About Eastern Kille Distillery
Our Mission
We’re crafting exceptional, grain-to-glass Michigan spirits by honoring the time-tested art of distillation and capturing our distinct Great Lakes climate, delivering pure quality through bottle release and inspired cocktail experiences.
Our History
The Eastern Kille story began in 2014, and while our footprint has evolved, our search for a permanent identity led us to the precursor of modern Dutch: "Kille". Pronounced kill, the word translates to "riverbed" or "water channel," a direct reference to our original home in a river valley on the eastern bank of the Grand River. While our new sixteen-acre campus in Rockford has moved us to a different valley, our name remains a fixed point, highlighting our unbreakable relationship to the Michigan landscape.
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![A smiling bartender with a beard and tattooed arm pouring a drink from a metal shaker in a bar with shelves of liquor bottles in the background.]()
Unapologetic Authenticity
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![Five cocktails on a wooden table, including a dark beer, a strawberry drink with mint, a pink cocktail in a coupe glass, a red drink with a cherry on top, and an orange drink with an orange slice]()
Craft Through Creativity
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![Person holding a tall glass of green cocktail garnished with mint leaves.]()
Obsession with Detail
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![Smiling woman with dark hair, wearing a white blouse and leopard print skirt, sitting at a wooden table in a restaurant, holding a bright pink cocktail with a slice of lime on the rim.]()
Experience as the Product
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![Exterior view of a modern building with a wooden facade, black metal supports, and a partially covered entrance. A sign reads 'Eastern Kille Distillery' near the entrance door.]()
Intentionality Over Trend
Michigan. Distilled.
Michigan. Distilled.
Crafted with Spirit.
Crafted with Spirit.
Meet the Makers
Our team is driven by passion, treating every flavor experience as an opportunity to push the boundaries of what a distillery can be. We’re committed to making every moment at Eastern Kille a vibrant statement of excellence.
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Steve Vander Pol
Owner
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Brandon Voorhees
Owner
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Jason Tholen
General Manager
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Morgan Applegarth
Bar Manager
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Justin Leep
Production Manager
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Josiah Gentry
Beverage Director
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Dave O'Neill
Sales & Distribution Manager
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Stephen Kolavo
Chef
