Detroit City Distillery Blends Uncorks Two Faced Blended Straight Bourbon
Detroit City Distillery (DCD) is launching a new bourbon to join its permanent lineup of award-winning whiskies: Two Faced Blended Straight Bourbon.
Two Faced Blended Straight Bourbon is made from 50 percent Detroit City Distillery bourbon, which comes from Michigan grains from local farms, and 50 percent Kentucky “wheated” bourbon. It opens with fresh apple, balanced by the sweetness of molasses. On the palate, smoky notes of cigar are complemented by orange marmalade. The finish begins with smooth vanilla and buttery toffee and closes with a hint of black pepper that adds a final, spicy kick. It’s aged for a minimum of four years in new white American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof.
“We like to say this bourbon was inspired by a hundred years of dishonest activities in search of an honest drink,” says J.P. Jerome, co-owner and master distiller at DCD. “Others may say it’s blasphemous to blend Michigan and Kentucky whiskey, but we wouldn’t be who we are if we didn’t make what we like to drink. Our Two Faced Blended Straight Bourbon represents the best of Michigan combined with fine Kentucky Bourbon. Finding new combinations that work is really what we’re all about.”
DCD will host a Bourbon Release Party on Aug. 23, at Detroit City Distillery’s Tasting Room on Riopelle Street in Eastern Market from 4-11 p.m. Customers can purchase bottles from the first batch and sample whiskey flights and bourbon cocktails as well as a special limited run Detroit vs. Kentucky cocktail menu.
Two Faced Blended Straight Bourbon bottles are $55 each and available for purchase at DCD’s Tasting Room at 2462 Riopelle St. in Detroit’s Eastern Market or online for in-person pick up at detroitcitydistillery.com. Two Faced Blended Straight Bourbon will be available at liquor and grocery stores toward the end of 2024.
Humanetics in Farmington Hills, German Company Collaborate on Active Safety Test Solutions
Humanetics, a safety testing solutions provider in Farmington Hills, is collaborating with Munich-based MESSRING, a provider of crash test technology, to advance automotive safety.
Humanetics and MESSRING will offer seamlessly integrated Humanetics’ platforms with MESSRING’s portfolio of static and articulated dummy targets, like pedestrians, children, powered two-wheelers, and standard sized vehicles. This integrated package will facilitate more efficient setup and execution of active safety tests, reducing complexity for customers. This approach is intended to simplify the purchasing process and ensure compatibility and optimized performance across the combined product suite.
Included in the non-exclusive collaboration is the availability of MESSRING’s Child Presence Detection systems dummy direct to Humanetics’ customers. The CPD dummy reproduces the natural breathing motion, body size and shape of a newborn baby to evaluate automotive child detection technologies.
The new relationship also will focus on demonstrating the capabilities of integrated solutions at industry events and through various marketing channels. These demonstrations will highlight the benefits of the combined offerings and the added value to customers.
Foster Financial Co. Executes Southfield’s Largest 2024 Lease with Crescent Academy
Foster Financial Co. Inc., a real estate investment and management firm headquartered in Grosse Pointe, has executed a 66,000-square-foot, long-term lease agreement with Crescent Academy at the Lahser Center complex, specifically in Lahser Center Two, located at 26200 Lahser Road.
This lease marks the largest new deal signed in Southfield so far in the past two years.
Crescent Academy, a prominent Charter School offering elementary, middle, and high school curriculum and committed to providing high-quality education, will occupy Foster’s entire Lahser Two building to accommodate its growing student body and educational programs. Foster Financial will oversee all aspects of construction, providing a turnkey solution that includes design, build-out, and customization of the new facility.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Crescent Academy on this significant expansion to their educational offerings,” says Brad Foster, president of Foster Financial. “Our entire team is excited to be a part of delivering Crescent’s new school, which will in turn help with the education of the surrounding communities and future students. Our decision to partner with Crescent was an easy one as they are highly regarded in the state of Michigan and an integral part of the Southfield community.
The newly leased space, designed and constructed entirely by Foster Financial, will include modern amenities, ample space for classroom and administrative use, and will be strategically located to serve Crescent Academy’s needs in Southfield.
Crescent Academy is expected to commence operations in the newly constructed space by August 2025.
“Handling all construction, leasing, and management in-house allows us to deliver a seamless, high-quality build out and experience for tenants while maintaining control over every aspect of the project. With the execution of this Lease at Lahser Center, we have successfully taken the asset from 30 percent occupancy at closing in 2019, to approximately 90 percent occupancy, all while managing the changes to the market in a post-COVID” world. This underscores the success of our investment strategy and our commitment to fostering long-term relationships that positively impact our community.”
Mary Jones Expands to Cannabis Market in Michigan
Jones Soda Co. announced its crossover Mary Jones cannabis brand is coming to Michigan, the largest U.S. legal cannabis market by sales volume.
In Michigan, where legal cannabis sales hit nearly $3 billion in 2023, Mary Jones is entering the market through a manufacturing and distribution partnership with Emerald Canning Partners (ECP). Mary Jones THC-infused mixing syrups will be available in Michigan dispensaries in September, with the full product portfolio to follow.
Jones’ partnership with Emerald Canning Partners in Michigan aligns the company with one of the premier cannabis product manufacturers in the state. ECP’s joint venture production facility in Mt. Clemens’ historic Gibraltar Trade Center pairs premium craft beverage knowledge with high-quality cannabis to produce premium cannabis-infused beverages. ECP is led by beverage industry veteran Matt McAlpine, former COO at Blake’s Hard Cider, one of the top brands in the hard cider category.
