Far North Spirits: Distillery Spotlight

Far North Spirits, located in Hallock, Minnesota, is a remarkable craft distillery known for its premium, heritage spirits. As the northernmost distillery in the contiguous United States, it stands out for its unique location just 25 miles from the Canadian border and its commitment to producing spirits that embody Minnesota’s character and agricultural richness.

Far North: A Summary

Far North Spirits was established on a century-old family farm by Michael Swanson and Cheri Reese in 2013. This estate distillery is unique in that it grows its own grains, including AC Hazlet Winter Rye and heirloom corn varieties. The distillery’s focus on sustainable, environmentally friendly practices and non-GMO crops reflects its commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.

History of Far North Spirits:

The Swanson farm, now home to Far North Spirits, has been in operation since 1917. The founders, Michael and Cheri, returned to their roots to build the distillery on this family land. Michael, a fourth-generation farmer, combines his farming expertise with his distilling knowledge, while Cheri brings her background in public relations to the business.You can read more about the team at Far North below.

What Makes Far North Spirits Special?

Far North Spirits is set apart by its approach to grain-to-glass production. All grains, except malt barley, are grown within a mile of the distillery. The distillery is deeply committed to sustainable practices, from the farming methods to the production process. For instance, spent grains from the distillation process are used as cattle feed or as fertilizer, adding to the cycle of sustainability. Furthermore, Far North is “America’s only certified bee-friendly farm distillery.”

Far North’s Distillation Process

Far North Spirits is dedicated to traditional distillation methods. They use two copper pot stills and manage every step of the production process on-site. Their focus on using only the finest, sustainably sourced ingredients, and old-school methods sets their spirits apart in terms of quality and authenticity.

Stand-Out Spirits Made By Far North

Far North Spirits produces a range of premium spirits, including single varietal whiskey, gin, and rum. Each spirit is a reflection of the heritage and quality of the ingredients used, all sourced from their own farm or nearby. Here are a few of their most notable products:

ROKNAR 100% Rye Whiskey

Distilled entirely in Northern Minnesota, ROKNAR is a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. This single estate rye whiskey, aged for 18 months in locally crafted 15-gallon charred oak barrels, is distilled from estate-grown Hazlet winter rye, with a touch of custom malted rye from Fisher, MN. 

It has a complex flavor profile, featuring a nose of brown sugar and orange peel, a palate rich with dried currants and almonds, and a lingering finish of baking spices. Each bottle is hand-numbered.

Bødalen Bourbon Whiskey

Awarded as Best Bourbon in Minnesota by the American Craft Spirits Association in 2019, Bødalen single estate bourbon whiskey embodies the spirit of its namesake, a serene Norwegian valley. 

Crafted with a mash bill of 60% heirloom corn, 30% Hazlet rye, and 10% malt barley, and aged for 18 months in Minnesota-made oak barrels, it’s a testament to local craftsmanship.

The whiskey starts with a complex aroma of toffee and sweet corn, complemented by a peppery and vegetal taste with a woodsy depth, and culminates in a rich, persistent finish with notes of bitter chocolate and brown sugar, captured in each hand-numbered bottle.

Solveig Gin:

Solveig is a gin that is sustainable and has artfully crafted presentation. Distilled with 8 botanicals, including red grapefruit, organic thyme, and lavender, this 87-proof gin presents a delightful nose of citrus, pine cones, and a hint of lavender. 

On the palate, Solveig is creamy yet light, revealing complex layers of flavor with thyme and coriander, earning it 89 points from Wine Enthusiast. Its name, rooted in Nordic tradition, symbolizes a soulful and bright spirit, much like the gin itself – a soft, ethereal choice for those who seek a gently floral and citrus-infused experience.

Ålander Nordic Spiced Rum:

Ålander stands out for its artisanal craftsmanship, distilled in small batches from domestically sourced Demerara and Turbinado sugar. Infused by hand with whole bean spices used in Scandinavian baking, this 86-proof rum offers no artificial colors or flavors. Its tasting profile is rich and complex, featuring notes of allspice, nutmeg, clove, and ginger snap cookies, complemented by undertones of mocha, cardamom, and butterscotch. 

This blend of flavors finishes smoothly with hints of caramel and banana bread, earning it a place in the Top 100 Spirits of 2017 by Wine Enthusiast.

Where to Find Far North Spirits:

Far North Spirits are available for purchase directly from their distillery, through various retailers, and in select bars and restaurants. For those looking to buy online, Far North Spirits offers an online shopping option on their website. Additionally, they have a distribution network that extends to several states, enabling broader availability.

The Far North Spirits Distillery Team

The Far North Spirits team is led by Michael Swanson and Cheri Reese. Michael oversees the production process, from planting to bottling, while Cheri handles sales, promotion, and marketing. Other key team members include Steve Gjerde, Dean Lipinski, John Bedell, and several others who contribute significantly to the distillery’s operations and success.

Events, Classes, and Tasting Offerings

Far North Spirits offers a unique experience at their cocktail room where visitors can enjoy crafted cocktails made with their in-house spirits. However, they also offer guided tours if you email them and ask. Check in with info@farnorthspirits.com to find out more.

Location & Operating Hours

Far North Spirits is located at 2045 220th Avenue, Hallock, MN 56728. The cocktail room at Far North Spirits is open every Saturday, with seatings available from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For more information about open hours, we recommend checking out their official website.

Visit Far North Spirits Today!

Far North Spirits represents a unique blend of traditional distilling methods, sustainable farming, and a deep connection to the land and community. Its dedication to producing high-quality spirits while respecting the environment makes it a noteworthy destination for spirit enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Far North today or order a bottle!