The Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) designated September as “Michigan Craft Spirits Month” throughout the state.

According to a news release, Michigan currently ranks seventh in the national for the number of craft distilleries (with more than 80). The association cited the annual “Craft Spirits Data Project” released by the American Craft Spirits Association.

Michigan’s craft spirit distillers are a key component of the state’s agricultural and processing industries, contributing more than one billion dollars in total economic impact and collectively utilizing more than two million pounds of Michigan grown grain and fruits in their products each year, the release stated.

As part of the state’s thriving craft beverage sector, Michigan distilleries are also a vital component of community placemaking efforts and the state’s tourism industry.

The Michigan Craft Distillers Associationwas formed in October 2014 as a non-profit organization charged with marketing the individual member businesses, their products and events, but also help bring a voice for the industry when it comes to legislative issues that affect the overall beverage industry.