ECP also will manufacture and distribute Mary Jones cannabis sodas, including 20mg THC bottled sodas designed for single servings and 100mg THC canned sodas intended for sharing or consumers who prefer a higher dose.
American Cancer Society Communities Go Electric with Chevrolet Bolts
Ten American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities now have an easy, reliable, and trustworthy electric vehicle transportation solution for cancer patients and caregivers, thanks to a partnership by Chevrolet, Qmerit, and Schneider Electric.
Over the last 10 months, the partners collaborated with the American Cancer Society to provide 11 Chevy Bolt EVs and onsite charging stations and services to Hope Lodge communities in Birmingham, Ala.; Boston; Greenville, NC; Houston, Iowa City, Jackson, Miss.; Lexington, Ky.; New Orleans, Omaha, and Oklahoma City.
The donated Chevy Bolts and charging systems are giving Hope Lodge cancer patients free transportation to their treatments while creating cleaner, less polluted environments for the lodges and their neighborhoods.
Established in 1970, American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities provide a free home away from home for people facing cancer when treatment is far away. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing space that helps cancer patients and their caregivers access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in evening activities, or unwind in their own private room. Hope Lodge communities provide more than 500,000 nights of free lodging per year across more than 30 communities across the country.
5-Hour Energy in Farmington Hills Extends Sponsorship of Pietro Fittipaldi IndyCar
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced that 5-hour Energy, based in Farmington Hills, which is a full-season associate sponsor of the No. 30 entry for Pietro Fittipaldi for the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season and was the primary sponsor of the entry at the Indianapolis 500, Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, and XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, is extending its primary sponsorship for the season-finale, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway on Sept. 15.
“We’ve been impressed by the dedication and talent of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Pietro Fittipaldi throughout the season,” says Jeff Sigouin, president and COO of Living Essentials, makers of 5-hour Energy. “Extending our primary sponsorship for the Nashville finale allows us to continue this successful partnership and go for the win together.”
To read a DBusiness feature story about 5-Hour Energy founder Manoj Bhargava, check out the digital edition of the March/April 2024 issue here.
Energy Products in Madison Heights Among Inc.’s Fastest-growing Private Companies
Inc. magazine in New York has placed Energy Products Inc. in Madison Heights among its 2024 Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Energy Products is said to lead the industry in wholesale battery distribution. With a focus on adding value to the supply chain and an entrepreneurial mindset, the organization has established locations in Michigan, Indiana, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
“It is an honor for our team to be awarded a spot on the Inc. 5,000 list of fastest-growing companies in America,” says Brett Smith, president of Energy Products Inc. “This recognition is a true testament to the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of our entire team.”
ACG Detroit Hosts Annual Automotive Update at Ford House
ACG Detroit is gearing up for its annual Automotive Update at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House on Sept. 10 from 4:30-7 p.m.
Hosted in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Analysts, the event will feature a lively conversation amongst a premier panel of experts — Steven Wybo, senior managing director at Riveron; Mike Wall, executive director of automotive analysis at S&P Global; and Laurie Harbour, partner, manufacturing, retail, and distribution at Wipfli — led by moderator Clay Vanderpool, senior vice president at PNC. In addition to predictions for the year ahead, panelists will cover the impact of EV pullbacks, excess manufacturing capacity, election outcomes and capital markets on the industry.
Ticket prices are as follows — members: $115, non-members: $155. For more information and to register, visit here.
Detroit Opera Conducting Second Piano Sale Sept. 12-14
Detroit Opera will conduct its second piano sale at the Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway St.) Sept. 12-14. The event is open to the public by appointment only. More than 200 new and gently used pianos will be available for purchase; they will fill the main lobby and Detroit Opera mainstage during the sale.
All patrons who come to the sale may enter a drawing to win a free pair of tickets to one of Detroit Opera’s opera performances during the upcoming season.
More information — including directions and appointment options — is available at detroitoperapiano.org/.Free gated parking is provided on-site.
A wide range of grand, upright, digital, hybrid, and Disklavier player pianos will be sold at significant discounts from their regular prices. Top-quality brands will include Yamaha, Bösendorfer, Clavinova, Baldwin, Schimmel, Estonia, vintage Steinway, and more. Most pianos are younger than one year old, come with a new manufacturer warranty, and are tuned. Delivery and special financing will be offered at the sale. All pianos are sold at institutional prices not normally available in retail stores.
Detroit Opera has had the use of new Yamaha pianos for its 2023–24 season. Through this annual partnership with Solich Piano, Detroit Opera again will receive a free loan of new Yamaha pianos for the 2024–25 season. The new pianos will be used for Detroit Opera’s artist rehearsals, performances, and community events.
Buddhist Meditation Center is Hosting a Thai Street Food Festival Aug. 18
The Buddhist Meditation Center/Watpaknam Michigan (8500 Plumbrook Road) in Sterling Heights is hosting a Thai Street Food Festival on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The festival will have more than 20 vendors including some of the best Thai restaurants in southeast Michigan. It will feature traditional Thai dance and costumes for several performances throughout the event. In addition to Thai, both restaurants and dancers from metro Detroit’s Hmong, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laos, Myanmar, and other Asian communities will be present. Whether its Pad Thai and Thai Tea or Pho with Vietnamese coffee, there will be lots of choices of cuisine.
Featured restaurants include: Sukhothai, PadThai & Sushi, Sala Thai Lake Orion, Lai Thai, Amarin Thai, Thai Feast, Kacha Thai, Market, and Eat Thai/Thai Spoon. The event is co-sponsored by the 168 Group, owners of the 168 Asian Market. Food tickets will be available for purchase and the temple is charging $3 per car for ground maintenance.
