Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Kazanowski.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Gypsy Spirits was born from a passion for adventure, hard work, and a belief that premium spirits shouldn’t come with a premium price tag.
My twin brother Adam and I started our journey at Michigan State University before moving to Colorado in search of new experiences. It was there, on a ski chairlift, that we met a distiller who sparked an idea that would ultimately change our lives. We envisioned creating a premium vodka that was approachable, affordable, and built for people like us—adventurers, thrill-seekers, wanderers, and those who value experiences over possessions.
Rather than jumping straight into business, we spent the next three years living out of a van and traveling the country. Working with our best friends and their festival apparrel company, Roots Rock Rage, we worked music festivals across America, saving every dollar we could while learning firsthand about community, culture, and the people we hoped would one day enjoy our spirits.
That journey eventually led us back home to Northern Michigan. In 2017, we moved to Petoskey and opened our first distillery, launching Gypsy Vodka with a simple mission: create exceptional Michigan-made spirits that people could be proud to share around campfires, on ski hills, at concerts, and during life’s greatest adventures.
Today, Gypsy Spirits operates one of the largest distilleries in the region from the historic Bay Harbor Equestrian Center. What began as a single vodka has grown into a diverse portfolio of award-winning spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails including The Mulligan and Clean Cocktail, and innovative beverage partnerships with fellow Michigan producers such as Blake’s Hard Cider Co..
While we’ve grown tremendously, our mission remains the same: to create great drinks that bring people together and inspire them to get out, explore, and make memories. The name “Gypsy” has always represented that spirit of wanderlust and adventure—and that’s still at the heart of everything we do today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but it’s a journey we wouldn’t trade for anything.
When we started Gypsy Spirits, we didn’t have deep pockets, investors, or a large financial backing. We had an idea, a strong work ethic, and a belief that we could build something special. Because of that, we were involved in every aspect of the business ourselves. We distilled the spirits, bottled products by hand, loaded delivery trucks, worked festivals, and bartended behind the bar. There were plenty of long days and sleepless nights.
We chose the road less traveled. Many people told us the odds were against us and that we would fail. There were moments when growth was slow, resources were limited, and every dollar mattered. But we kept showing up, putting in the work, and believing in our vision.
What has carried us through those challenges is our incredible team. Many of the people who joined us along the way have become more than employees—they’ve become family. Together, we’ve built a culture centered around hard work, loyalty, and a shared passion for creating something meaningful.
Looking back, the struggles shaped who we are as a company. They taught us resilience, humility, and the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has made the successes that much more rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Over the years, we’ve grown from a single vodka brand into a diverse portfolio that includes award-winning spirits, ready-to-drink products like The Mulligan and Clean Cocktail, and collaborations with other Michigan beverage leaders. While we’re proud of the products we create, what we’re most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the communities that have supported us along the way.
From day one, we’ve believed that being a successful business means being an active and engaged member of the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we shut down portions of our production to manufacture hand sanitizer for local hospitals, healthcare workers, and first responders throughout Northern Michigan when it was needed most. When natural disasters strike or families and organizations are facing hardship, we do our best to step up—whether that’s through fundraising events, product donations, sponsorships, or simply lending a hand.
Community support isn’t something we do as a marketing initiative; it’s part of who we are. We believe businesses have a responsibility to make the places they call home stronger. Whether it’s supporting local nonprofits, sponsoring youth programs, partnering with community events, raising money through festivals, or helping neighbors in times of need, we have always tried to put people first.
What sets us apart is that we have never forgotten where we came from. We built this company from the ground up, and we’ve remained deeply connected to the communities that helped us get here. We measure success not only by the products we sell, but by the relationships we build and the positive impact we can make.
If there’s one thing we’re most proud of, it’s that Gypsy Spirits has become more than a beverage company. It’s become a platform for bringing people together, supporting causes that matter, and celebrating the communities we are fortunate to serve.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that may surprise people is that despite how much Gypsy Spirits has grown, we’re still just a couple of goofy twins chasing a dream.
From the outside, people see the distillery, the brands, the events, and the growth. What they don’t always see is that we still face many of the same challenges that craft distilleries, small business owners, and hospitality workers face every day. There are still long hours, tough decisions, unexpected setbacks, and plenty of uncertainty.
What has never changed is our attitude. We try not to take ourselves too seriously. We believe business should be fun, and we do our best to bring laughter, positivity, and a sense of adventure into everything we do. Whether it’s joking around with our staff, creating memorable experiences for our customers, or finding humor during difficult times, we’ve always believed a smile can go a long way.
At the end of the day, we’re still the same guys who lived in a van, worked music festivals, and dreamed about building something bigger than ourselves. We’re incredibly proud of what Gypsy Spirits has become, but we’re even more proud that we’ve stayed grounded throughout the journey.
The company has grown, but the people behind it really haven’t changed all that much—and we think that’s a big part of what makes Gypsy Spirits special.
Contact Info:
- Website: gypsyvodka.com and gypsydistillery.com
- Instagram: @gypsyvodka @gypsydistillery
- Facebook: Gypsy Spirits, Gypsy Distillery
