You’re driving down Stocking Avenue, looking for that Nashville-style moonshine spot everyone was buzzing about, and suddenly you see a sign for Rapid River Stillhouse instead. Honestly, it’s confusing. People have been searching for Sip Shine Grand Rapids for months, wondering if the distillery went bust or just moved.
The truth? It didn’t disappear. It grew up.
In mid-2024, the brand behind those neon-colored moonshine slushies—Sip Shine LLC—officially rebranded its physical presence in West Michigan. They are now the Rapid River Beverage Company. While the "Sip Shine" name still lives on the bottles you buy at Meijer or sip at a Marlins game, the massive three-story "beer castle" on the corner of Bridge and Stocking has a new identity.
The Rapid River Transformation
If you followed the news back in 2022, you probably remember the excitement when Sip Shine announced they were taking over the old Harmony Hall building. Harmony Hall was a staple. Replacing it was a tall order. The original plan was a dedicated Sip Shine Lounge, a place focused almost entirely on flavored moonshine and Tennessee vibes.
But things changed behind the scenes.
The leadership team, including CEO Nick Rice and Managing Partner Kyle Search, realized that just doing moonshine wasn't enough for a city like Grand Rapids. We’re "Beer City, USA," after all. People want variety. So, they shifted gears. Rapid River Stillhouse was born to house not just the moonshine, but a full portfolio of craft spirits, local beers, and even wine.
It’s basically a massive playground for adults.
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What’s actually inside the building?
Walking into the Stillhouse at 401 Stocking Ave NW, you realize pretty quickly this isn't your average tasting room. It’s built on three distinct levels, and each one feels like a different bar.
- The First Floor: This is the heart of the operation. It’s got a Gatlinburg-style tasting bar. If you’ve ever been to the Smoky Mountains and done those $5 moonshine flights where the bartenders are cracking jokes, that’s the energy they’re aiming for here.
- The Second Floor: This is for the night owls. They’ve got a stage for live music—country, blues, rock, you name it. It’s meant to feel like a Nashville honky-tonk, which is a vibe Grand Rapids was honestly missing.
- The Rooftop: In the summer, this is the place to be. You get a solid view of the West Side skyline. It’s one of the few spots in the city where you can grab a moonshine slushie and watch the sunset from three stories up.
Understanding the Sip Shine Grand Rapids Menu
Let’s talk about the drink. Sip Shine isn't that "burn your throat" 100-proof lightning your grandpa used to hide in the shed. It’s "Northern Moonshine."
The founders, being Michigan natives, realized that most people in the Great Lakes region find traditional moonshine way too harsh. They wanted something sweeter, something you could actually sip on a boat or at a tailgate without wincing. That’s why the alcohol content usually sits around 40 to 60 proof (20-30% ABV) for the flavored stuff.
The Flavors People Actually Buy
You'll see these flavors everywhere from local liquor stores to major league ballparks.
- Arnold Shine: Basically a spiked Arnold Palmer. It’s their bestseller for a reason.
- Razz-Berry Shineade: Super tart, very blue. This is the one that usually ends up in the slushie machines.
- Shine Berry Sweet Tea: Exactly what it sounds like. It’s dangerous because you can’t taste the booze at all.
- Watermelon Chillade: A summer staple that tastes like those Jolly Rancher candies.
They also have some "dessert" shines, like Caramel Apple Shine-A-Latte and Granny Jayne’s Pumpkin Bread. Honestly, those are a bit much for me to drink straight, but they work wonders when you pour them into a cup of coffee or over some vanilla ice cream.
Is it still a distillery?
Sorta. For a while, Sip Shine was actually distilling out in Iowa. That felt wrong for a brand that constantly talks about Great Lakes inspiration. So, they moved production back to Grand Rapids through a partnership with Wise Men Distillery.
When you visit the Stillhouse, you’re sitting just a few feet away from where the magic happens. They are leaning heavily into the "grain to glass" movement. They aren't just sourcing neutral grain spirit and throwing syrup in it; they’re actually crafting the base spirits in-house now.
The Food: Southern Comfort in West Michigan
You can't drink moonshine on an empty stomach. Well, you can, but it’s a bad idea.
The kitchen at the Stillhouse does Southern-inspired comfort food. Think smoky BBQ, hot chicken, and heavy sides. It’s designed to pair with the sweetness of the drinks. If you’re used to the old Harmony Hall pizzas, you’re out of luck—the wood-fired ovens are gone, replaced by smokers and fryers.
The "Nashville-style" influence is everywhere. From the hot honey drizzle on the chicken to the live music schedules, it feels less like a Michigan brewery and more like a vacation spot.
Why This Matters for Grand Rapids
For years, the West Side of Grand Rapids was dominated by a few old-school Polish halls and a handful of dive bars. Then Bridge Street exploded. You have The Knickerbocker (New Holland), Jolly Pumpkin, and Arktos Meadery all within walking distance.
Sip Shine Grand Rapids (under the Rapid River banner) fills a specific gap. It’s not a quiet cocktail lounge and it’s not a dusty brewery. It’s high-energy. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to be loud, hear a fiddle player, and drink something that turns your tongue blue.
Making the most of your visit
If you’re planning to head down there, keep a few things in mind. Parking on the West Side is a nightmare on Friday nights. There’s a small lot, but you’re better off looking for street parking a block or two away near the park.
Also, the "slushie" flights are a thing. If you can't decide on a flavor, you can get a flight of smaller slushie pours. Just be careful—those things are cold, sweet, and they hit harder than you think because of the sugar content.
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Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Lineup: Check their Instagram or website before you go. They book local country acts and tribute bands almost every weekend.
- Try the Gannett Peak: If moonshine isn't your thing, ask for their Gannett Peak Whiskey. It’s a 2.5-year aged whiskey that’s surprisingly smooth for a newer distillery.
- The Slushie Factor: If you're at a game at LMCU Ballpark or even a major stadium in Florida, look for the Sip Shine logo. Their "Slushie Program" has gone national, so you don't even have to be in Grand Rapids to try the product.
The evolution from a small moonshine startup to the massive Rapid River Stillhouse is a testament to how fast the craft spirits scene is moving in Michigan. Whether you call it Sip Shine or Rapid River, the spot at 401 Stocking Ave remains one of the most unique additions to the city's nightlife in the last decade.
Check the hours before you head out, as they typically open later in the afternoon on weekdays but pull "noon-to-midnight" shifts on the weekends. Grab a flight, find a spot on the roof, and see for yourself if the "Nashville experience" actually translated to the 616.