quality above all else.
“I’ve always appreciated the American craftsman, working by hand, making one-of-a-kind items that stand the test of time. We take great pride in using old world techniques – techniques that haven’t changed in centuries. There are no computers controlling the stills, just our sense of taste and smell to determine the cuts.”
— Rifino Valentine
President & FounderOur Story
Founded in 2007 and among the nation’s first craft distilleries, Valentine Distilling Company is an American pioneer of small batch, handcrafted spirits. When Valentine first started production, there were approximately 15 to 20 microdistilleries in the U.S. Today, there are more than 2,000.
In an era of mass production, squeezing costs and maximizing profits, one important thing is lost: quality. Taking a stand against mass-produced spirits, Valentine proves that American ingenuity and quality American manufacturing is still alive.
Mayor Pingree Bourbon has been consistently rated among the best in the world. In 2019, The Whisky Advocate named Mayor Pingree Black Label as the 2nd Best Whiskey in the world in its Summer 2019 Buyer’s Guide, scoring 93 points. In addition, Pingree Blue and Black have won Double Gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits competition.
Valentine Vodka has been named “World’s Best” by The World Vodka Awards in London back-to-back in 2016 and 2017. Our award-winning bourbon, gin and vodka are available throughout Michigan, nine other states and six other countries.
In the tradition of Detroit’s manufacturing leadership, Valentine is dedicated to American ingenuity, quality manufacturing, and small batch distilling using old-world techniques that create superior tasting products.
Core Values
No Additives
It’s a big secret in spirit production that mass market vodkas – including top-shelf brands – contain additives to ‘optimize’ taste and viscosity. Many add glycerol or limonine to their formulations to enhance ‘mouthfeel’ and ‘smoothness.’ Other additives are found in other brands. Not ours.
With Valentine Vodka and all our spirits, what you see is what you get.
Eco-Friendly
Distilleries like ours use at least 500 gallons of water per day on average. The majority of that water is process water that is ultimately wasted.
We’re committed to being part of the circular economy solution. That’s why we’re dramatically reducing our water and energy consumption, recycling and reusing raw materials, and shifting to clean energy generation.
“I’m proud that we’re continuing in the tradition of quality Detroit manufacturing, and that we’re able to produce spirits that rival anything around the world.” — Rifino Valentine
Customers
Trade & Media
Contact us
Reach out about a question or just to say hello!