Minnesota was perhaps a little late to join the swell of craft distilleries in this country. It wasn't until 2011, when legislation passed significantly lowering the fee to open a distillery, that the state's own craft spirits boom finally got its fuse lit. It was about time, too as Minnesota has quite a bit to … Continue reading Minnesota Spirits Fest 2018
Minnesota
Tattersall Distilling Straight Rye Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Tattersall Distilling and Steve Gill for the sample and information. The inspiration for Tattersall Distilling's Straight Rye Whiskey is the nearly extinct Monongahela Rye style that begin life in the late 1700's along the Monongahela River in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Monongahela style was defined by its heavy use of rye, a crop … Continue reading Tattersall Distilling Straight Rye Whiskey – Review
Tattersall Amaro – Review
On May 24, 2011, after it had passed both the Senate and the House, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed the bill entitled Chapter 55, HF 1326/SF 918 into law. "Chapter 55, HF 1326/SF 918" might have been a perfectly acceptable name for a bill to politicians and lawmakers, but, obviously, it lacked a bit of … Continue reading Tattersall Amaro – Review
Whiskey on Ice 2017 Wrap-up
*A sincere thank you to MG and Whiskey On Ice for providing me with the media pass. As Minnesota's only really big whiskey show, Whiskey on Ice has, over the last three years, established itself as being an informative, festive, bankable good time. Since the first edition in 2015, the well-run event has grown consistently, … Continue reading Whiskey on Ice 2017 Wrap-up
Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass – Film Review
In 2007, author Elaine Davis published the book Minnesota 13, which is a great look back at Stearns County, Minnesota and its prohibition-era illicit distilling which produced some of the most well-respected American-made booze of the time. The book is well worth the read for anyone with an interest in that time period. Fast forward to … Continue reading Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass – Film Review
Ace Spirits, Hopkins, Minnesota
Opening in the middle of March this year and taking advantage of the boom in both whisk(e)y and craft beer, Ace Spirits in Hopkins (southwest of Minneapolis by 20 minutes or so) is a small booze haven focusing on...whisk(e)y and craft beer. It's advertising itself as having "every whisky available in the state" which of … Continue reading Ace Spirits, Hopkins, Minnesota
American Spirits – The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, Minnesota History Center
Suffice it to say, St. Paul, Minnesota is a bit of a wonderland when it comes to activities to do with one's kids: The Children's Museum, The Science Museum, The Jackson Street Roundhouse, the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum, the incomparable Choo Choo Bob's, and the Minnesota History Center - all are very popular and … Continue reading American Spirits – The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, Minnesota History Center
Top Whisky-type Stuff List for 2013
For those that don't like lists, tough shit, I like lists and I like year-end lists. For those that do like lists...I apologize for this one, it's a pretty sparse, pretty unimpressive list, and probably will rank pretty high on anyone's list of the most boring year-end lists of 2013. I enjoyed quite a bit … Continue reading Top Whisky-type Stuff List for 2013
Far North Spirits – Profile and Interview
Now that I'm a resident of the great state of Minnesota, I thought I'd show a little local pride by profiling a new Minnesota distillery. Tucked way the hell up there in the hinterland-ish, northwest corner of the state, not far from the small town of Hallock, Far North Spirits broke ground in the Spring … Continue reading Far North Spirits – Profile and Interview
Blue Max Liquors
A few years ago, the only thing I knew about Burnsville, Minnesota was Buck Hill, a ski & sledding...hill and even more importantly the inspiration for The Replacements' "Buck Hill". It turns out, if you look in the back of a Malt Advocate issue, there's a fantastic Scotch and beer store there as well, Blue Max … Continue reading Blue Max Liquors
THE CASKS 