Entry 1, May 30th 2024 I begin my journey to the great north, a land that I have only been to once before. It was decade ago with a completely different mission at mind.
The time is 5:37 AM, the day is dry with perfect temperature, making for perfect driving conditions.
The times is now 1:22 PM and I have made it to the glorious north. It is just as beautiful as I remember. The only difference is the shades of color on the foliage this time of year. The locals seem lively and welcoming. I begin to dip my toes into this great state by making my first stop at 11 Wells, a long time St. Paul distillery. I received words of encouragement and learned the history of spirits in the area.
Distilling has only been legal in the state since 2012.
If you want to make any type of cocktail or serve any type of spirit, the spirit must be made in house and you as a distillery are not allowed to purchase other spirits from other producers.
From a consumer’s standpoint, per customer you are only allowed one 750ml per visit, per day.
Most producers outside of using locally grown grains and malt and other ingredients, the majority of them use Minnesota oak to age their whiskeys and spirits in.
I take away this new information and a bottle of 11 Wells Minnesota 13-barrel aged whiskey that pays tribute to the whiskey/moonshine that was created during Prohibition. They’ve used local grains that were accessible during the Prohibition era in Minnesota.
Entry 2, May 31, 2024
My second day in the Twin Cities and I begin my journey to the eastern section of Minnesota. I have entered the town of Stillwater which rests on the state line with Wisconsin, and they’re separated by the St. Croix River. I’ve found refuge from the rain at 45th Parallel Distilling. They provide a warm and cozy tasting room and good whisky to quench my thirst. I highly recommended this spot if ever in the area.
I then take my journey down the street to Forge and Foundry where I met the owner and distiller, Andrew Mosiman, and his very welcoming staff. Their rum is reminiscent of the rums of Haiti and their other spirits are well crafted as well. I recommend spending time at their cocktail bar and trying their offerings neat or in a cocktail.
I have visited six distilleries near the eastern section of the state and have ended back up in the Twin Cities and my next point of entry brings me to the introduction of a gentleman named Toph. Toph is the beverage director and head of visual arts at Copperwing Distillery. He shows me the beautiful bourbon, malt whiskey, and rum that was similar to the rums of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. I highly recommend visiting here to experience spirts and cocktails.
I head across the street to Dampfwerk Distilling Co. I tried the most beautiful expressions of brandy and single malt too date. I leave feeling hopeful and encouraged about the relationships I am forming on this trip in Minnesota.
Entry 3, June 1, 2024
I have now travelled west into the state with the absolute jackpot in distilleries. I meet Gina and Bill from J.Carver Distilling who have shown me the most unimaginable experience of hospitality. And they have made wonders of their expressions in every category of spirits. They pull the same type of passion that I find in myself and my Common Ritual partners.
J.Carver is a once in a lifetime experience and I cannot recommend visiting enough.
Entry 4, June 2, 2024
I spent most of the day exploring the northern region of Minnesota. When I traveled back into the twin cities is when I discovered Brother Justus named after the legend of the Prohibition era.
The expressions here are made in unique ways that I highly doubt I will come across in any other distillery in the world. This is single malt made for single malt lovers.
Entry 5, June 3, 2024
Sadly, I begin my journey back home but my pockets are filled with memories and new relationships that I hope last me my lifetime. I look forward to revisiting this truly great state called Minnesota.
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