Ypsilanti’s first distillery has opened its doors in the heart of downtown.
Water Tower Distilling Co. held their grand opening event Friday, May 16, 2025, featuring live music and a signature cocktail and mocktail menu.
Husband and wife owners Skott Schoonover and Charleen Maune were looking to switch things up in their careers and stumbled upon the idea of distilling their own alcohol.
“One time we were just having some drinks, and whatever it was, a bad batch or something, the drink I had didn’t taste great,” Schoonover said. “I remember saying to [Maune], ‘Man, it would be really cool if we could just make our own drinks that we liked.'”
From that idea, a business was born. Having recently moved to Ypsilanti from St. Louis, the pair decided the city was a perfect choice for them.
So, they began to search for a location that checked all of their boxes.
“We actually drove around Ypsi for months on end,” Schoonover said. “We had a lot of physical requirements to meet.”
As a distillery, Water Tower produces their own alcohol for their bar and bottles. While they don’t serve food, guests are welcome to bring in their own food or order from neighboring restaurants.
The name Water Tower Distilling Co. was a no-brainer, according to Schoonover. Well-known for its long-standing water tower and vital role in American history, Ypsilanti was the basis for the business’s developing brand.
“I wanted something that everyone is going to feel an attachment to,” Schoonover said.
The distillery hosted a live music performance for their grand opening, and the owners are open to the idea of continuing that. However, with a small space, maintaining an eclectic atmosphere that suits the goals of the business is key, according to the couple.
“We’re a tasting room, not a music venue,” Maune said.
“We want to make sure that everyone fits the vibe of the place,” Schoonover said.
Now that they are officially open, Water Tower looks forward to being a staple in Ypsilanti. To learn more about the distillery, check out their website or visit them in person.
