 1/31: After six years in business, a Grand Rapids distillery has shut its doors.
Wise Men Distillery in Kentwood shared news of the closure to Facebook, saying it had been unable to recover after the pandemic.
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After an outpouring of support from customers wishing they had the chance to say goodbye and make some last purchases, Wise Men Distillery is set to host a going away party Monday, Feb. 3.
The owners posted to social media,
We have had an overwhelming number of requests for a chance to come and purchase some of the inventory we have here. Coaster Club members want to pick up coasters, and we will be selling some of the stuff that's been in the tasting rooms. Might even sell the Aim Wisely bathroom signs!! LOL.
Soo.. Lets have a going away party. We will be serving HEAVILY discounted simple drinks (think "pop and a shot") and cheap hard seltzers. This will be taking place MONDAY FEB 3RD from 4pm to 8pm. Cash, Check, or Venmo only.. No Credit Cards, we don't have a way to process those.
Spirits will be available for sale, at the standard minimum shelf price as dictated by the state of Michigan. Sorry, unavoidable. But we will be selling cases of hard seltzers for $13.00 a case. That's 24 cans for $13.00. No mix packs. Just as they are packaged.
So, here is your chance. See you Monday!
ORIGINAL STORY 1/29: Grand Rapids is bidding farewell to another adult beverage business.
Not too long ago we told you that 3 Gatos Brewery in Wyoming would be closing its doors soon.
Now, after six years in operation a local distillery is shutting down.
Owners Tom Borisch, Jason Post, and Zack Van Dyke first opened Wise Men Distillery at 4717 Broadmoor Ave SE suite F in Kentwood in June of 2019.
According to their website, "Wise Men Distillery started with three friends, a dream, and a passion for quality spirits."
The small-batch distillery specializes in hand-crafted rum, whiskey, gin, vodka, moonshine, and bourbon, which are sold throughout Michigan.. After announcing a new downtown taproom in 2019, Wise Men Distillery opened inside McKay Tower at 146 Monroe Center St in May of 2021.
On January 29, 2025, a post was shared to Wise Men Distillery's Facebook page, announcing the closure:
To all of our loyal customers and industry friends. We have made the tough decision to close the distillery. We haven't been able to bounce back since the pandemic. That being said, we want to thank you all for an amazing 6 years, and we will always have the memories. God bless, and stay Wise -Tom, Zack, and Jason
The announcement did not specify if both the Kentwood and downtown Grand Rapids locations would be closing.

Calls to both locations have gone unanswered. At the time of this article, the Kentwood location is listed on Google as opening at 4p.m. on Wednesday, the downtown location is listed as opening at 4p.m. Thursday. A Feb. 11 cocktail class at the downtown tasting room is still listed on Facebook. If any updates are received, we'll share them here.
Customers are sharing their sadness at the news and asking if the closure is effective immediately or if they'll be able to visit one last time.
Andrew says,
The end of an amazing era. Thank you for all the memories you've provided me and my friends over the years.
Dalton asks,
Is this effective immediately or do we still have time to come in and buy some bottles
Alan writes,
So many amazing memories. I will miss you and your spirits.