Iron Fish Distillery Debuts NEW Riverbed Whiskey, Continuing Its Commitment to Michigan Rivers
SPRINGDALE TOWNSHIP, MI — October 31th, 2026 — Iron Fish Distillery is proud to introduce the second iteration of Mad Angler® Riverbed Whiskey, a limited seasonal release that represents the pinnacle expression of the Mad Angler brand. The Mad Angler name—drawn from the writings of Northern Michigan writer Michael Delp—is deeply rooted in the advocacy for preserving and protecting the region’s rivers. Blended from the most distinctive single barrels of four mash bills and slow-proofed for balance and depth, Riverbed embodies the patience, terroir, and craftsmanship from whiskeys aged over three to six years and made from 100% Michigan grain.
With every bottle of Riverbed sold, Iron Fish Distillery makes a charitable contribution to Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), supporting the protection and restoration of our region’s waterways.
The first 100 signed bottles will be available at the distillery during a 4pm release on Friday, November 20th. A limited amount of Riverbed Whiskey will be released statewide at select Michigan retailers through the holidays prior to Thanksgiving.
Riverbed Whiskey 2026-2027 / 113 proof.
Slow-Proofed in Barrel
A Blend of 4 Estate Whiskeys
This year’s release features 4 estate-distilled whiskey recipes: 3 Rye Whiskeys and one Wheat Whiskey. The Wheat Whiskey has now reached the 6-year mark, bringing additional maturity to the blend.
The biggest difference? This isn’t simply an older version of last year’s whiskey. It’s an entirely new blend, with a different grain composition, whiskey selection, and flavor profile.
Community, Conservation & Giving
As part of the November release, Iron Fish has partnered with Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), an environmental nonprofit that has spent more than 50 years restoring rivers and habitats across northwest Michigan. Through its signature River Care program, CRA reconnects fragmented streams, reduces erosion, enhances aquatic habitat, and strengthens watershed resilience across 16 watersheds in the region.
The Mad Angler® Riverbed bottle release supports the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) and its work to restore and protect Michigan’s rivers. Beyond this release, Iron Fish continues its longstanding commitment to watershed stewardship through charitable contributions to organizations across the state, including initiatives to restore the Arctic Grayling to Michigan waters.
Tasting Profile & Craftsmanship
Riverbed is slowly proofed in barrel, a process that allows the spirit to open gradually, heightening depth and nuance. The whiskey reveals layers of warm winter spice, toasted grain, oak, dark fruit, and soft vanilla, finishing with a river-smooth mouthfeel and lingering warmth. The packaging — label and canister — evokes the still beauty of northern Michigan’s riverbeds in winter, designed to feel like gifting something embedded with place, story, and seasonal wonder.
“This isn’t simply an older version of last year’s whiskey. It’s an entirely new blend, with a different grain composition, whiskey selection, and flavor profile.”
Proof: 113
Bottle size: 750 ml
The Story Behind the Bottle
- Rooted in the Mad Angler Lineage: Riverbed represents the pinnacle expression of our Mad Angler whiskeys — blended from distinctive single barrels across four mash bills, all made from 100% Michigan grain, and aged 3–6 years.
- Crafted for Winter: Slow-proofed in barrel to 113 proof, this year’s release features 4 estate-distilled whiskey recipes: 3 Rye Whiskeys and one Wheat Whiskey. The Wheat Whiskey has now reached the 6-year mark, bringing additional maturity to the blend. — built to be sipped by the fire and gifted with pride.
- Giftable by Design: Riverbed’s canister and bottle artwork evoke Michigan in winter — premium, collectible, and designed to carry through the season.
- Giving Back: The release supports our partnership with the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), helping restore and protect northern Michigan rivers. Every bottle carries that story — a whiskey that gives back to the waters that shaped us.
Release Event & Availability
- Date & Time: Friday, November 20th, 2026 —
- 4:00pm Riverbed Whiskey release at the Distillery.
- First 100 bottles signed by Head Blender Isaac Reid.
- Location: Iron Fish Distillery, Springdale Township, Manistee County, MI
- Michigan Distribution: 200 cases distributed statewide in select Michigan retailers. sales@ironfishdistillery.com to find your bottle.
- Price: $79.96 minimum shelf price
About Iron Fish Distillery
Established in 2016, Iron Fish Distillery is Michigan’s first full line farm distillery, growing its own grain, distilling, aging, and finishing spirits all on site. From soil through to barreling, every step reflects the distillery’s vision: to be a beloved legacy distillery, leaving land and community better than they found it. Named for the Steelhead that run up the Betsie River, Iron Fish operates a working farm, distillery, and visitor destination over 120 acres in Springdale Township. The distillery’s aged spirits library exceeds 3,000 barrels, and its Mad Angler lineup has earned multiple ASCOT Awards medals, including Double Platinum recognition, as well as “Best in State” honors in the Heartland Awards.
About Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA)
Since 1968, CRA has led efforts to restore and revitalize rivers and habitats across northwest Michigan through community-driven, science-based conservation. Its signature River Care program spans 16 watersheds, improving water quality, enhancing fish habitat, and reconnecting waterways. By removing dams, replacing outdated stream crossings, addressing erosion issues, and restoring habitat, CRA’s holistic approach strengthens local ecosystems and communities while supporting the long-term health of the Great Lakes.
This work cannot be accomplished alone. CRA partners with landowners, local, state, and federal agencies, tribal nations, businesses, and private foundations to deliver boots-on-the-ground solutions that benefit wildlife, communities, and the scenic integrity of Michigan’s wild places.
