A Shared Commitment to Craftsmanship, Flavor, and Michigan Heritage

As many of you know, our team at Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace carries a true dedication to quality, craftsmanship and authenticity. These are the foundations first set forth by our late founder, Nino, and the same values that we looked for when deciding to work with Ethanology Distillation. 

We’re proud to now bring our customers the exceptional spirits of this respected distillery located in Elk Rapids, Michigan, just outside of Traverse City and a stones throw from Elk Lake and East Grand Traverse Bay. It’s a partnership that unites two family-owned companies with a shared commitment to local sourcing and great flavor; and one that means far more than just adding another premium liquor label to our shelves. 

Thus, we wanted to take a few moments to introduce you to the Ethanology story.

“The Science & Art of Distillation” - Northern Michigan Style

Ethanology’s success is born out of the entrepreneurial spirit of founders and co-owners, Geri and Nick Lefebre, both of whom were born and raised in Northern Michigan. They would meet as college students in Marquette, where, as an undergraduate project, Nick wrote the business plan for Ethanology. Originally, it was intended to be a retirement project … a dream. But things have a way of changing. 

Nick and Geri would fall in love, marry and both start down their own career paths - Geri in nursing and Nick pursuing marketing and sales - but both probably knew that wasn’t going to be their path.

“I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to start a company,” said Nick. “I was lucky that Geri supported that idea and was all-in on making Ethanology a reality.”

Geri and Nick Lefebre, owners of Ethanology Distillation.

And was she ever in! Geri threw herself into learning the ancient art of distillation, dedicating over 12,000 hours of her time to research the craft and learn the industry. As their website says: “Geri focused her attention on developing spirits with regional roots, while pushing the envelope on traditional and expected sensory profiles.” 

It’s a dedication that would see Geri not only develop some of the most groundbreaking spirits in the world, but would also see her become the first female head distiller in the state of Michigan.

With Nick concentrating on carefully refining the business model, while also developing the business’ creative flair and marketing strategy, Ethanology had come to life!

As Nick explained, the Ethanology name is a declaration of purpose: from “ethanol” and “-ology,” defining the craft as the science and art of distillation, and their mission is deeply rooted in place — producing spirits that reflect the terroir, agriculture, and character of Northern Michigan.

Ethanology stands apart because of:

• Vertical Integration & Local Sourcing: Fruits, grains, and botanicals come from sustainable Michigan farms.
• Small-Batch Precision: Their custom 500-liter distillation system allows hands-on control from fermentation to barrel-aging.
• A Refusal to Outsource: Every drop is distilled, aged, and bottled onsite at their distillery in Elk Rapid — zero shortcuts.
• A Distinct Sense of Place: Their spirits express agriculture, seasonality, and craft inherent to Northern Michigan. Every ingredient that they use is sourced from within 33 miles of their distilary.

It’s a concept that has worked, with the company consistently growing, offering a true year-round experience that includes food, live music and innovative cocktails crafted with their spirits. 

From honey, corn and more, 100% of all ingredients used by Ethanology is sourced from within 33 miles of their distillery.

A Natural Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

At Nino Salvaggio, we’ve always championed products grounded in heritage, quality, and a story worth sharing. Ethanology embodies all of those values.

“Ethanology is the kind of Michigan maker we feel proud to champion,” said Frank Nicolella, Vice President of Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace. “Their spirits reflect the same values that my father-in-law, Nino, instilled in our business — passion, precision, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.”

For Ethanology founder Nick Lefebre, the partnership is a meeting of like-minded organizations dedicated to quality and delivering the very best to our customers.

“Simply put, Ethanology was built for places like Nino’s. Intentional places. Places that have soul, where people know you, and your family. Places that care,” said Lefebre. “Their attention to detail, knowledgeable staff, quality, selection and diversity of offerings is unparalleled. Most importantly, the curated service and the family-owned ethos is ingrained into everything they do. It’s a shared philosophy, so we are thrilled to partner with their entire team to provide the finest distillates to their valued customers.”

Introducing the Ethanology Spirits Now Available at Nino Salvaggio

Customers will now find four signature Ethanology offerings on Nino’s shelves — each a showcase of Michigan agriculture and meticulous distillation.

MEL — Distilled Honey Spirit

A spirit unlike anything else produced in Michigan. MEL is crafted from 100% fermented honey sourced from local apiaries, then distilled into a beautifully aromatic, floral, naturally sweet spirit. Soft, warming, and endlessly versatile — perfect neat, on ice, or as the base for honey-driven craft cocktails.

Bruma Gin

Ethanology’s signature gin begins with Michigan grains and a proprietary botanical blend, creating a bright, crisp, and elegant gin with layered herbal character. Vibrant aromatics and a clean finish make Bruma ideal for sipping, mixing, and elevating classic gin cocktails.

Bruma Barrel-Aged Gin

For gin lovers and whiskey enthusiasts alike, this spirit is rested in carefully selected barrels that lend warmth, depth, and subtle vanilla and oak tones to Bruma’s botanical core. The result is a sophisticated gin with the richness and roundness of aged spirits — perfect for Negronis, Old Fashioneds, or savoring neat.

Amarum Pirum — Pear Liqueur

Inspired by Michigan’s orchard heritage, this handcrafted pear liqueur blends the delicate sweetness and perfume of ripe pears with the complexity Ethanology spirits are known for. Ideal for dessert cocktails, spritzes, or simply enjoying chilled, Amarum Pirum captures the essence of Northern Michigan fruit.

Which Ethanology delight will be you be pouring?

Simone’s In-House Review

“I love the passion Nick brought to the table when presenting their products and the uniqueness of them. Not to mention all the ingredients are carefully hand-selected and from local Michigan farms. Our team was impressed by the quality and we all liked the fact that the product is allocated and not mass produced. It’s made with great passion, which shows in every sip you take.” - Simone Peterson, Beverage Manager, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace

Bringing Ethanology Distillation to Nino Salvaggio is more than a retail decision — it’s a celebration of Michigan excellence. Together, we’re honoring agricultural roots, artisanal skill, and the shared pride of family-owned businesses committed to doing things the right way.

We invite you to explore Ethanology’s lineup now available at select Nino Salvaggio locations in Troy, Clinton Township and Bloomfield Township.

To learn more about Geri, Nick and Ethanology, check out their website at EthanologyDistillation.com, and a great profile of them in Forbes HERE.

Come Taste!

Nick will be with us this Saturday, December 6. 12pm to 3pm at the Clinton Township store and then 4pm to 6pm at our Bloomfield Township location.

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